- to recognize the different kinds of English sentences such as simple, complex, compound, compound-complex
- be able to write the different kinds of sentences mentioned above
- to recognize the paragraph structure of an English paragraph, for example, topic sentence, developing sentences, concluding sentence
- be able to write an English paragraph following the structure mentioned above
- to recognize the different types of writing listed in the Contents and their specific aims, for example, the production of a theme in narrative writing, the creation of a metaphor in descriptive writing, the presentation of a thesis/opinion in argumentative writing, the communication of objective facts in expository writing
- be able to write the various kinds of paragraphs listed in the Contents incorporating in their structure their specific aims, for example, the production of a theme in narrative paragraphs, the creation of a metaphor in descriptive writing, the presentation of a thesis/opinion in argumentative writing, the communication of objective facts in expository writing
- to acquire a vocabulary, consisting of idiomatic business expressions, commonly used in the business sector (about 1000-1300 expressions). These expressions will be studied during class time
- to understand the main ideas, communicated through the reading of English texts, through the technique of textual analysis of scientific articles and/or English newspaper articles of current events
- to learn the rules of an English Parliamentary Debate
- to practice Parliamentary Debates following its rules
- to understand the format and principal qualities of a good of public speaker, that is, self-confidence, passion, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, sincerity and empathy with audience
- to put in practice, in a 5-7 minute oral presentation, the format and principal qualities of a good public speaker, that is, self-confidence, passion, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, sincerity and empathy with audience
At the end of the course, the student will possess:
- writing skills necessary to compose the different kinds of English sentences
- writing skills necessary to compose the different typologies of English paragraphs (about 300-400 words
- fluency and ease in using the different kinds of English idiomatic/business expressions in the course of a workplace conversation and/or leisure situation
- advanced comprehensive skills to be able to synthesize, during a conversation, the main points of a scholarly article or the principal concept involving an everyday event
- communicative skills, sufficiently developed, to sustain a debate and argue the same point both in the affirmative and negative stances
- oral skills sufficiently developed and a corresponding ample vocabulary to make a short speech in front of an audience without any major difficulty
The general objectives of the course, therefore, aim to make the student acquire those competences/skills necessary to:
- Communicate, in a managerial context, using a specific vocabulary typical of that sector
- Read and edit short texts characterized by idiomatic expressions used in that sector
- Carry on conversations with native speakers involving technical/general subjects
- Articulate complex ideas in the course of a British Parliamentary Debate and/or a public speech in front of a live audience
To this end, the course aims to give the student the following abilities and skills:
COMPREHENSION ABILITIES AND SKILLS
- to read short English technical texts
- to read short English argumentative texts
- to write different types of sentences in English
- to write different types of paragraphs in English
- to use the acquired idiomatic vovabulary to sustain a conversation in a management context
- to participate in a formal debate and capable of developing a pro/con argument of a topic
- to deliver a public speech on any given topic following the rules learned during class time
INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT ON THE PART OF THE STUDENT
- the student will be able to distinguish the major and minor points present in an English text (e.g. the type of paragraph, main idea, supporting ideas)
- the student will be able to follow an English language conversation even if it contains numerous idiomatic/business expression
- the student will be able to evaluate critically the points made pro/con during an English Parliamentary Debate
- the student will be sufficiently confident in his linguistic abilities to deliver a brief speech in front of an English-speaking audience