English for Special Purposes

Course Objectives
This course aims to take students from a B2 level of English to B2+, working with authentic materials to develop students’ autonomous language learning skills as well as their actual language skills. A range of different text types and language varieties are used to consolidate strategies for improving the four language skills, vocabulary and grammar. Students will be encouraged to follow up their own interests in English, starting from themes connected with globalisation, technology, cultural integration and the role of tradition.

Course Description
Materials will be provided by the instructor during the course. They will generally be of topical relevance in addition to addressing the themes of the course, and will serve to illustrate the range of ways in which the English language is currently being used worldwide. A coursebook is also recommended, which will be used for extra practice.

Learning Methods
For each of the skills, an initial encounter with the difficulties of various authentic materials will lead on to a systematic development of students’ autonomous ability to continue to improve their knowledge and use of the language.

Examination Information
80% of the grade comes from a final written and oral exam at the B2+ level. The exam will be similar to the first year B2 exam, but will be based on authentic materials rather than texts and recordings designed for language learners.
The other 20% of the grade will be awarded for coursework. There are three projects:

• Debating
• Media monitoring
• Report and presentation on a non-fiction book.

Each project is worth up to a maximum of 20 points, and each point is worth 1% in the exam (up to a maximum of 20). Students are recommended to complete at least two of the projects in order to be sure of having maximum coursework points in the exam.

Exemption

Students may be exempted from this course if they can demonstrate a B2+ level of English in one of these ways:

• IELTS 6.5 or above
• Cambridge First (FCE) Grade B or A, CAE or CPE
• 75% or above in the first year (B2) English exam.

Roadmap B2+ Student’s Book with Digital Resources and App by Hugh Dellar and Andrew Walkley, Pearson 2020
9781292228518