Business English 1.1

Business English 1.1 is a daytime course of 56 hours at the intermediate level (B1+). It is the first of two courses (see also Business English 1.2) and the lowest of three levels of business English offered as part of the English pathway for students on the Italian track of the Bachelor in Economics (BECOI). If space allows, other members of the USI community are most welcome! 

This course is targeted to students who require review and practice of fundamental grammar points while at the same time building practical language skills in preparation for future employment or advanced study in a business-related field. 

In dynamic and participatory sessions, students will explore four main themes:

Organization
Brands
Job Hunting
Business Strategy

Grammar topics during this course will include:

Future forms
Connectors
Indirect questions
Modal verbs of obligation, prohibition, necessity, and recommendation

Other grammar points, such as verb patterns, the present perfect, and comparatives may be covered as needed.

Practical business skills will include:

Presenting oneself and making introductions
Structuring a professional email
Giving and responding to advice
Using appropriate phrases for interviews and covering letters
Offering and asking for help 

To continue students’ pathway towards proficiency in English, especially working in an English-speaking context in a wide range of fields, e.g. international banking, marketing, sales, communication, advertising, etc.

Having completed Business English 1.1 and Business English 1.2, students will be in strong standing to continue their English studies at the B2 level. Economics students on the Italian track will need to consistently build their English skills, as a significant number of courses are taught in English in the latter part of their degree. 

In presence

This course is taught in person during the autumn semester for a total of 56 hours (4 hours/week). Weekly homework will be assigned, and students are expected to build up their own body of notes and vocabulary, spending time outside the classroom committing new language to memory and exploiting the various resources highlighted in the classroom. 

Students who have attended a minimum of 80% of the classes will be invited to sit an exit test in the last week of the semester. A course completion certificate will be awarded to students passing the exit test at 60%. 

Further information about language examinations at USI can be found on the LLM website.