Inglese economico

Course Objectives
The primary objective of Part I of the course is to develop and enrich our understanding and use of the language specific to a variety of sectors and issues related to the economy – including commodities, resources, energy, trade, financial markets, employment, the environment, development, human rights, etc.
In Part II, on the other hand, we will aim (1) to observe, and acquaint ourselves with, ways of structuring ideas and logical argumentation; (2) to appreciate the language, style, and vocabulary proper to an area of inquiry and debate; (3) to broaden our reading horizons and background knowledge.

Course Description
In Part I of the course, we work on identifying and learning the vocabulary and grammatical structures that make up the language of economics. We do so by analysing articles in the specialist press (The Economist, The Times, Financial Times, etc.). Students will be able to practise their writing skills (summary and critical analysis) as well as their speaking by taking part in the classroom discussion.
In Part II of the course, we move on to more substantial texts. We (re-)visit some of the best examples of thinking and writing of the past. We will continue to apply our analytical and critical reading skills to excerpts from the works of authors whose reflections, theories, arguments, and visions are undeniably fundamental, universal and enduring. The course concludes with a written examination, in the form of an essay.

Learning Methods
English for economists – not to be confused with Business English -- is a course taught in the second year, over two semesters. The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced level students. For both parts, students are expected to have reached a sound Intermediate level of language skills. To begin with, students are divided into three groups, on the basis of their initial / acquired language skills level. Students ought to register for the iCorsi Platform (one for each semester), where important information and course material is placed week after week. Students are advised to access it regularly, to make sure that they are properly informed and do not miss useful documents, notes, guidelines, assignments, and announcements. 
The texts to be studied are collected in an ‘anthology’, respectively Reader I and Reader II, prepared by the teacher. These will be the basis for home study and classroom reading and discussion. In particular, Reader II will be the essential reservoir of reading matter for essay writing.

Examination Information
The two-semester course is worth a total of 6 ECTS, which students will earn based on an Intermediate examination at the end of the first semester, and a final examination (based on the matter studied in the second semester). Details of the modality and criteria of evaluation will be provided separately.
To sit the final examination, students must either present an external certification (recognised by USI) confirming the attainment of the B2 level, or pass the B2 Test organized by the Faculty at the end of the first year (summer and autumn sessions), on completion of the one-year support class designed with that purpose in mind.

Required Material
Autumn semester: READER I_2017: a collection of articles from authoritative newspapers and periodicals.
Spring semester: READER II_2018: an anthology of texts prepared by the teacher.
Students will be able to collect these volumes from the in-house Copy Center (Main Building, Level I) at the beginning of each semester.