Academic Year/course:
2023/24
417 - Degree in Economics
27452 - English for Economists
Syllabus Information
Academic year:
2023/24
Subject:
27452 - English for Economists
Faculty / School:
109 - Facultad de Economía y Empresa
Degree:
417 - Degree in Economics
ECTS:
5.0
Year:
3 and 4
Semester:
First semester o Second semester
Subject type:
Optional
Module:
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1. General information
The main objective of this subject is that the student learns to communicate in English in an appropriate way in written and oral form, adapting to the audience and the purpose of the discourse in different professional contexts in the field of international economics.
These approaches and goals are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of United Nations (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/ ), specifically, the activities planned in the subject will contribute to the achievement of goals 1, 2, 4, 5, 5, 7, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17.
Students wishing to take this subject must have a general knowledge of English (written and oral) equivalent to or higher than B1 CEFR Classes will be taught in English and students must be able to take notes and communicate in English in the classroom. It is recommended to work on the subject on a continuous basis, which also implies attending classes regularly.
2. Learning results
The student, passing this subject, achieves the following results:
1.- Communicate in English in an appropriate way at an intermediate-advanced level, in oral and written form, adapting to the economic context, emphasizing argumentation.
2.- Understand and critically interpret English language texts of economic analysis and dissemination.
3.- Interpret and present data related to the economics of business and public organizations within the field of economics in an international context, using the specific strategies and techniques of oral and written communication in English.
4.- Use the strategies of organization and synthesis of formal and professional discourse in oral and written English.
5.- Acquire sufficient vocabulary specific to the professional practice of economists to be able to communicate effectively and accurately.
Given that this specific English subject starts at a level of B1 (of the European Framework of Reference for Languages), at the end of the subject students will reach a level higher than this.
3. Syllabus
UNIT 1. A CAREER IN ECONOMICS
- Introducing yourself
- Writing your CV and cover letter
UNIT 2. ECONOMICS AND ECONOMY
- Definitions of economics, economy and production
- Summarising and giving opinions on economic matters
UNIT 3. HANDLING MONEY
- Saving, spending, borrowing and lending
- Stock Exchange
- Description of trends
UNIT 4. INTERNATIONAL TRADE
- Handling documents involved in an international commerce transaction
- Commercial correspondence
UNIT 5. WRITTEN REPORTS AND ORAL PRESENTATIONS
- Structure and sections of a report
- Language used in a report
- Writing a report
- Oral presentation of your study and results of the report.
4. Academic activities
The subject is divided into the following activities:
- Participative master classes: 20 hours.
- Participative practical classes with written and oral group and individual work: 30 hours.
- Personal study. 75 hours.
- Assessment tests. 2h 30mins (outside class hours).
In principle, the teaching methodology and its evaluation is planned to be based on face-to-face classes . However, if circumstances so require, they may be carried out online.
5. Assessment system
The subject will be evaluated by means of a global evaluation in the first and second call.
Global Assessment
A global test based on the contents and practical activities of the subject, consisting of:
- An oral presentation in groups of three or four students followed by questions.
- A listening comprehension test.
- A written comprehension test, grammar and vocabulary exercises.
- A test of written texts that will include the use of specific vocabulary and the use of the English language register in the economic field.
These tests will be held on the date set by the Faculty during the official examination period.
In the case of the oral presentation, students may choose to make it either in advance on dates proposed by the faculty of the subject at the end of the term, or on the official dates of each call. They may choose the date of the test in the document with dates and times available in Moodle at least two weeks before the test.
Assessment criteria
In both calls, the correctness of the oral and written presentation, organization of the speech, correct use of the specific vocabulary and generic conventions of the formal register of English in the field of economics will be assessed, as well as the correctness of pronunciation, intonation, fluency and grammar, all within the intermediate level of English language proficiency required for the subject.
The oral proficiency assessment test (oral presentation and comprehension) will represent 50% of the final grade and the written proficiency assessment test (written comprehension and production) the other 50%. To pass the subject it is necessary to obtain separately both parts (oral and written) a minimum of 50%.