OVERVIEW

Enterprises need to understand the potential existence of political, social and economic factors that can impact their ability to grow and compete on international markets.
Global English has developed as the international language of trade and commerce and the ability to use it effectively is an essential tool in doing business at the international level.
The lessons will examine the key characteristics of Global English and through case studies illustrate strategies of cultural mediation in international business settings, such as in negotiations, contract disputes, etc..

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course's principal objective is to raise students' awareness of the importance of increasing their communication skills in English (B2 level) by not only using sector-specific content but crucially by exploiting the knowledge and competences acquired during their degree courses. The course aims to increase students’ communicative competence and knowledge in these specific topic areas: Global English and understanding diversity in business cultures; expanding into foreign markets and developing partnerships; negotiating deals; the export process: incoterms, contract of sale, contract of transport, customs regulations.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to increase students’ communicative competence in and knowledge of English at B2 level in professional contexts, developing skills in making presentations, taking part in meetings, writing effectively.

The following topics areas are covered: Global English as 'lingua franca', examples of making English easier to understand; culture shock and facing diversity in operational and legislative environments; 'case studies'.

The course aims to:

-improve receptive and productive skills in English as a second language at and beyond B2 level;

-provide students with the tools necessary to understand propositional and topic structure and organization in management-related texts;

-prepare students also for internationally recognized English language certifications at B2 & C1 level CEFR;

-become confident with using English in a range of settings.

PREREQUISITES

The minimum level of competence in English as a second or non-native language is B2.1 (CEFR).

TEACHING METHODS

Face-to-face lessons based on sector-specific syllabus content with a variety of group and individual task responses.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Prof. Serena Scotto (scotto@economia.unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Teaching resources covering the main topic areas of the post-graduate degree course 'Management internazionale interculturale', plus the features of Global English, as 'lingua franca', examples of making English easier to understand; culture shock and facing diversity in operational and legislative enviromments;  'case studies'.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All material will be be available on a dedicated Aulaweb course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course is taught in the first semester following the calendar and schedule fixed by the Department of Economics (DIEC). Schedule and classroom details are available at: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam consisting of reading and listening comprehension exercises, open questions on topics raised during the course, production of written texts such as emails and summaries of graphs.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final evaluation of 30 marks assesses the ability to understand and discuss fluently the topics and issues raised in the course syllabus (written, audio/visual resources) .

FURTHER INFORMATION

The lecturer analyzed and considered the results of the teaching evaluation questionnaires relating to the previous academic year. For instance, in response to students' requests, a block of 10 teaching hours was dedicated to consolidating the principal grammatical strcutures foreseen at B2 level.