OVERVIEW

This course is designed to develop students’ English proficiency in the field of robotics engineering. Using a communicative approach, it emphasizes practical language skills through interactive discussions and technical speaking activities related to robotics. Students will engage with authentic materials, to expand their vocabulary and enhance their ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. The course aims at strengthening students' skills in all key language areas — writing, speaking, listening, and reading — to ensure well-rounded communication skills.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the teaching unit is for participants to acquire knowledge and understand technical terminology, technical documentation, and oral and written communication skills in professional contexts, to enhance intercultural skills for collaboration in global teams, and to develop the linguistic and technical proficiency needed for effective communication and collaboration in complex international settings within the robotics industry.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Communicate ideas clearly and confidently in oral discussions, presentations, and professional conversations within the field of robotics.

• Develop effective listening skills to comprehend technical discussions, lectures, and professional exchanges related to robotics engineering.

• Analyze and critically evaluate research articles and other technical texts relevant to robotics engineering.

• Improve their writing skills for technical documents, including research papers and professional emails.

• Engage in collaborative discussions and debates on current topics in robotics, demonstrating the ability to articulate and defend their viewpoints.

• Apply appropriate grammar, tone, and style in both spoken and written communication within academic and professional settings.

• Enhance research skills by gathering, organizing, and presenting information effectively in a written format.

PREREQUISITES

An Upper-Intermediate level of English proficiency (Level B2 in the CEFR) is required for the course. 

TEACHING METHODS

This course follows a communicative approach, emphasizing active student participation and interaction to develop practical language skills. It incorporates authentic materials to ensure that students engage with real-world language use. Through discussions, speaking and writing activities, and collaborative learning, students will strengthen their ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.

Students who hold valid certificates relating to Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the lecturer and the school’s disability liaison officer at the start of the course to agree on any teaching arrangements which, whilst respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles.

The contact details for the university’s disability liaison officer are available at the following link: https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Listening to elaborate discussions pertaining robotics
• Reading and discussing the latest development and trends in the field of robotics
• Writing complex texts, providing supporting arguments to your thesis
• Writing for academic contexts
• Making predictions about the future of robotics
• Highlighting pros and cons of specific technologies

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All materials will be available on Aulaweb. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIULIA CHIANTIA (President)

ANTONIO SGORBISSA

ENRICO SIMETTI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/index.php?view=easycourse&_lang=it&include=corso

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam (Reading and Vocabulary + Writing). 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Final exam. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request accommodations for exams at least 7 days prior to the exam date by filling out the “accommodation request form” (available via online services at https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti# no-back), which will be automatically forwarded by the system to the instructor in charge of the course and to the faculty liaison for students with disabilities and SLDs in their School/Department.

The student will receive a copy of their request.