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Course 2012-2013 a.y.

20371 - ENGLISH LANGUAGE


M - IM - MM - AFC - CLAPI - CLEFIN-FINANCE - CLELI - ACME - DES-ESS - EMIT
Language Center

Course taught in English


M (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - IM (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - MM (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - AFC (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - CLAPI (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - CLELI (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - ACME (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - DES-ESS (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP) - EMIT (4 credits - I/II sem. - OP)
Course Director:
MICHAEL THOMPSON

Classes: 1 (I sem.) - 2 (I sem.) - 3 (I sem.) - 4 (I sem.) - 5 (I sem.) - 6 (I sem.) - 7 (I sem.) - 8 - 9 (I sem.) - 10 (I sem.) - 11 (I sem.)
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

Students whose mother tongue is not English, enrolled in a program taught in Italian, have to take an English exam as first or second foreign language.
Students whose mother tongue is not English, enrolled in a program taught in English may choose English as first or second language.
The course takes place over one year:

  • second semester of the 1st year (code 20365, lessons only),
  • first semester of the 2nd year (code 20371 lessons and final exam).

The level of the course depends on the relative exam chosen by the student:
first language

  • Exit level C1 - Module C1 business
  • Exit level B2 - Module B2 business

second language

  • Exit level B2 - Module  B2 business
  • Exit level B1 - Module B1 business.

For those students who are attending a class taught in English the exit level must be C1, either as a first foreign language or as a second.
The course takes into account the fact that the students are learning the language for use in professional situations (business English).

Furthermore, the Language Center plans and runs international certificates preparation courses, for a limited number of students who already have an adequate level of language skills:

  • IELTS Academic C1 preparation course - for degree programs taught in Italian
  • BEC Vantage preparation course - for all the degree programs
  • BEC Higher preparation course - for all the degree programs

Course Content Summary
For further information, please consult the single learning path:    
Module B1 business
Module B2 business
Module C1 business
BEC Vantage preparation course
BEC Higher preparation course
IELTS Academic C1 preparation course
.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Informazioni dettagliate indicate nei singoli Percorsi didattici.
For further information, please consult the single learning path.


Textbooks

Informazioni dettagliate indicate nei singoli Percorsi didattici.


Prerequisites
The University has identified some recommended entrance requirements to ensure that students have an adequate preparation to follow the language courses. Students can find detailed information on the internet site at www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico, Utilities > Minimum level required > Master of Science.
Last change 07/05/2012 12:02

Module: Livello B1
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

Module B1 business
The module is designed for those students who already have a general B1 proficiency level. The objective of the course is to help students acquire the language skills defined by the Council of Europe in the business B1 proficiency level of the Common European Framework. The objects for the students can be summarized in the following way:

  • understand the main points in current affairs or personal interest topics
  • can follow with ease a discussion in his/her field of specialization
  • understand texts written in business language
  • produce a simple text about professional situations
  • convey information, describe experiences and events and briefly explain the reasons for personal opinions.

The course takes place over one year: second semester of the 1st year (code 20365, lessons only), first semester of the 2nd year (code 20371 lessons and final exam). The course takes into account the fact that students are learning the language for use in professional situations.
Please note that the course is run only if a minimum number of enrollments is reached.


Course Content Summary

In the classroom, instruction  focuses on giving the students experience working with, and working in, English. Special attention is given to strengthening the students' control of the fundamental forms and structures in English, and in particular their ability to form accurate, appropriate sentences. Special attention is also paid to increasing the students' active vocabulary, with a particular focus on general business vocabulary.
In addition, classroom activities  offer the students the opportunity to develop the ability to handle everyday routines at school and in offices. These routines include such diverse tasks as filling out an application, and taking a message. Students get experience with these routines through listening passages, video clips, and oral activities.
Another focus in the classroom is to help students learn to express opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Classroom activities seek also to promote the students' acquisition of effective strategies for dealing with authentic texts, both spoken and written. These activities help students learn to work with unfamiliar vocabulary, conversations between native speakers, etc.
The course ends with a written and oral B1-business exam set at the end of the first semester of the 2nd year. A complete curriculum for the B1 level can be found on-line at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

L'esame si compone di una prova scritta e di una prova orale. L'accesso alla prova orale è subordinato al superamento della prova scritta con valutazione pari o superiore a 18/30. La validità della prova scritta è estesa ai tre appelli orali immediatamente successivi, dopo i quali scade. La partecipazione allo scritto con la relativa consegna dell'elaborato annulla la prova scritta eventualmente sostenuta in precedenza.
Maggiori indicazioni relative agli argomenti trattati e alle modalità d'esame sono riportate nel programma d'aula e d'esame pubblicati nel sito internet dell'Università all'indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The exam consists of a written paper and an oral exam. Both need to be passed for the grade to count towards the final average. The oral exam can only be taken once the written exam has been passed (minimum mark 18/30). The pass in the written exam is valid for three oral exams subsequent to the written exam; if the student does not take the oral exam within this time limit the written exam will need to be taken again. Students can choose to retake the written exam before the taking the oral exam but must remember that handing in their paper annuls any previous grade given.
Details are available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

TESTI ADOTTATI

  • HUGHES, Total Business 2 Student’s Book, Summertown Publishing
  • DUMMETT, Total Business 2 Work Book, Summertown Publishing
  • THOMPSON, Fundamental Writing Skills, Egea
  • On-line Materials
  • Materiale fornito dai docenti in aula

Prerequisites
The University has identified some recommended entrance requirements to ensure that students have an adequate preparation to follow the language courses. Students can find detailed information on the internet site at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter , Utilities > Minimum level required > Master of Science.
Last change 07/05/2012 12:07

Module: Livello B2
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

Module B2 business 
The course is designed for students who already have a proficiency level superior to B1. In terms of linguistic competence, the final objective corresponds to that established by the Council of Europe for level B2. The objects for the students can be summarised in the following way: 

  • can follow with ease a discussion in his/her field of specialization, understanding in detail what is specified by the speaker;
  • can actively take part in formal discussions on routine or non-familiar topics;
  • can write professional material, developing a topic, exposing arguments in favour and against a particular point of view and explaining the pros and cons of the various options;
  • can summarize information and arguments from different authentic sources;
  • can coherently and thoroughly expose topics linked to his/her field of specialization.

The course takes place over one year: second semester of the 1st year (code 20365, lessons only), first semester of the 2nd year (code 20371 lessons and final exam). The course takes into account the fact that the students are learning the language for use in professional situations (business English).


Course Content Summary

Activities aimed at developing skills are based on professional issues. Instruction  focuses on giving the student exposure to the vocabulary they need to operate in professional situations.
Listening and reading comprehension skills are developed to deal with passages of some length and complexity, actively understand them and reproduce the information heard. Writing activities focus on building competence in all the main forms of standard communication, with a particular attention to professional situations, in order to produce autonomous written work using the appropriate form of expression. Speaking activities are mainly concerned with developing interactive (discussions, debates, role plays, simulated negotiations and tasks) and monological (short spoken reports) skills.
As far as the strictly linguistic skills are concerned, during the lessons time is dedicated to reinforcing and revising the students’ existing knowledge by means of activities that concentrate on the use and function of the various structures.
The course ends with a written and oral B2-business exam set at the end of the first semester of the second year. Details are available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

L'esame si compone di una prova scritta e di una prova orale. L'accesso alla prova orale è subordinato al superamento della prova scritta con valutazione pari o superiore a 18/30. La validità della prova scritta è estesa ai tre appelli orali immediatamente successivi, dopo i quali scade. La partecipazione allo scritto con la relativa consegna dell'elaborato annulla la prova scritta eventualmente sostenuta in precedenza.
Maggiori indicazioni relative agli argomenti trattati e alle modalità d'esame sono riportate nel programma d'aula e d'esame pubblicati nel sito internet dell'Università all'indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The exam consists of a written paper and an oral exam. Both need to be passed for the grade to count towards the final average. The oral exam can only be taken once the written exam has been passed (minimum mark 18/30). The pass in the written exam is valid for three oral exams subsequent to the written exam; if the student does not take the oral exam within this time limit the written exam will need to be taken again. Students can choose to retake the written exam before the taking the oral exam but must remember that handing in their paper annuls any previous grade given.
Details are available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

TESTI ADOTTATI

  • COTTON, FAVLEY, KENT, Market Leader Upper-Intermediate 3rd edition, Course Book & DVD Rom Pack, Longman
  • THOMPSON,Writing Skills for Business English 2nd edition, EGEA
  • On-line Materials
  • Materiale fornito dal docente in aula

Prerequisites
The University has identified some recommended entrance requirements to ensure that students have an adequate preparation to follow the language courses. Students can find detailed information on the internet site at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter , Utilities > Minimum level required > Master of Science.
Last change 08/05/2012 10:59

Module: Livello C1
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

Module C1 business
The module is designed for those students who already have a strong B2 proficiency level. In terms of linguistic competence, the final objective corresponds to that established by the Council of Europe for level C1. The objectives for the students can be summarized in the following way:

  • can produce a clear and well-structured explanation of a complex subject, expanding on the various points of view and supporting them with additional information, reasons and relevant examples;
  • can follow with ease an extended discussion, understanding in detail what is specified by the speaker;
  • can summarize information and arguments from various  authentic sources, including extended conversations;
  • can thoroughly express his/her ideas, present complex arguments and convincingly reply to those presented by others;
  • can write professional material showing the ability to produce coherent and cohesive texts, highlighting relevant points and supporting them;
  • can evaluate different ideas and solutions to a problem;
  • can produce written material in accordance with conventional paging and paragraphing standards.

The course takes place over one year: second semester of the 1st year (code 20365, lessons only), first semester of the 2nd year (code 20371 lessons and final exam). The course takes into account the fact that the students are learning the language for use in professional situations.


Course Content Summary

The activities aimed at developing language competence are all approached from a professional perspective. Students are given the opportunity to reinforce the various micro-languages, especially through situations based on professional life and relevant economic and social themes.
The use of carefully examined case-studies, helps to learn a language for special purposes in a natural and cohesive way, leading to lexical competence and awareness of the communicative and pragmatic aspects of the language.
The listening comprehension activities are designed to further improve the listening skills of the students, also in case of complex and long texts, and to develop their ability to understand and scan for specific information and work with it. The reading  and comprehension activities are designed to improve the critical reading skills of the students, including in the case of complex and long texts.Writing activities place particular emphasis on the ability to organize texts according to the conventions of various textual genres, especially in the professional field, encouraging the ability to manage elaborate topics in a clear and detailed way.
Speaking activities are mainly concerned with developing interactive (discussions, role-playing, simulated negotiations and talks) and monological (presentations with audio-visual aids such as: OHP, transparencies, slides, PC, etc.) skills. As regards the strictly linguistic competence, time is spent in the classroom to reinforce the structures that students already know by means of activities which focus on language use and functions.
At the end of the course there is a final examination (C1-business level) set at the end of the first semester of the 2nd year.
Students can find detailed information on the internet at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter , in Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

L'esame si compone di una prova scritta e di una prova orale. L'accesso alla prova orale è subordinato al superamento della prova scritta con valutazione pari o superiore a 18/30. La validità della prova scritta è estesa ai tre appelli orali immediatamente successivi, dopo i quali scade. La partecipazione allo scritto con la relativa consegna dell'elaborato annulla la prova scritta eventualmente sostenuta in precedenza.
L'esame di prima lingua di primo anno è propedeutico a questo esame. L'esame di secondo anno sostenuto nel mancato rispetto di tale regola è annullato automaticamente.
Maggiori indicazioni relative agli argomenti trattati e alle modalità d'esame sono riportate nel programma d'aula e d'esame pubblicati nel sito internet dell'Università all'indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The exam consists of a written paper and an oral exam. Both need to be passed for the grade to count towards the final average. The oral exam can only be taken once the written exam has been passed (minimum mark 18/30). The pass in the written exam is valid for three oral exams subsequent to the written exam; if the student does not take the oral exam within this time limit the written exam will need to be taken again. Students can choose to retake the written exam before the taking the oral exam but must remember that handing in their paper annuls any previous grade given.
Students cannot sit the second year exam unless they have passed the first year one.
Details are available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

TESTI ADOTTATI

  • Handford, Lisboa, Koester, Pitt, Business Advantage Advanced Student’s Book, Cambridge University Press
  • THOMPSON, Writing Skills For Business English 2nd Edition, Egea
  • Materiali On-line
  • Materiale fornito dal docente in aula
Last change 08/05/2012 15:29

Module: Bec Vantage
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

BEC Vantage preparation course  
The course is designed for students who already have a B2-general proficiency level. In terms of linguistic competence, the final objective corresponds to that established by the Council of Europe for level B2. The objects for the students can be summarized in the following way:

  • can deal confidently with different types of text, such as business publications and correspondence
  • can produce different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, proposals and emails
  • can follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and presentations
  • can communicate effectively in face-to-face situations.

The course takes into account the fact that the students are preparing solely for the Cambridge external certification Business English Certificate - Vantage (B2 business).


Course Content Summary

In the classroom, instruction focuses on preparing the students to take and pass the Cambridge English: Business Vantage external certification. Students will be introduced to the format of the certification, and all four sections of the certification will be practiced. Additional information concerning the course can be found on-line at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Il presente corso prepara al superamento della relativa certificazione di lingua, che si svolge presso gli enti erogatori autorizzati.
La certificazione può essere registrata in alternativa all'esame di lingua inglese.
Per maggiori informazioni è possibile consultare i programmi d’aula e d’esame all’indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico in > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The preparation course is aimed to the relevant external certification, which takes place at the authorized exam centers.
The certification can be converted as an alternative to the English exam. Further information concerning the Bocconi learning path and exams: available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

TESTI ADOTTATI

  • WOOD, SANDERSON, WILLIAMS, ROSENBERG, Pass Cambridge BEC Vantage 2nd Edition, Student's Book, Heinle
  • CAMBRIDGE ESOL, Cambridge English Business 5 Vantage, Student's Book Pack

Prerequisites
The course is aimed at those students enrolled in a degree program taught in Italian, who already have an adequate level of knowledge of the language, established by a specific placement test. The course is for a limited number of applicants.
Terms and enrollment procedures will be communicated via the student’s diary yoU@B at the beginning of each semester.Please note that the course is run only if a minimum number of enrollments is reached.
Last change 08/05/2012 15:37

Module: Bec Higher
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

BEC Higher preparation course   
The course is designed for students who already have a a strong B2 proficiency level. In terms of linguistic competence, the final objective corresponds to that established by the Council of Europe for level C1. The objects for the students can be summarized in the following way:

  • can deal confidently with different types of text
  • can write a variety of different items such as memos, faxes, emails, reports and proposals
  • can follow and understand a range of spoken materials such as conversations, interviews and discussions
  • can communicate effectively in face-to-face situations.

The course takes into account the fact that the students are preparing solely for the Cambridge external certification : Business English Certificate Higher (C1 business).


Course Content Summary

In the classroom, instruction focuses on preparing the students to take and pass the Cambridge English: BEC Higher. Students will be introduced to the format of the certification, and all four sections of the certification will be practiced. Additional information concerning the course can be found on-line at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Il presente corso prepara al superamento della relativa certificazione di lingua, che si svolge presso gli enti erogatori autorizzati.
La certificazione può essere registrata in alternativa all'esame di lingua inglese.
Per maggiori informazioni è possibile consultare i programmi d’aula e d’esame all’indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico in > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The preparation course is aimed to the relevant external certification, which takes place at the authorized exam centers.
The certification can be converted as an alternative to the English exam. Further information concerning the Bocconi learning path and exams: available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

Testo adottato  

  • Brook-Hart, Business Benchmark Advanced, Cambridge
  • CAMBRIDGE ESOL, Cambridge English Business 5 Higher, Student’s Book Pack

Prerequisites
The course is aimed at those students who already have an adequate level of knowledge of the language, established by a specific placement test. The course is for a limited number of applicants.
Terms and enrollment procedures will be communicated via the student’s diary yoU@B at the beginning of each semester.
Please note that the course is run only if a minimum number of enrollments is reached.
Last change 08/05/2012 15:41

Module: IELTS Academic C1
Instructors:
Class 1: MICHAEL THOMPSON, Class 2: DERMOT COSTELLO, Class 3: ARIANNA MARIA JACOBS, Class 4: RICHARD SALES, Class 5: ANDREW CANNON, Class 6: ROBERT COATES, Class 7: JAMES TIERNEY, Classe 8: DA DEFINIRE, Class 9: JOHN Mc HARDY CLARK, Class 10: DAVID PARK, Class 11: JUDITH GORHAM


Course Objectives

IELTS Academic C1 preparation course 
The aim of the course is to give the student the necessary tools and skills to pass an IELTS certificate at grade 6.5 or higher. The student should then be able to:

  • Follow speech at some length on a variety of both concrete and abstract subjects;
  • Produce a clear and detailed text on a range of subjects, expressing an opinion and discussing the pros and cons of different points of view;
  • Express himself clearly and in detail on subjects related to his studies and to university life in general;
  • Discuss the pros and cons of a pre-specified and relatively familiar subject;
  • Speak at length (given a short time to prepare) on a question, without noticeable hesitation;
  • Interact with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity.

Course Content Summary

Activities aimed at developing skills are based on questions of current affairs, social and cultural issues. Group work, both written and oral, allows students to learn a language in a natural and practical way, favoring the acquisition of lexical competence and awareness of the communicative and interactional aspects.
Oral comprehension skills are developed to deal with passages of some length and complexity, actively understand them and reproduce the information heard. Writing activities focus on building competence in all the main forms of standard communication, in order to produce autonomous written work using the appropriate form of expression. Speaking activities are mainly concerned with developing interactive (discussions, debates, role plays) and reporting/presenting skills.


Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Il presente corso prepara al superamento della relativa certificazione di lingua, che si svolge presso gli enti erogatori autorizzati.
La certificazione può essere registrata in alternativa all'esame di lingua inglese.
Per maggiori informazioni è possibile consultare i programmi d’aula e d’esame all’indirizzo www.unibocconi.it/centrolinguistico in > Esami-Certificazioni > Programmi d’esame.

The preparation course is aimed to the relevant external certification, which takes place at the authorized exam centers.
The certification can be converted as an alternative to the English exam. Further information concerning the Bocconi learning path and exams: available at www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter > Exams-Certificates > Bocconi exams.


Textbooks

TESTO ADOTTATO

O’Connell S., Focus on IELTS, New Edition. Pearson-Longman

Prerequisites
The course is aimed at those students who already have an adequate level of knowledge of the language, established by a specific placement test. The course is for a limited number of applicants.
Terms and enrollment procedures will be communicated via the student’s diary yoU@B at the beginning of each semester.
Please note that the course is run only if a minimum number of enrollments is reached.
Last change 08/05/2012 15:50