Ateneo - UPO

The B2/C1 level English course is designed to provide students with the tools to develop the solid, flexible and self-reliant language skills necessary to successfully interact in academic and professional contexts in English. The course is divided into thematic modules and helps students comprehensively develop their comprehension, production, interaction, and mediation skills in typical academic environment. The modular structure allows students to tackle the different aspects of academic communication step by step: from initial orientation to independent study and use of the language, to the ability to have oral discussions or giving presentations, the analysis of specialized texts, writing formal emails and short academic texts, and to listening to audio (or audiovisual) texts followed by note-taking exercises. The last module is designed to prepare students for the final exam, with self-assessment exercises and review of the skills learned. Each module is developed using digital resources, which integrate interactive exercises and materials for independent study.

Resources provided by the instructor via the DIR page Digital resources Macmillan platform Textbooks and materials Vocabulary and grammar Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, 5th Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019. Michael McCarthy, Felicity O’Dell, English Collocations in Use Intermediate (Book with Answers): How Words Work Together for Fluent and Natural English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017. English for academic purposes Various authors Academic English: Skills for Success, 3rd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2025. Dick Smakman, Presenting in English: A Practical Guide. London: Routledge, 2024. Other recommended texts will be indicated by the lecturer.

The course aims to develop English language skills to CEFR level B2/C1, with a particular focus on academic and professional use of the language. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand and critically use the English language in academic contexts, interacting in oral and written contexts with consistency, lexical and syntactic accuracy, appropriateness and consistency. They will develop the ability to produce written and oral texts, both in formal and informal contexts. In addition, students will have the possibility to use digital resources and multimedia materials to support language learning and communication. They will also be able to self-assess their progress and develop autonomous learning strategies, in line with the principles of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and a competence-based approach to language teaching.

The English course is aimed at students who have achieved a level of English proficiency equivalent to at least level B1 of the CEFR. This requirement can be certified in three ways: 1) by the recognition of a language certificate (see CLUPO regulations link https://clupo.uniupo.it/lingua-inglese/riconoscimento-certificazioni ; 2) by passing the English Placement Test administered by CLUPO ; 3) by attending and passing the online realignment course on the Macmillan platform (link https://clupo.uniupo.it/lingua-inglese/english-placement-test).

Registration for the Academic Writing elective is strongly recommended.

In-person lessons, guided exercises, collaborative activities, and individual or group projects. Students who are unable to attend classes regularly can refer to the DIR platform and the Macmillan platform to keep up with what is being done in class. The course employs inclusive teaching methods designed to encourage the active participation of all students, respecting differences in gender, linguistic background, and learning styles.

The DIR platform is the main tool for sharing teaching materials. The lecturer provides detailed information on the DIR page of the course for attending and non-attending students regarding: course programme, teaching materials, exam instructions. https://www.dir.uniupo.it/course/view.php?id=22093 For information on how to register on the Macmillan platform, please refer to the instructions on the DIR page of the course. Students may take the same exam a maximum of three times in a calendar year. For the regulations governing exams, please refer to Article 35 of the University’s Teaching Regulations. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is organised into two separate tests: the first is formative and the second is summative. The final assessment is based on the weighted average of the two tests, with the formative test accounting for 30% and the summative test accounting for 70%, thus combining the assessment of B2/C1-level language and communication skills with the observation of the ability to apply linguistic knowledge and strategies appropriately in daily and/or academic contexts. The formative test for attending students consists of an activity to be discussed in class in a dedicated session, while for non-attending students a similar written or oral exercise will be given during the final exam. The summative assessment for all students consists of a written test in paper or computer-based format administered via the esami.DIR platform. The test is divided into three sections dedicated respectively to oral (listening) and written (reading) receptive skills and language skills (use of English). Each section consists of 1-3 activities with multiple-choice options, matching and cloze or completion exercises. The test is administered in person. The formative test will be assessed as excellent if it demonstrates full mastery of the content, articulate analytical and communication skills, and adequate autonomy in the use of linguistic tools. A fair assessment corresponds to sufficient knowledge but limited to essential content, with correct but not always adequate linguistic expression and partial analytical skills. An unsatisfactory assessment reveals significant gaps, inappropriate use of language and lack of consistency with the programme. To pass the test, a score of 18/30 or higher is required. In order to participate in the exam session, students must have met the initial requirements (EPT) and must have reserved a place to sit the exam (within the time restraints specified on the ESSE3 platform). Those who have completed and submitted the formative test (mid-term exam) during the course will be required to sit a shorter version of the summative test (final exam), whereas students who did not fulfill the formative exam requirements during the course will have an additional component on their exam. Students may take the same exam a maximum of three times in a calendar year. For the rules governing exams, please refer to Article 35 of the University’s Teaching Regulations.

The B2/C1 level English course is designed to provide students with the tools to develop the solid, flexible and independent language skills necessary to successfully interact academic and professional contexts in English. Through an approach divided into thematic modules, the course focuses on the integrated development of reception, production, interaction and mediation skills, contextualised in typical academic scenarios. Module 1: Academic Orientation and Self-Assessment: Introduction to the course; initial self-assessment of skills; use of digital resources to support learning. Module 2: Formal Oral Communication and Presentations: Appropriate use of specialist terminology; discussion of topics covered in class with particular focus on pronunciation and intonation; preparation of presentations with supporting materials. Module 3: Formal and Academic Writing Drafting emails, summaries, short essays, accurate use of specialised vocabulary; revision and correction of texts produced. Module 4: Active Listening: Understanding conversations, discussions on specialised topics; note-taking on key content and detailed explanations; summarising information. Module 5: Preparation for the Final Exam and Self-Assessment: Simulations of the final exam; self-assessment of the skills developed.

Competence and comprehension At the end of the course, students will have a broad and in-depth knowledge of English in daily and/or academic contexts, enabling them to understand and analyse specialised texts and oral interaction, demonstrating awareness of the linguistic structures in various contexts. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding Students will be able to independently apply their language skills in daily, academic and professional contexts. They will be able to have in-depth discussions and tackle specific communication tasks in their field of study. The use of digital resources and multimedia tools to support language learning and academic communication is expected. Self-assessment Students are able to formulate independent and informed judgements on language use and learning resources, demonstrating skills in monitoring and evaluating their own level of linguistic competence and the adopted strategies. They are able to adapt these strategies to the demands of academic learning contexts. Communication skills Students are able to participate effectively and responsibly in various contexts, adapting language, register and pragmatic strategies to different interlocutors and communicative purposes. They demonstrate competence in negotiating meaning, managing feedback and actively participating in oral exchanges in different situations. Learning skills Students are able to use effective strategies and resources appropriate to their educational needs. They demonstrate the ability to reflect on their progress through formative self-assessment practices, in line with the principles of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and a competence-based approach to teaching.