Ateneo - UPO

The B2 level English course is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to develop solid, flexible and autonomous language skills for successfully interacting in academic and professional contexts in English.

The course is structured into thematic modules that develop students’ comprehension, production, interaction and mediation skills in typical academic contexts. The modules progressively address different aspects of academic communication: from orientation to independent language study and use, to oral communication through group discussions and presentations; from the analysis of specialized texts to writing formal emails and short academic texts; and from listening to audio and audiovisual texts to note-taking. The final module focuses on preparation for the final exam through self-assessment exercises and review of the skills acquired.

Each module makes use of digital resources integrating interactive exercises and materials for independent study.

LIFE INTERMEDIATE STUDENT'S BOOK-WORKBOOK. STUDENT'S BOOK BUILD UP + ONLINE RESOURCES LIFE INTERMEDIATE
ISBN: 9788853625151
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH
Grammar and Vocabulary for First and First for Schools with answers
Louise Hashemi, Barbara Thomas, Laura Matthews
ISBN 978-1- 107-48106-0

The course aims to consolidate B2-level linguistic and communicative skills as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with particular reference to the use of English in university and professional contexts.
Knowledge and comprehension
The course develops students’ comprehension of complex spoken, written and multimodal texts, expanding the linguistic repertoire needed for the main communicative practices of university life. Particular attention is given to lectures, presentations, subject-specific texts, articles, abstracts and other authentic materials, as well as to academic and specialist vocabulary and discourse competence.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The course promotes the integrated development of reception, production, interaction and mediation skills through communicative tasks linked to authentic university situations. Students develop the ability to understand and process information from different sources, participate in discussions, prepare and deliver individual or group academic presentations, and use English appropriately in different study and communication contexts.
Independence of judgement
The course fosters students’ ability to reflect critically on their language development, identify effective strategies for tackling academic communicative tasks, and use feedback and self-assessment tools to guide their learning.
Communication skills
The course strengthens students’ ability to participate in academic interactions, present subject-specific topics orally, support and justify their own point of view, collaborate in group activities, and communicate clearly, coherently and appropriately with different audiences and in different contexts.
Learning skills
The course promotes independent study through the informed use of digital resources, authentic materials, and learning and self-assessment strategies, fostering the ability to plan one’s own study and develop language skills transferable to future university and professional contexts.

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

The course is organised into thematic modules and includes guided exercises, collaborative activities, and individual and group assignments aimed at developing the language and communication skills required in academic and professional contexts.
Activities promote active participation through discussions, presentations, analysis of authentic materials, practical exercises and reflection on learning, with a focus on developing autonomy in language learning.
The DIR platform complements the course with B2-level materials for independent study, consolidation and revision, individual in-depth study and preparation for the final exam. Students unable to attend regularly can use these resources to follow the course independently.
The course adopts inclusive teaching methods that promote the active participation of all students while valuing diverse linguistic backgrounds, learning styles and educational experiences.

Attendance is essential and highly recommended. Students are requested to show consistency in being present at lessons.Following the course with necessary course material is an absolute must and there is very little tolerance for those who do not produce the necessary materials.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-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 DIR platform is the main digital environment supporting the learning process. The course page provides the syllabus, teaching materials, exercises, consolidation and catch-up activities, resources for independent study, and information on preparation for the final exam. Students unable to attend regularly can use the platform to follow the course independently.
The same exam may be taken a maximum of three times in a calendar year. For exam regulations, please refer to Article 35 of the University’s Teaching Regulations.
Students with disabilities, Learning Disabilities (LD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request specific services and support through the relevant University office and the dedicated webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. After contacting the University Staff, they can also contact the course lecturer regarding the academic aspects of examination arrangements.

Assessment takes into account the overall level of achievement of the learning outcomes established for the course, with reference to the language and communication skills developed.
Formative Assessment
During the course, a formative assessment is provided to progressively assess the achievement of part of the learning outcomes. Completing this assessment as part of the planned learning activities, according to the procedures communicated in class, allows part of the overall assessment to be completed in advance and enables students to take the final examination having already demonstrated some of the required competences. The result of the formative assessment remains valid for a maximum period of one year from the completion of the course.
Participation in the learning activities and completion of the assessment activities provided during the course therefore contribute to the progressive assessment of learning.
Attendance of the course is strongly recommended. Regular attendance is considered a priority, also in view of the opportunity to participate in the formative assessment activities offered during the course, the outcome of which will contribute to the final assessment. Students are advised to have access to the indicated teaching materials, which may serve as a useful reference for the work carried out during the lessons.
Students who do not take the formative assessment will be assessed entirely through the summative assessment, which will also include an additional written task, such as an open-ended question or a short written assignment.
Summative Assessment
The summative assessment consists of a computer-based written test. Activities may include multiple-choice questions, completion exercises, cloze tasks, and written assignments.
All students, whether attending or non-attending, must take the summative assessment during the official examination sessions. For students who have not completed the formative assessment, the summative assessment will also include the additional written task specified above.
Grading
The final grade reflects the overall level of achievement of the assessed learning outcomes. The grading bands correspond to the following levels:
18–20 – Basic achievement of the learning outcomes: understanding of the main information and sufficient control of fundamental language structures.
21–23 – Satisfactory achievement: good understanding of texts and generally accurate use of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
24–26 – Full achievement: good understanding, including of more complex texts, and adequate control of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
27–29 – Advanced achievement: accurate comprehension and confident, precise and flexible use of the language.
30–30 cum laude – Excellent achievement: full command of the language competences and the ability to understand and use the language with a high degree of accuracy. Cum laude is awarded for particularly complete and accurate performance.
The same examination may be taken a maximum of three times in a calendar year. For the regulations governing examinations, please refer to Article 35 of the University Teaching Regulations.

The B2-level English course develops the language and communication skills required for effective participation in university life and academic and professional contexts.
The course is organised into five thematic modules, with a focus on language comprehension, production, interaction, academic communication and independent learning.
Module 1. Course Orientation and Learning Strategies
Course introduction, self-assessment, learning objectives and study planning using the DIR platform.
Module 2. Academic Communication
Oral communication through presentations and discussions, with attention to specialist vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation and interaction.
Module 3. Academic Texts
Reading and analysis of subject-specific texts, academic vocabulary, and consolidation of grammar and lexical skills through Use of English activities.
Module 4. Spoken Texts and Information Processing
Understanding lectures, presentations and discussions, with a focus on identifying key information, note-taking and summarising.
Module 5. Final Exam Preparation
Consolidation of course skills through guided practice, mock exams and self-assessment.

Knowledge and comprehension skills
Students are able to understand B2-level spoken, written and multimodal texts, including academic and subject-specific materials, identifying key information, structure and logical relationships.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Students are able to use English in academic and professional contexts to understand and process information, participate in discussions and deliver short presentations using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary.
Autonomy of judgement
Students are able to evaluate their own linguistic and communicative choices and make informed use of linguistic resources, authentic materials and digital tools for learning.
Communication skills
Students are able to communicate effectively in English in university contexts, participating in interactions and discussions, presenting subject-specific topics and clearly processing and communicating information.
Learning skills
Students are able to organise and monitor their own language learning, using appropriate strategies and resources, assessing their progress and identifying areas for further development in line with B2 CEFR descriptors.