Ateneo - UPO

The course develops English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), with particular attention to international communication in university, scientific and professional contexts relevant to the Study Programme. Work addresses the comprehension, critical analysis, production, revision, interaction and mediation of oral, written and multimodal texts. Particular attention is paid to specialist vocabulary, register, rhetorical organisation, argumentation, synthesis, source use and academic communication

Materials prepared by the instructor and published on the DIR page; authentic academic, scientific and professional texts selected in relation to the Study Programme; any textbooks or specific resources indicated by the instructor.

The course aims to consolidate and apply language and communication skills at least at B2 CEFR level in academic and professional contexts relevant to the Study Programme. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand and analyse complex specialist texts, communicate subject-specific content in English appropriately for purpose and audience, select and rework information from relevant sources, and critically evaluate their own linguistic and communicative choices.

English proficiency at least equivalent to B2 CEFR. Students are also expected to possess the basic subject knowledge required to understand and discuss content relevant to their Study Programme.

The course combines interactive teaching, guided analysis of authentic materials, practical exercises, task-based activities, individual and collaborative work, peer review and revision activities. Activities are designed to enable progressive application of the skills stated in the intended learning outcomes and to develop independence, critical thinking and communication skills. Materials and preparation guidance are made available through the DIR platform in order to provide adequate information also for non-attending students.

The DIR platform is the main reference point for teaching materials, communications and updated instructions concerning the course and examination. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special educational needs may use the services and tools provided by the University and discuss the academic aspects of examination arrangements with the instructor in accordance with University procedures.

The final assessment consists of an individual presentation, followed, where applicable, by questions and a brief discussion of the work presented. Duration, format and any supporting materials are specified by the instructor in a manner consistent with the number of credits and the Study Programme. The presentation must address a topic, problem, case, article, project or other resource directly relevant to the student’s disciplinary field. Depending on the course, the task may consist, for example, of presenting a research proposal, critically analysing an article or video/webinar/podcast, discussing a case or project, or presenting a short teaching, academic or professional product created by the student.The expected level of English for students is B2+.
The assessment evaluates: understanding of the selected subject-specific content; ability to apply appropriate linguistic and communicative strategies; critical selection and evaluation of information and sources; clarity, organisation and appropriateness of communication; and, where applicable, ability to answer questions and discuss one’s work.
For non-attending students, the presentation is followed by an oral component aimed at assessing their understanding of the topic and their ability to discuss it in English.
To pass, the presentation must demonstrate adequate understanding of the topic, an overall coherent structure and English that is sufficiently clear and appropriate to permit effective communication. Higher grades reflect progressively greater linguistic accuracy, command of specialist vocabulary, independence, quality of critical analysis, communicative effectiveness and ability to adapt the presentation to the academic or professional context.
Information on the preparation and conduct of the assessment is provided by the instructor during the course and made available, together with any supporting materials, on the DIR platform.

The B2+ English course supports students in developing the language skills required to participate effectively in international academic and professional communication.
Organised into thematic modules, the course integrates activities focusing on comprehension, production, interaction and mediation, with particular emphasis on the main genres of scientific and specialist communication. The activities are based on the analysis of authentic texts, the use of digital tools and the development of independent strategies for researching, producing and revising texts.
Module 1. Navigating international academic communication
Fields and situations
Participating in international academic life; understanding the standards of scientific communication; using tools and resources for independent study.
Communicative tasks
Analysing one’s own language needs; using digital resources and language corpora; reflecting on the differences between Italian and academic English; planning one’s own learning pathway.
Texts and content
Conventions of academic communication; introduction to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP); contrastive analysis of rhetorical conventions; digital tools and Data-Driven Learning.
Module 2. Understanding and analysing specialist texts
Fields and situations
University study, research, keeping up to date with developments in one’s discipline.
Communicative tasks
Read specialist texts critically, identify argumentative structure, analyse disciplinary vocabulary, compile specialist glossaries and use corpora for linguistic analysis.
Texts and content
Scientific articles, abstracts, literature reviews, executive summaries, professional documents, authentic subject-specific texts; specialist vocabulary, collocations, register and text organisation.
Module 3. Writing for university and research
Fields and situations
Scientific and professional communication.
Communicative tasks
Producing and revising specialist texts, summarising information from different sources, adapting register and style to different audiences, using feedback to improve the quality of writing.
Texts and content
Abstracts, professional emails, executive summaries, short academic texts, project proposals, peer reviews, revision and editing strategies.
Module 4. Presenting and Discussing Subject-Specific Content
Fields and situations
Seminars, conferences, project meetings, international professional contexts.
Communicative tasks
Preparing and presenting subject-specific content, defending and arguing one’s point of view, answering questions, participating in specialist discussions and collaborating in group activities.
Texts and content
Academic presentations, conferences, webinars, subject-specific podcasts, specialist discussions; strategies for presenting, interacting and managing feedback.
Module 5. Planning and consolidating academic communication
Fields and situations
Preparation for specialist communication and professional development.
Communicative tasks
Integrating the skills developed during the course, organising a portfolio of texts and presentations, using digital tools for language improvement, self-assessing one’s progress and preparing for the final assessment.
Texts and content
Personal portfolio, authentic materials, final assessment simulations, revision and self-assessment activities, advanced use of DIR resources and digital tools for academic communication

Knowledge and understanding: understand and critically analyse complex texts used in academic and specialist communication, recognising their structure, purpose, register and terminology.
Applying knowledge and understanding: apply linguistic and communicative strategies to tasks relevant to the student’s disciplinary field and produce communication appropriate to genre, audience and purpose.
Making judgements: select and critically evaluate information, sources and communication strategies, checking and improving one’s linguistic choices.
Communication skills: communicate subject-specific content in English clearly, coherently and appropriately, supporting a viewpoint with relevant arguments.
Learning skills: independently use feedback, digital resources and authentic materials to monitor and develop language and communication skills.