Appleby, Rachel. Business One: One, Intermediate Plus. Oxford University Press, 2011.
Palmer, William. Discovering Arguments: An Introduction to Critical Thinking, Writing, and Style. Boston: Prentice Hall, 4th edition, 2012.
Yule, George. Oxford Practice Grammar: Advanced. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Learning Objectives
1. Attain B2 level in English by the end of the course
2. Improve business writing skills, with a focus on synthesis and concise expression
3. Improve speaking skills, both in front of a group and in an interview setting
Prerequisites
B1 Level in English
Teaching Methods
Grammar lessons and exercises
In-class speaking activities
Out-of-class writing assignments
Materials will be published on Moodle
Further information
Professor:
Colt Segrest, PhD
Dipartimento di Lingue, Letterature e Studi Interculturali
Università degli Studi di Firenze
Via Santa Reparata 93-95, 50129 Firenze
Email: colt.segrest@unifi.it
Office Hours: Tuesday 18.00-19.00 (Room 6/005 - D6, Novoli) and by appointment.
Type of Assessment
The oral component of the final examination will be in the form of an interview. You will be the representative of the company you have been analyzing throughout the semester (This company must be listed on the stock market and approved by me ahead of the exam). I will be an investor interested in buying shares in your company. Your task will be to present your company in view of a potential investment. This may include presenting data on recent growth and innovation, as well as discussing relevant ethical considerations. Your presentation will last for a maximum of 10 minutes and will be followed by my questions.
The written component of the final exam will consist of a 5-page report including all of the information presented during the interview. You may surpass the limit of 5 pages if you include visual supports; the text portion should be limited to 5 pages. You will bring this report to the interview.
For students doing the course for fewer than 6 credits: the length of your presentation and written report will be adjusted accordingly.
The evaluation will be based on clarity, concise expression, and correct English.
Non-attending students must contact me by email or come to my office hours before 15 April to make arrangements for the final examination.
Course program
This course is designed to give the student necessary tools for business communication in English. Some of the course will be dedicated to general progress in English. We will have some grammar lessons followed by exercises; the student should reach level B2 by the end of the course. Another part of the course will be dedicated to improving writing and speaking skills used in the field of business. Students will compose written reports in which they will be asked to synthesize information and will be asked to present that information in a group setting. Special attention will be given to clear and concise forms of expression.