English in Economics and Finance - English Language Course , level C1

obligatory courses

Classes provide an oportunity to read and listen widely to materials which present economic issues both in their country and the world (The Economist, The Financial Times, lectures and talks available on the internet). Such reading experience is not only language practice but also constitues an important element in the process of broadening students' minds, making them aware of economic issues being discussed in e.g. foreign companies, parliaments of other countries.

Textbooks by MacKenzie (English for Business Studies – a course for Business and Economics students), Carolyn Walker (English for Business Studies in Higher Education Studies) are an additional source of language practice.

Conversation class in English of Finances and Economics at C1 level is aimed at giving students an opportunity to utilise their language skills and expand their vocabulary and skills to use the language in their studies and future place of work.

Classes predominantly focus on the development of students' oral skills, their ability to express their opinions, participate in discussions and debates and to deliver sucessful presentations. Students also learn to refer and summarise the previously read or listened to material, to evaluate its content, read the intentions of the author.

The sources of the materials used in class come mostly from the internet and up-to-date issues of the Economist and The Financial Times but the scope of topics and additional practice is provided by textbooks of MacKenzie 'English for Business Studies - a course for Business and Economics students and Carolyn Walker 'English for business Studies in Higher Education'

Topics for discussion:

Banks and banking products,

Credit crunch of 2008 (reasons, consequences and lessons learned),

Microfinancing,

Investment, ways of financing start-ups, venture capital,

Industries worth investing in,

Stock Exchange, stocks and bonds,

Derivatives,

Accounting and financial statements,

Market structure and competition,

Takeovers,

Government and taxation,

The business cycle,

Corporate Social Responsibility,

Efficiency and employment,

Exchange rates,

International trade,

Economics and ecology

MacKenzie 'English for Business Studies - a course for Business and Economics students and Carolyn Walker 'English for business Studies in Higher Education'

teacher's materials,

materials available on the internet,

The Economist,

The Financial Times

The student will achieve the following language skills:

Comprehension:

The student will be able to understand long, complex texts, lectures, discussions, interviews concerning the field of economics, also will be able to evaluate the content, find necessary, specific information, read between the lines. The student will be able to follow financial news reports.

Speaking:

The student will be able to speak fluently on topics connected with economics, will be able to respond to opinions, challenge, agree, participate in discussions, debates and deliver presentations.

Also, the student will be able to analyse simplified financial documents, evaluate the financial condition of the given company suggest solutions to problems.

Writing:

The student will be able to produce comprehensive texts linked to the discussed topics, write a summary of an article, lecture, talk or an interview.

KU02

Points are given for short tests (at least 5 in a term), news presentations, topic presentations, homework, written tasks and final test run at the end of the term.