English language

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the reading skills necessary to comprehend the main points of texts written in English, particularly those related to civil engineering and construction. Participants will attain the writing skills required to discuss their academic and professional interests. Learners will acquire oral communication skills necessary for furthering their academic and professional careers. In addition, students will gain reading, writing and speaking skills required to pass international English language certification exams at the B1 level. Finally, participants will acquire competence in vocabulary necessary for discussing topics related to civil engineering and construction.

Course contents

The course will provide guided practice in analyzing, interpreting and completing a variety of written texts, including website, magazine and journal articles discussing topics related to civil engineering, architecture, construction, urban planning, sustainable construction and earthquake engineering. Learners will receive guidance and feedback in researching and writing presentations regarding the aforementioned topics. Listening skills will be strengthened through practice with a variety of spoken materials, such as lectures, presentations and professional discussions. The reading and listening activities will be complemented by relevant practice in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Prerequisites

In order to participate in this course students must have acquired an A2 level in English.

Reading/Bibliography

Mandatory texts:

• Ibbotson, Mark. Cambridge English for Engineering. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.
• Ibbotson, Mark. Professional English in Use: Engineering. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009.

Recommended texts:

• Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use, 5th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019.
• Additional mandatory and recommended materials will be provided weekly by the instructor on Microsoft Teams.

Teaching methods

The course will be taught entirely in English, making only minimal use of translation, in order to immerse students in the target language and accelerate their acquisition of knowledge and skills. The approach will be heavily task-based, maximizing the time dedicated to allowing learners to actively practice and develop their English language skills with instructor guidance. Participants will be asked to work individually, in pairs and in groups in order to address various learning needs and styles.

Assessment methods

The final exam will be divided into two tests: Reading and Speaking. Each test will account for 45/7 of the total score. The outcome of the exam will be expressed with a score out of thirty. The Reading Test (with a duration of approximately XNUMX minutes) will assess reading comprehension as well as knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The Speaking Test (with a duration of approximately XNUMX minutes) will assess the student’s ability to orally present a topic of their choosing. The topic must be approved by the instructor, and the candidate must submit the written version of the presentation at least one week before the date of the exam.

Additional info

The instructor is available for consultation by appointment.