Economic and commercial texts in English: Exploring business genres and specialized vocabulary

Teacher(s)

De Cock Sylvie;

Language

English

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: B2 level of listening and reading and B2 level of speaking (Common European Framework of Reference).

Main themes

The course is based on a detailed description of the linguistic (grammatical, lexical and stylistic) features that are typical of the economic and commercial domain as opposed to other registers of the English language. The focus is on significantly increasing specialised vocabulary to enable students to easily understand any text in this domain. Articles from newspapers, magazines, scientific books and websites are used for reading comprehension and vocabulary extension exercises.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Understand economic and commercial texts in English and have acquired a solid vocabulary in these areas (at C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference).

Content

The course is based on a detailed analysis of a series of business genres using original texts. The focus is also on the language that is used in the genres under study. The course is organised both around a series of genres (news reports, press releases, annual reports, academic texts, blogs, job advertisements, etc.) and around themes such as human resources, the structure of organisations, (digital) marketing and advertising, sustainable development and innovation. Various exercises are also used to enhance reading skills and vocabulary extension in this domain.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions based on authentic texts as well as reading and vocabulary exercises.  Students will be required to do preparation work (reading and vocabulary exercises) before coming to class. 
The lectures are given face to face (or online via Teams or using dual mode teachig if face to face teaching is not possible in case of a health crisis for example).

Evaluation methods

(1) Written exam (January session) = 90% of the final mark for the course: (1) reading comprehension activities about a series of authentic texts dealing with topics similar to the ones covered in class and questions relating to the genres discussed in class (50% of the mark) and (2) vocabulary exercises based on the vocabulary covered in the course (50% of the mark).
(2) Continuous assessment: portfolio of authentic texts representing some of the genres discussed in class = 10% of the final mark for the course (to be submitted at the beginning of the session).
In case of resit (August-September session), students take the written exam again.  
The use of generative artificial intelligence is not allowed for any parts of the evaluation. Their use by the student will be considered as cheating.

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

• On Moodle

Teaching materials

• Course notes, documents and exercises available on Moodle

Faculty or entity

> ELAL