English Applied to Business Sciences III

Students should have a B2/B2+ level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

The adopted methodology is student-centred, with a strong practical and communicative component, following the principles of a task-based approach. It includes the following strategies:

• Task-based learning: each unit is developed around communicative tasks with real-world application (e.g., writing an email, preparing a presentation, participating in a meeting).
• Contextualised grammar teaching: grammatical content is introduced progressively and applied in authentic communicative situations.
• Use of authentic materials: incorporation of excerpts from emails, agendas, brochures, and other real business documents.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence tools: students are guided to use generative AI ethically and responsibly to support written production and vocabulary development.
• Collaborative work and oral presentations: development of interpersonal and communication skills through group activities.

Objectives:

• To develop advanced language skills in Business English.
• To prepare students for real-life professional communication in international contexts.
• To foster autonomous production of professional documents and presentations.

Skills:

• Ability to write reports, proposals, and formal documents in English.
• Ability to communicate orally in a structured and effective manner in presentation and negotiation contexts.
• Autonomous and critical use of linguistic tools and digital resources.

Week 1

Topic: Introduction to Business Communication in English
Grammar: Modal verbs of obligation and permission; verb tense revision
Assessment: Initial language skills diagnostic (formative)

Week 2

Topic: Organisational Structure and Executive Support Functions
Grammar: Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Assessment: Functional vocabulary quiz (formative)

Week 3

Topic: Internal Communication and Information Channels
Grammar: Passive voice; question forms
Assessment: Written task – drafting a formal email (formative)

Week 4

Topic: Diary Management and Meeting Organisation
Grammar: Future forms (will, going to, present continuous)
Assessment: Practical simulation – meeting scheduling and minutes (formative)

Week 5

Topic: Customer Service: Internal and External Stakeholders
Grammar: Conditionals (0 and 1); polite expressions
Assessment: Roleplay: face-to-face and phone interaction (formative)

Week 6

Topic: Report Writing and Executive Summaries
Grammar: Past Simple vs Present Perfect
Assessment: Grammar and Vocabulary Test (20%)

Week 7

Topic: Document Management and Administrative Writing
Grammar: Nominalisations; passive structures
Assessment: Written task: report or memo draft (formative)

Week 8

Topic: Conflict Management and Problem-Solving
Grammar: Modals of deduction and suggestion (must, might, should)
Assessment: Individual written test based on case scenario (30%)

Week 9

Topic: Intercultural Communication and Professional Etiquette
Grammar: Adjectives and adverbs; comparatives and superlatives
Assessment: Structured debate using field-specific vocabulary (formative)

Week 10

Topic: Digital Communication: Email, Intranet, and Collaborative Tools
Grammar: Reported speech; digital vocabulary
Assessment: Case study analysis and adapted message writing (formative)

Week 11

Topic: Meeting Documents and Presentation Materials
Grammar: Relative clauses; formal writing structures
Assessment: Written task: agenda and meeting minutes (20%)

Week 12

Topic: Institutional Image and Corporate Communication
Grammar: Discourse markers; linkers
Assessment: Drafting an institutional statement (formative)

Week 13

Topic: Preparing Business Presentations
Grammar: Presentation language; sequencing expressions
Assessment: Rehearsal with peer feedback (formative)

Week 14

Topic: Global Review and Consolidation
Grammar: Revision of previously studied structures
Assessment: Final presentation preparation (guided feedback)

Week 15

Topic: Formal Business Presentations
Assessment: Final Oral Presentation – Simulated professional context (30%)

• - Test - 40.0%
• - Final Work - 20.0%
• - Test - 40.0%

• - Exame - 100.0%

NAO