Business English

Base Knowledge

Students should have an A2/B1 level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Teaching Methodologies

Classes will have both a theoretical and a practical component. The first half of the class will cover mainly theoretical topics; the second half, more practical exercises. Assessment: Continuous – a written test and an oral individual or group task. Written test: 12 out of 20; oral task: 8 out of 20. The final mark will be the average of the marks obtained in these two components. By choosing this type of assessment, students will have to attend at least 85% of the classes. Final examination assessment (normal, de recurso, and especial seasons) – a written exam (13 out of 20); a mandatory oral exam (7 out of 20). The final mark will be the average of the marks obtained in these two components.

Learning Results

This curricular unit has as main goal to give the students the necessary elements to adequately use the English language as a privileged vehicle of communication in the management area. The UK’s banking system will be one of the main topics covered, together with marketing and advertising. Along with specific terminology, the revision and consolidation of basic and intermediate grammar structures will also be carried out.

Program

1.1 Opening an account
1.2 Types of accounts
1.3 Cheques
1.4 Debit cards and credit cards
1.5 Standing orders and direct debits
1.6 Borrowing
1.7 Statement of account
1.8 Internet banking
2. Marketing
2.1 Purpose
2.2 The four Ps
2.3 The product life-cycle
3. Advertising
3.1 Purpose
3.2 Types of advertising
3.3 Planning an advertising campaign
3.4 Advertising media
4. Grammar topics
4.1 Verb tenses
4.2 Time and Place Prepositions
4.3 Modal verbs
4.4 Adjectives
4.5 The if-clauses

Curricular Unit Teachers

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

ASHLEY, A. (2003) A Handbook of Commercial Correspondence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
GOUVEIA, Luís, Teresa Lameiras e Raquel Cardoso (2004, 2ª edição) Glossário de Contabilidade: Inglês-Português. ISCA Aveiro e ISCAC Coimbra.
IRVINE, Mark and Marion Cadman (2003) Commercially Speaking. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
MARKS, Jon (2012) Check Your English Vocabulary for Banking and Finance. Bloomsbury.
MCKEOWN, Arthur, Ros Wright (2011) Professional English in Use: Management. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
VINCE, Michael (2010) Intermediate Language Practice: English Grammar and Vocabulary. Macmillan.