2026/2027
Английский язык для специальных целей. Английский для международников – 1
Статус:
Факультатив
Когда читается:
1, 2 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
48
Course Syllabus
Abstract
English for International Studies -1 is a course designed for the first-year undergraduate students majoring in World Economy and International Relations. The course is based on the Concept for the Development of Foreign Language Communicative Competence of HSE University Students. The course takes a balanced approach to building students’ confidence and skills required to excel in academic study, as well as to use English in the modern world. It combines (1) upgrading student English language and communication skills to the upper intermediate level (including reading and listening comprehension, written and oral expression, and communicative interaction) and (2) building a strong foundation in the field of International Studies. Content-based language teaching increases students’ motivation, develops more comprehensive knowledge of the world and supports their general educational needs. The multifaceted holistic approach provides students with the tools for comprehending , exploring, and interpreting current trends in economic, political, and social development. Contemporary topics and issues stimulate students’ minds, develop their critical thinking skills, and motivate learners to meaningfully engage with language.
The final grade is composed of the following parts: Written Assessment (WA) * 0.2 + Oral Assessment (OA) * 0.2 + Home Assignment (HA) * 0.1 + English Grammar and Vocabulary Test * 0.1 + Attendance * 0.1 + Final Assessment (FA) * 0.3.
The prerequisites for the course are at least 70 points in the HSE entrance language proficiency test.
Learning Objectives
- The course aims at introducing students to topical business and international relations issues and building professional language and communication skills ● enriching the academic and subject-specific vocabulary and extending the grammatical range for discussing a variety of topics, such as International Politics and Foreign Policy, Economics and World Economy, Outstanding Political Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Small Business and Corporations, etc. ● equipping students with the reading strategies needed for tackling information-rich texts ● improving students’ writing skills using a scaffolding approach to writing ● increasing exposure to natural fluency and pronunciation using various video resources ● developing skills of target listening and extracting information from various types of texts (lectures, interviews, discussions, etc.) ● developing intercultural competence while focusing on the national aspects of cultures, comparing them to their own culture.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- to understand the major specialised terms associated with economics, politics and international relations
- to use language flexibly and effectively for academic and professional purposes
- to develop skills of note-taking
- to give a structured talk (monologue): descriptive/informative/reasoning
- to participate in discussions on various topics (active listening, questioning, responding to questions, emphasizing)
- to understand lectures, dialogues and polylogues on both familiar and unfamiliar topics
- to understand text structure
- to use basic listening techniques (predicting, understanding main ideas and details)
- to develop skills in writing a summary
- to use basic reading techniques, skimming and scanning (predicting, understanding main ideas, understanding details)
Course Contents
- What are international studies about? Economics vs world economy. World politics vs foreign policy
- What is a state? Territory, people and sovereignty
- Economic systems
- What do diplomats do? The most influential diplomats and political leaders
- Role and challenges of entrepreneurs. Outstanding entrepreneurs
Assessment Elements
- Final Assessment (FA)The interim exam lasts 70 minutes. The exam is a written paper-and-pen test and is aimed at checking whether the student can demonstrate the acquisition of the learning objectives set. The exam consists of two parts, i.e. Listening (L) and Writing (W) that weigh 50% and 50% respectively in the total mark for the exam: Listening (L): Listen to the text ONCE and complete the tasks. Max. 10 points. Writing (W): Read the text. Write a summary on the text you have read. A student should write a 150-word summary. Students have no more than 20 minutes to complete the Listening (L) part and 50 minutes to complete the Writing (W) part. Grading formula: L*0,5 + W*0,5 = 10 The actual scores for Listening are turned into percentages which are tuned into a final mark out of 10 points. Grading scale: 10 =100 - 96%, 9=95 - 91%, 8=90 - 86%, 7 = 85 - 78%, 6 =77 - 71%, 5= 70 - 61%, 4 = 60 - 51%, 3 = 50 - 36%, 2 = 35 - 21%, 1 = 20 - 1 %, 0 = 0%. Writing is assessed against the criteria. Period of FA: 10 days prior to the 2nd module’s session. The release of examination papers: during the session.
- Written Assessment (WA)Written Assessment (CWA) comprises 6 to 8 tasks. The final grade is the arithmetic mean of the best-performing tasks, excluding the two lowest scores. The two tasks for which the student has received the lowest scores do not contribute to the final grade. The final grade is not rounded up. Written assessment includes Reading Tests, Listening Tests, Vocabulary & Grammar Tests, Advantages and Disadvantages Essays.
- Oral Assessment (OA)Structured talks (monologues) and discussions.
- Home Assignment (HA)Home Assignment (HA) includes oral and/or written tasks that are assigned to students for independent completion and submission. Students do the tasks at home and either turn them in to their teachers or submit them via Smart LMS for grading.
- English Grammar and Vocabulary TestEnglish Grammar and Vocabulary Test covers all the vocabulary and grammar topic students have studied over the semester.
- AttendanceAttendance grade is calculated using a 10-point grading scale based on a student’s attendance rate.
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 2nd module0.3 * Final Assessment (FA) + 0.2 * Written Assessment (WA) + 0.2 * Oral Assessment (OA) + 0.1 * English Grammar and Vocabulary Test + 0.1 * Attendance + 0.1 * Home Assignment (HA)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Clark, W. R. (DE-588)13711754X, (DE-576)302153160. (2013). Principles of comparative politics / William Roberts Clark; Matt Golder; Sona Nadenichek Golder. Los Angeles [u.a.]: CQ Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.359208835
- Якушева, И. В. Английский язык (B1). Introduction Into Professional English : учебник и практикум для вузов / И. В. Якушева, О. А. Демченкова. — 3-е изд., испр. и доп. — Москва : Издательство Юрайт, 2025. — 148 с. — (Высшее образование). — ISBN 978-5-534-17896-8. — Текст : электронный // Образовательная платформа Юрайт [сайт]. — URL: https://urait.ru/bcode/561203 (дата обращения: 02.07.2026).
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Academic writing : a handbook for international students, Bailey, S., 2011