English for General Communication Purposes. Advanced Course - 2 – HSE University Course Catalogue – Higher School of Economics National Research University

2023/2024

Language: English

ECTS credits: 5

Contact hours: 80

Abstract

The discipline refers to the variable educational tracks offered to students of the curricula for bachelor's and master's degree at choice while mastering the optional course of English in accordance the Concept of Development of English-language Communicative Competence of HSE Students. “English for General Communication Purposes. Advanced course” is a course originally designed for the students of B2 CEFR level aspiring to enlarge their knowledge. Completing the course enables learners to boost their English language competences and skills up to the C1 level. Touching upon various life spheres, the course builds up a student’s image as a thriving personality able to successfully communicate in diverse environments. Advanced vocabulary units and grammatical structures are acquired and applied throughout the course, which makes undergraduates feel comfortable in the multicultural atmosphere of the university. The use of assorted modes of working in the process of study contributes to the development of soft skills including time-management, teamwork, presentation skills and others. The course employs exclusively authentic materials such as articles, reviews, essays, podcasts and videos to build strong reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The adaptability and saturation of the course provides each student with an opportunity to tailor the Programme to suit their individual interests and needs. By the end of the course students will have gained the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in English at C1 level (HSE Scale 80-89).

Learning Objectives

The complex development of skills and competences for general communication of the C1 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), HSE Scale 80-89 points) by improving students’ command of English for interpersonal and intercultural communication, enhancing receptive and productive skills related to general purposes, expanding vocabulary on a variety of topics and expanding grammar structures in use.

Expected Learning Outcomes

To develop skills of using basic listening techniques (predicting, understanding main ideas and details)
To develop understanding of lectures and learning context
To improve understanding of dialogues and polylogues on both familiar and unfamiliar topics
To form understanding of text structure
To develop understanding of articles and other texts
To develop writing skills (essay)
To expand lexical and grammatical repertoire
To develop skills of using basic reading techniques of skimming and scanning (predicting, understanding main ideas, understanding details)
To be able to produce monologues (descriptive/argumentative)
To be able to participate in dialogues/discussions

Course Contents

Fashion & consumerism
Technology and change.
People and ideas.
Journalism and media.
Law and society.
Arts and entertainment.

Assessment Elements

Final assessment
The final test includes one reading test and one written work (an essay). Time limit: 70 minutes. The release of examination papers: during the session. Grading formula: R* 0.4 + W*0.6 = 10.
Independent work assessment
Independent work includes activities that students do at home, activities that students do in the classroom and online work. The elements of independent work cannot be retaken.
Oral assessment
Oral assessment includes 1 monologue on a given topic and 1 discussion.
Written assessment
Written assessment includes: • 1 reading test, • 1 listening test, • 3 vocabulary and grammar tests • 1 essay.

Interim Assessment

2023/2024 4th module
0.3 * Final assessment + 0.25 * Independent work assessment + 0.2 * Oral assessment + 0.25 * Written assessment

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Berry, R. (2018). English Grammar : A Resource Book for Students (Vol. 2nd edition). [Place of publication not identified]: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1753147
New language leader: advanced : coursebook, , 2015

Recommended Additional Bibliography

English grammar : a resource book for students, Berry, R., 2012
Качалова, К. Н. Практическая грамматика английского языка с упражнениями и ключами : учебник / К. Н. Качалова, Е. Е. Израилевич. — Санкт-Петербург : КАРО, 2018. — 608 с. — ISBN 978-5-9925-0716-4. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/114337 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.

Course Syllabus

English for General Communication Purposes. Advanced Course - 2