Overall objectives:

1 - The course aims to (1) promote research, analysis and production of a corpus of specialized texts in English (spoken and written), for example texts for technical and scientific dissemination, brochures, pamphlets, scientific papers, scientific reports and instructional manuals;
2 - (2) the acquisition of specific lexical and syntactic structures and technical jargon in English. The analysis of specialized corpora also contributes to the acquisition and development of communication (linguistic, discursive and pragmatic-strategic) and intercultural skills by students, proficient users, necessary for interpersonal communication and professional transaction in English by qualified professionals, in these areas, in the global world.

Syllabus:

1 - I. COMMUNICATING IN SCIENCE: Theories, genres, discourse community and the rhetoric of communication: scientific/technical writing (discursive practices in business, industry and government); modes of discourse; tone (advocacy and objectivity); Discursive practices: pamphlets and brochures; newsletters and catalogue descriptions; online documentation; research journals; technical, maintenance and operational manuals
2 - II. WRITING AND REVISING: English usage and use; Revising (editing checklist): structure; cohesion; coherence; Research and referencing: style manuals; Data presentation: visuals, numbers and figures, abbreviations and symbols; Scientific and technical reference works (print and online)
3 - III. MULTIMEDIA LITERACY: Modes of communication; ethics and effects of CMC on research participation and visual CMC.
4 - IV. ENGLISH GRAMMAR: Verbs; Reported speech ; Word formation and order; Reference Words; Connectors; Inversion and emphasis

Literature/Sources:

Seely, J , 2005 , Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking , O.U.P.
Bolitho, A. R , Learn English for Science , Longman,
Booth, V , 1993 , Communicating in Science, Writing a Scientific Paper and Speaking at Scientific Meetings, , CUP,
Ewer, J. & M. Domingues , 1990 , A Course in Basic Scientific English , Longman,
Griffiths, P , 2007 , Scientific Writing , Garnet Education
Perelman, L , 1998 , The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing , Mayfield,
White, R. and D. McGovern , 1994 , Writing ? English for Academic Study Series , Prentice Hall

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
Classes are of the expositive, theoret.-pract.l type. The presentation of the Syll. material is achieved through ongoing lecturer-student-lecturer interaction. During class-meetings students will develop their oral and written prod. in Eng., both through indiv., pair/peer and group work, as follows: i) theoret. approaches to subject matters with students? particip. (tutorials/pract. sessions); ii) different ways of addressing expert and lay audiences by taking part in debates, outlining and delivering oral pres., reporting scientific and techn. evidence; iii) the prod. of texts on an indiv. and group work basis ; iv) indiv. projects; v) filling in questionnaires; vi) peer-eval. and students? self-critiques. Assessment: Type A was chosen from the Ass. Reg. of UMa. Hence, students are assessed during the semester in 2 written partial exams (1: 40% + 2: 40%) and in an oral component (20%), in which their comm. (linguistic, discursive and strategic) competence will be tested at A-level.