English for Communication in Management
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
In line with the general objectives of the university course, this course is aimed at providing students with linguistic means and strategies which could enable them to interact in English both in private or public companies.
To reach this objective the teacher will try to foster the basic communicative skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. As regards the skill of listening this will be improved thanks to the guided comprehension of BBC and CNN news and TED.COM videos.
The same goes for reading since the students will be guided in analysing articles from famous magazines or newspapers dealing with current affairs about economics and international politics. These articles will be analysed from the grammatical and lexical point of view and their specific vocabulary will be recorded in a glossary. The same articles will be used by the teacher to prompt discussions and so to foster speaking. Moreover the speaking skill will be spurred by the use of models which would mock real situations at work, here students will be asked to perform roleplays or write documents.
Finally, in order to learn more complex grammar structures and specific vocabulary corresponding to the B2 level students will be provided with frontal grammar lessons and with FCE activities.
To reach this objective the teacher will try to foster the basic communicative skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. As regards the skill of listening this will be improved thanks to the guided comprehension of BBC and CNN news and TED.COM videos.
The same goes for reading since the students will be guided in analysing articles from famous magazines or newspapers dealing with current affairs about economics and international politics. These articles will be analysed from the grammatical and lexical point of view and their specific vocabulary will be recorded in a glossary. The same articles will be used by the teacher to prompt discussions and so to foster speaking. Moreover the speaking skill will be spurred by the use of models which would mock real situations at work, here students will be asked to perform roleplays or write documents.
Finally, in order to learn more complex grammar structures and specific vocabulary corresponding to the B2 level students will be provided with frontal grammar lessons and with FCE activities.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students are expected to become independent users of the language as it is requested by the B2 level within the European Common Framework. This means that they should use more complex grammar structures and specific language and to be clear, accurate and logical in organizing their writing and speeches.
Students are supposed to describe the historical, scientific and economic process which has led English to become a 'lingua franca' in the world in connection to the globalization. In addition to that students should become more aware of their future professional role by describing the functions and duties of a HR manager within a company organization.
At the end of the course students should be able to understand any text about economics and politics and to connect it with their prior knowledge drawn from their university studies.
At the same time students are supposed to write e-mails, formal letters, memos, CVs and reports in English as well as to lead meetings, negotiations, telephone calls, interviews. In conclusion students should design and carry out a presentation about a topic they choose according to the instructions provided by the teacher during the course. Their arguments should be based on reliable sources presented in a bibliography.
Students are supposed to describe the historical, scientific and economic process which has led English to become a 'lingua franca' in the world in connection to the globalization. In addition to that students should become more aware of their future professional role by describing the functions and duties of a HR manager within a company organization.
At the end of the course students should be able to understand any text about economics and politics and to connect it with their prior knowledge drawn from their university studies.
At the same time students are supposed to write e-mails, formal letters, memos, CVs and reports in English as well as to lead meetings, negotiations, telephone calls, interviews. In conclusion students should design and carry out a presentation about a topic they choose according to the instructions provided by the teacher during the course. Their arguments should be based on reliable sources presented in a bibliography.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The course develops the linguistic and communicative skills required in contemporary business and management contexts, focusing on intercultural communication, corporate strategy, and human resources.
Designed for students with at least a B1 CEFR level (NB: required by the degree course), the course aims to improve students' linguistic competence while equipping them with the tools to understand and participate in English-language communication in multiple professional contexts.
The course is divided into three thematic modules, each focusing on a specific aspect, complemented by targeted grammar practice.
The three modules (60 h) jointly pursue the goal of the English course, and of the degree course in general, to provide students with specialized language skills suitable for use in modern business communication and management contexts.
In addition, students are invited to attend online language practice sessions (20 h): January 7, 12, 19, 20, 21 all online from 8.30-12.30 on Teams (join using this code: dpzqeee).
Module 1: Fundamentals of Business Communication & internationalization
Instructor: Prof. Jekaterina Nikitina ([email protected])
Schedule: Thursday, 08:45-10:30 (for 10 weeks)
Focus: Understanding how English is used in international corporate and organizational settings.
· Key Topics:
o World Englishes and internationalization
o Genres and media in business communication
o Intercultural business communication: understanding how context influences meaning and communication strategies across different national and business cultures
o Meetings: agenda, participation, negotiation, and decision-making
o Presentation skills: structure, delivery, and audience engagement
o Motivation, conflict resolution, and teamwork language
o Diversity and inclusion discourse
Module 2: Corporate Strategy and Business Operations
Instructor: Jekaterina Nikitina ([email protected])
Schedule: Friday, 08:30-10:30 (for 10 weeks)
Focus: Advanced business topics and critical analysis of management communication.
· Key Topics:
o Describing corporate structures, strategies, and trends
o Persuasive communication for managerial decision-making
o Company organization and departments
o Business models and innovation vocabulary
o Marketing and branding communication
o Corporate sustainability and ethics
o Corporate social responsibility
o Business reports and case studies
Module 3: Human Resources and Workplace Communication
Instructor: Paola Tosi ([email protected])
Schedule: Monday, 16:30-19:30 (for 7 weeks)
Focus: English for HR processes, recruitment, teamwork, and internal communication.
· Key Topics:
o Recruitment and job interviews
o Employee onboarding and performance feedback
o Talent management
o Management and staff
o Global mobility
o The recruiting process
· Assessment:
Besides the theoretical components, Module 3 includes ongoing assessment within which students will engage in a group project with an oral delivery. Attending students will be assessed based on their performance in the project. Non attending students will have to take this part on the oral exam day after the written parts of the exam.
LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS
Instructor: Mary Grace Cavallaro ([email protected])
Schedule: January 7, 12, 19, 20, 21 all online from 8.30-12.30 on Teams.
Focus: By the end of the online sessions, students will consolidate grammatical accuracy and gain fluency in core business communication scenarios (email, meetings, CVs, and interviews)
o Writing job descriptions and evaluating CVs
o Introductions, networking, and small talk in professional contexts
o Telephone and online communication etiquette
o Email writing and professional correspondence
o Vocabulary building
o Grammar exercises
o Role-plays in business contexts
NB: January 7 will feature an informal entrance test, which does not replace in any way TOLC / SLAM or other certificates.
Additional book for language practice sessions:
Market Leader intermediate by Cotton, Falvey and Kent.
Designed for students with at least a B1 CEFR level (NB: required by the degree course), the course aims to improve students' linguistic competence while equipping them with the tools to understand and participate in English-language communication in multiple professional contexts.
The course is divided into three thematic modules, each focusing on a specific aspect, complemented by targeted grammar practice.
The three modules (60 h) jointly pursue the goal of the English course, and of the degree course in general, to provide students with specialized language skills suitable for use in modern business communication and management contexts.
In addition, students are invited to attend online language practice sessions (20 h): January 7, 12, 19, 20, 21 all online from 8.30-12.30 on Teams (join using this code: dpzqeee).
Module 1: Fundamentals of Business Communication & internationalization
Instructor: Prof. Jekaterina Nikitina ([email protected])
Schedule: Thursday, 08:45-10:30 (for 10 weeks)
Focus: Understanding how English is used in international corporate and organizational settings.
· Key Topics:
o World Englishes and internationalization
o Genres and media in business communication
o Intercultural business communication: understanding how context influences meaning and communication strategies across different national and business cultures
o Meetings: agenda, participation, negotiation, and decision-making
o Presentation skills: structure, delivery, and audience engagement
o Motivation, conflict resolution, and teamwork language
o Diversity and inclusion discourse
Module 2: Corporate Strategy and Business Operations
Instructor: Jekaterina Nikitina ([email protected])
Schedule: Friday, 08:30-10:30 (for 10 weeks)
Focus: Advanced business topics and critical analysis of management communication.
· Key Topics:
o Describing corporate structures, strategies, and trends
o Persuasive communication for managerial decision-making
o Company organization and departments
o Business models and innovation vocabulary
o Marketing and branding communication
o Corporate sustainability and ethics
o Corporate social responsibility
o Business reports and case studies
Module 3: Human Resources and Workplace Communication
Instructor: Paola Tosi ([email protected])
Schedule: Monday, 16:30-19:30 (for 7 weeks)
Focus: English for HR processes, recruitment, teamwork, and internal communication.
· Key Topics:
o Recruitment and job interviews
o Employee onboarding and performance feedback
o Talent management
o Management and staff
o Global mobility
o The recruiting process
· Assessment:
Besides the theoretical components, Module 3 includes ongoing assessment within which students will engage in a group project with an oral delivery. Attending students will be assessed based on their performance in the project. Non attending students will have to take this part on the oral exam day after the written parts of the exam.
LANGUAGE PRACTICE SESSIONS
Instructor: Mary Grace Cavallaro ([email protected])
Schedule: January 7, 12, 19, 20, 21 all online from 8.30-12.30 on Teams.
Focus: By the end of the online sessions, students will consolidate grammatical accuracy and gain fluency in core business communication scenarios (email, meetings, CVs, and interviews)
o Writing job descriptions and evaluating CVs
o Introductions, networking, and small talk in professional contexts
o Telephone and online communication etiquette
o Email writing and professional correspondence
o Vocabulary building
o Grammar exercises
o Role-plays in business contexts
NB: January 7 will feature an informal entrance test, which does not replace in any way TOLC / SLAM or other certificates.
Additional book for language practice sessions:
Market Leader intermediate by Cotton, Falvey and Kent.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must hold a CEFR B1 certificate before the exam. This requirement is managed by the degree course (Management del Lavoro) and not by the teaching staff.
Without a B1 certificate (SLAM or recognised certificatory bodies) students will not be able to enrol for the exam. Please, note that this is an administrative requirement and not a requirement of professors Nikitina and Tosi. All inquiries and requests concerning this B1 certificate must be addressed to Informastudenti.
A working knowledge of Italian is recommended. The course exit level is set at B2 of the CEFR.
Without a B1 certificate (SLAM or recognised certificatory bodies) students will not be able to enrol for the exam. Please, note that this is an administrative requirement and not a requirement of professors Nikitina and Tosi. All inquiries and requests concerning this B1 certificate must be addressed to Informastudenti.
A working knowledge of Italian is recommended. The course exit level is set at B2 of the CEFR.
Teaching methods
The main course (60 h, 9 CFU) is delivered through frontal lectures combined with language practice sessions using digital tools (e.g., Wooclap, MyAriel) and in-class activities (e.g., group projects and smaller group discussions).
Additionally, we have activated a 20-h intensive language practice course online (via Teams, through synchronous online lectures) with language-focused sessions (grammar, syntax, and specialized vocabulary aimed at improving linguistic proficiency) with dott.ssa Maria Grazia Cavallaro.
Attendance of the main course is not mandatory but strongly recommended: attending students who participate in class activities on a regular basis may be entitled to a general bonus point (see "assessment").
Attendance of online language practice sessions and active participation may generate another language bonus point (see "assessment").
Additionally, we have activated a 20-h intensive language practice course online (via Teams, through synchronous online lectures) with language-focused sessions (grammar, syntax, and specialized vocabulary aimed at improving linguistic proficiency) with dott.ssa Maria Grazia Cavallaro.
Attendance of the main course is not mandatory but strongly recommended: attending students who participate in class activities on a regular basis may be entitled to a general bonus point (see "assessment").
Attendance of online language practice sessions and active participation may generate another language bonus point (see "assessment").
Teaching Resources
Theory:
· Rathmayr, R. (2017) "Intercultural business communication: A linguistic approach" Chapter 11 in Mautner, G., Rainer, F., & Ross, C. (Eds.). Handbook of business communication: linguistic approaches (1st ed.). De Gruyter Mouton, pp. 221 - 248.
· Dessler, G. (2020). Human resource management (16th edition.). Pearson (selected chapters)
o Chapter 3: "Human Resource Management Strategy and Performance"
o Chapter 5: "Personnel Planning and Recruiting"
o Chapter 9: "Performance Management and Appraisal"
Language:
· Business Partner B2 Upper Intermediate Coursebook & Ebook With Myenglishlab & Digital Resources, ed. Pearson, ISBN 978-1292233567
· Rathmayr, R. (2017) "Intercultural business communication: A linguistic approach" Chapter 11 in Mautner, G., Rainer, F., & Ross, C. (Eds.). Handbook of business communication: linguistic approaches (1st ed.). De Gruyter Mouton, pp. 221 - 248.
· Dessler, G. (2020). Human resource management (16th edition.). Pearson (selected chapters)
o Chapter 3: "Human Resource Management Strategy and Performance"
o Chapter 5: "Personnel Planning and Recruiting"
o Chapter 9: "Performance Management and Appraisal"
Language:
· Business Partner B2 Upper Intermediate Coursebook & Ebook With Myenglishlab & Digital Resources, ed. Pearson, ISBN 978-1292233567
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment consists of:
1. Language Skills Test: A computer-based test designed to evaluate grammar, syntax, and specialized vocabulary (fill-in-the-gap, word transformation, match the words with the definitions; reading comprehension exercises: multiple choice, true or false). Attendance of online language practice sessions is highly recommended to students who need to strengthen their language skills. The test must be completed in 30 minutes.
2. Theoretical Modules Test: A computer-based test covering the three modules (40 questions in total). Students have 30 minutes to complete it. No dictionaries are allowed.
3. Oral project (Ongoing Assessment): Students must deliver an individual presentation on an HR topic (during Module 3 or on the exam day) demonstrating their ability to express themselves fluently and grammatically correctly on topics covered in class.
All computer-based tests will be held in the university language labs (most probably in Polo di Sesto S. Giovanni, M1 Sesto Marelli); instructions will be provided on MyAriel in advance.
EVALUATION
The final mark (out of 30) is calculated based on grades from the Language Skills Test*, Theoretical Modules Test, and Oral project.
*Students attending and actively participating in online language practice sessions (with prof.ssa Cavallaro via Teams) may be eligible for a language bonus point, added to the mark for their Language Skills Test. For example, if it is 25, but they actively participated in online classes, it becomes 25+1=26.
** Students attending and actively participating in the main course classes may be eligible for a general bonus point, added to the average of Language Skills Test, Theoretical Modules Test, and Oral project. For example, if your marks are 26 (language skills) + 25 (Theoretical modules) + 28 (oral project) = 26.3; 26 + 1 (bonus point) = 27.
Active participation is defined as attending at least 70% of sessions and contributing regularly to class/group activities.
Final grade composition:
· Language Skills Test - 33.3%
· Theoretical Modules Test - 33.4%
· Oral Project - 33.3%
(+ up to 2 bonus points for active participation)
Validity of Marks:
Grades for individual exam components (oral project and bonus points) remain valid until the last exam session of the academic year (September 2026). Students may complete the Language and Theoretical Modules Tests at any point before this deadline.
1. Language Skills Test: A computer-based test designed to evaluate grammar, syntax, and specialized vocabulary (fill-in-the-gap, word transformation, match the words with the definitions; reading comprehension exercises: multiple choice, true or false). Attendance of online language practice sessions is highly recommended to students who need to strengthen their language skills. The test must be completed in 30 minutes.
2. Theoretical Modules Test: A computer-based test covering the three modules (40 questions in total). Students have 30 minutes to complete it. No dictionaries are allowed.
3. Oral project (Ongoing Assessment): Students must deliver an individual presentation on an HR topic (during Module 3 or on the exam day) demonstrating their ability to express themselves fluently and grammatically correctly on topics covered in class.
All computer-based tests will be held in the university language labs (most probably in Polo di Sesto S. Giovanni, M1 Sesto Marelli); instructions will be provided on MyAriel in advance.
EVALUATION
The final mark (out of 30) is calculated based on grades from the Language Skills Test*, Theoretical Modules Test, and Oral project.
*Students attending and actively participating in online language practice sessions (with prof.ssa Cavallaro via Teams) may be eligible for a language bonus point, added to the mark for their Language Skills Test. For example, if it is 25, but they actively participated in online classes, it becomes 25+1=26.
** Students attending and actively participating in the main course classes may be eligible for a general bonus point, added to the average of Language Skills Test, Theoretical Modules Test, and Oral project. For example, if your marks are 26 (language skills) + 25 (Theoretical modules) + 28 (oral project) = 26.3; 26 + 1 (bonus point) = 27.
Active participation is defined as attending at least 70% of sessions and contributing regularly to class/group activities.
Final grade composition:
· Language Skills Test - 33.3%
· Theoretical Modules Test - 33.4%
· Oral Project - 33.3%
(+ up to 2 bonus points for active participation)
Validity of Marks:
Grades for individual exam components (oral project and bonus points) remain valid until the last exam session of the academic year (September 2026). Students may complete the Language and Theoretical Modules Tests at any point before this deadline.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Nikitina Jekaterina, Tosi Paola
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Next office hours on 28/11; 13-14:30; details + booking form: https://forms.office.com/e/fn3RWBsmDf
Personal meeting space on Teams / room 4013