The aim of this introductory course is to familiarize students with the English language used in the field of Economics. A series of   authentic or adapted texts from Economics university textbooks, periodicals and   web-pages are read and discussed in class for comprehension, vocabulary acquisition and development. Students learn to read and describe tables, charts and diagrams related to economics. Complex grammar and syntax found in the reading selections is explained and practiced. The selected texts are drawn mostly from Microeconomics.

By the end of this course the students will have:

• Improved their understanding of economics terminology, especially the language used in economics textbooks and journals.
• Learned how to comprehend and analyze authentic material (texts referring to their subject matter), with teaching focused on the development of language skills for the purposes of their field of study.

The selected texts are drawn mostly from Microeconomics. Every lesson includes a variety of language exercises which help students acquire the vocabulary and the skills necessary in their field of study.

Topics include:

• Observation and Theory in Economics  – Definitions of Economics and Microeconomics
• Scarcity – Choice –Efficiency -Constraints and Costs
• The importance of Logic in Economics- Critical Thinking
• Positive and Normative Economics
• Facts Evidence and Data- The Language of Statistics- Abbreviations in Academic Writing
• Expressing Cause and Effect in economics academic writing
• Elements of an Economic System – Production-Factors of Production
• Graphing Data- Demand and Supply-Equilibrium-Shifts vs. Movements
• Graphs and Diagrams- The language for describing and interpreting Graphs
• Choice and Utility Theory – Expressing numbers in English
• Markets – Interrelated Markets – Flexible Labour Markets
• Monopoly and Oligopoly – Kinked Demand Curve
• Revision – Exam practice

Lectures and classroom exercises/activities (3 hours per week)

Assessment consists of:

(a) written exam at the end of the semester consisting of: true/false statements, multiple choice questions, cloze passages, matching terms and definitions, text comprehension, and short answer/ essay questions. (70 % of the final grade)

(b) Optional Assignment A (10% of the final grade)

(c) Optional Assignment B (20% of the final grade)

The final grade for the course will be based 100% on the final exam if no optional assignments are submitted.

The curriculum, the assessment method of the course and other relevant material are available in e-class and are accessible to all students.

Use of IT in teaching, and in communication with the students (e-class).

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