This course provides students with theoretical as well as practical know-how concerning the relevance and use of language in specified fields such as law and finance. Based on authentic texts of various genres, this class will help students develop skills with regard to reception and production of audience-specific communication in a range of settings that extend beyond those mentioned above to include, for example, language for academic purposes. Translation of general texts into specific language and vice versa will form the cornerstone of hands-on application in the context of this course.

After completing this course, students will be able to define and identify language for specific purposes (LSP) as well as understand when and how to employ LSP. Additionally, participants will have developed relevant skills to produce texts themselves using appropriate technical terms and stylistic features peculiar to certain contexts.

In line with WU regulations for PI-type classes. Mandatory attendance with a maximum of 20% of class time that can be missed; however, missing class time will result in potential loss of participation and/or in-class assignment points for the sessions in question.

Team teaching by two lecturers with complementary skill sets. Students will first be exposed to the theoretical underpinning of Language for Specific Purposes and then have the chance to analyze texts from a range of specialized fields. Finally, participants will have to produce their own text adaptations to fit the settings in each context.

Regular in-class assignments (text analysis & production): 60% total

Ongoing participation: 20%

Final exam: 20%

Content as well as appropriate language use will form the basis of assessment.

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