Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific workplace situations both orally and in writing
- find, evaluate and use information effectively
- function collaboratively in international working environments.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This is a blended learning course:
- Every second week 4h of contact lessons
- Every other week individual/group work through Moodle.

There are three major assignments for the course, graded 0-5:
- Business plan (written)
- CV + Video CV (written and spoken)
- Job interview (spoken)
A range of other tasks in the course will be evaluated on pass/ fail scale.

Timing and attendance

Attendance 80% of the contact lessons, regular and active participation during lessons. All compulsory assignments must be completed by deadline.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials are provided via Moodle.

Learning environment

Moodle and on-campus lessons (unless specified otherwise).

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS course, which means about 108 hour of student's work.
Student's workload consists of studying theory, watching video materials, completing written and oral assignments: pass/ fail assignments as well as 3 assignments for teacher's evaluation; participating in contact lessons.

Contents

Overall outcomes:
- managing job application processes (video application, CV; job interview simulation)
- understanding the terminology and concepts of their own field
- managing in written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and in work life
- recognizing and applying the different sources and tools to help students improve their English skills

Content:
- Tools to help learn and improve English skills
- Introduction to basic concepts of business theory
- Creating a CV and Video CV
- Job searching and Interviews
- Introduction to formal writing
- Introduction to meetings and negotiations

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework.

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation on the scale 5 - 0.

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak satisfactorily. Interaction is occasional. Speech lacks structuring, logic and cohesion almost totally. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is quite hesitant, pauses are rather long and pronunciation mistakes sometimes disturb the message. The student uses only a few basic structures and makes mistakes.

Written communication consists mostly of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Much of the text lacks logic and cohesive elements. The text is not in keeping with the genre- and/or style-specific conventions. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. There are considerable flaws in meeting the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak well and interacts with the speaking partner/audience. The student knows how to use ways of nonverbal communication. Speech is easy to follow but lacks cohesion in places. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent and clear but short pauses, hesitations and pronunciation mistakes may occur.

Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. The text is cohesive but minor flaws occur. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student can speak extremely well. Interaction is very skillful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports the speech. Speech is target-oriented, very consistent, to the point and logical. Transitions are very smooth. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent, clear and accurate, and speech tempo is normal.

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, but makes occasional mistakes in the most advanced structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. The text is cohesive and transitions are smooth. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements.