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

The focus is on learning through individual guided work and active participation in online meetings and other activities, which aim to simulate the communication of business professionals. In addition to reading and listening to authentic business communication materials, students will also participate in online meetings and complete written and oral assignments.

Timing and attendance

100% online course.
All assignments need to be submitted before their designated deadlines.
During the course a student is expected to participate in 4 online meetings. The absence cannot be covered by any other assignment and will impact the final grade.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials are provided via Moodle.
Authentic articles, videos, podcasts are used as materials for the course.

Learning environment

Moodle.
The online lessons are held in Zoom.

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, participating in 4 online lessons.
Online lessons are held during weeks 40, 44, 45, and 47. Each online lesson has two time options: the evening time and the morning time, a student can choose the one that fits his/ her schedule.

Contents

Current topics of relevance to the business field:

- managing job application processes (CV, video application, job interview);
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of business field (the topics include working globally (cross-cultural collaboration in business); the world of business (entrepreneur, company, bank); professional meetings; activities include participating in the meetings, discussions, problem-solving, information presentation);
- managing written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and at work: correct/appropriate use of language (grammar, formal vs. informal style).

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Assessment criteria

The course is evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment.
Active participation in all course's activities impacts the course grade.

Assessment scale

1-5

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

The student has a satisfactory knowledge of the course content.

The speech is understandable with some difficulty to follow. Interaction is mostly missing. The speech is hesitant, pauses are rather long and pronunciation mistakes sometimes make it hard to understand the message. The student uses only basic structures and makes some mistakes.

Written communication consists of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered.

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

The student has a good knowledge of the course content.

The student communicates in English well, interacts adequately and uses means of nonverbal communication. The speech is fairly easy to follow. The speech is fluent and clear, but 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. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style.

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

The student has an excellent knowledge of the course content.

The student communicates in excellent English. Interaction is very skillful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports the spoken words. The speech is targeted, extremely logical, relevant and consistent. The speech (language, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent, clear, accurate and naturally paced.

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, making occasional mistakes only in the most complex structures. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style.