Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- interpret and analyse authentic professional texts in English
- identify the main content points in texts and find information that they need
- adopt and use professional terminology
- use different techniques to enhance reading
- prepare summaries and presentations in English
- communicate with clients.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Blended learning: in-class learning sessions on campus and online, self-studies online. Lectures and teacher-directed activities, peer-to-peer learning and feedback. Group work and individual studies. Where relevant and possible, integration with another course implementation (e.g. an information search task or a report/summary writing task).

Timing and attendance

Scheduled weekly classes to attend (min. 75%). Weekly or semi-weekly online or in-class tasks to compete successfully by deadlines. Timing: 5 September - 16 December 2022.

Learning material and recommended literature

Provided by the teacher via Moodle. Selected and created by the students according to their needs and interests.

Alternative completion methods

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). To be discussed with the teacher

Learning environment

Blanded learning: campus (classroom) and online (Moodle, Zoom/Teams, other digital platforms as needed)

Student time use and work load

The estimated student workload is 108 h spread evenly during the 4-credit course, including reading, exercises and assignments, and lectures or other scheduled meetings.

Contents

Field-specific concepts and terminology, professional communication: Business law
- interpreting law texts, VAT regulations, employment and other contracts
- customer service at a bank, including family and inheritance law, opening of an account and related documents, power of attorney
- spoken communication with customers
- presenting and discussing professional topics
- producing summaries and reports

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at skills level CEFR B2.

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation: regular attendance (75%) and active participation in lectures and in-class exercises. Successful completion of written and spoken assignments and tests by given deadlines. Students are assessed individually on a scale of 5-0.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student does not meet the course requirements.

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

Student can use organizational features in texts to help find relevant information and can apply a technique to support reading for information. From most common field-specific texts, the student identifies main content points and understands the relationships between them. Student knows and can use essential field-specific terms with the help of dictionaries. Student can retell essential content points from a professional text in writing and in speech. Student can communicate with clients in basic speaking situations at work.

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

Student can use organizational features in texts to help find relevant information and can confidently apply techniques to support reading for information. From varied field-specific texts, the student identifies the main content points, can analyze the relationships between them and can use the information for professional purposes. Student knows and uses field-specific terms independently and using appropriate tools such as professional dictionaries and literature. The student can retell, in their own words where appropriate, the main content points from a professional text in writing and in speech. The student can communicate with clients in speaking situations at work.

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

Student can recognize organizational features in different types of texts and use this knowledge effectively to help find relevant information. Student can confidently apply various techniques to support reading for information. Student can identify, analyze, interpret and make comments on the content points from a range of field-specific texts. Student can decide which information is most appropriate and use it for professional purposes. Student knows and uses field-specific terms independently and using appropriate tools such as the most reliable professional dictionaries and literature. The student can retell, in their own words where appropriate, the main content points from a professional text in writing and in speech, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the source text. The student can fluently communicate with clients in varied speaking situations at work.