Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

Students are able to
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific work place situations both orally and in writing
- find, evaluate and use information effectively
- function collaboratively in international working environments.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Online 100%

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 must complete written and oral assignments, and may also be required to also participate in online meetings.

Timing and attendance

Online course, with possibly 2-3 scheduled online meetings, will be discussed at the beginning of the course.

Learning material and recommended literature

Provided by teacher through Moodle.

Exam retakes

Continuous evaluation.

Learning environment

Online course, most of the assignments are done individually.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS, equivalent to 104 hours of work.

Contents

Current topics of relevance to the business field:

- managing job application processes: CV, a video application
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of the business field
- managing written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and at work: correct/appropriate use of language (grammar, formal vs. informal style)
- communicating effectively for international practices
- critical use of resources.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework.
This course suits well for those students who are combining work and studies.

Assessment criteria

All compulsory assignments must be completed by the given deadlines.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student cannot convey messages at the required level meet task requirements.

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

The student has 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 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.