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

In-class learning, online on Zoom, blended learning.
Group and pair work, individual assignments.

Timing and attendance

January - March 2022.

Learning material and recommended literature

Compiled by the lecturer and provided on the Moodle platform.

Alternative completion methods

Discussed case specifically with the lecturer.

Learning environment

In-class learning, online on Zoom, blended learning.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS course, which means about 100 - 110 hours of student's work. Student's workload consists of regularly and actively participating in lessons, studying the course material, watching video materials, completing written and oral assignments, which include pass/ fail assignments as well as assignments for teacher's evaluation.

Contents

Students will:
- learn the main terminology and concepts of their own field
- manage in written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and in the work life
- recognize and apply different sources and tools to help improve their English skills
- learn to participate in workshops and group discussions as well as give presentations.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Students can take an online proficiency test at the start of their studies. Those who fail the test are strongly advised to complete a preparatory course in English (English Prep Course 3 credits) before or alongside taking the course English for Work.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

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

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.