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

This is an online course taught through Moodle. There are no regular lessons for this course and all work is completed by students independently.

This course is suitable for those students who are combining work and studies.

Timing and attendance

This is a self-guided course. All work is delivered through Moodle and guidance is provided on the work to be completed and by what dates assignments need to be completed.

Assignment deadlines are provided in Moodle and students are expected to return assignments by the given deadlines.

Learning material and recommended literature

Provided by teacher through Moodle.

Learning environment

The course will be delivered entirely through Moodle.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS, equivalent to 104 hours of work.

Contents

Overview of topics:

- managing job application processes: CV
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of the business field
- managing written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and at work
- 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 of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This course is suitable for those students who are combining work and studies.

The teacher will have an autumn break from Monday 24.10 - Sunday 6.11. Assignments and coursework will be arranged around these dates but there may be a small delay in students receiving feedback and grades for assignments due during this time.

Assessment criteria

All compulsory assignments must be completed by the given deadlines. The final course grade will be an average of the assignment grades.

Students will complete 3 quizzes and 4 assignments in total - some assignments will be smaller assignments while others will require more time for completion.

The course has been structured into 4 modules with the following quizzes/assignments -
- Module 1: Formal writing quiz + Business plan assignment (including a promotional poster for the business)
- Module 2: International business quiz + Presentation assignment (information, marketing or persuasive presentation)
- Module 3: Article summary/opinion piece (business-related)
- Module 4 (option 1): Jobs/Work quiz + Written CV assignment OR
- Module 4 (option 2): Meetings quiz + Negotiations assignment

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

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

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

For verbal communication -
- The student speaks in a style vaguely appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts minimally with participants. Performance meets few of the set expectations of given assignment.
- The student speaks in a vaguely consistent manner. Delivery is minimally structured.
- Linguistic performance is minimally accurate and appropriate to the context. Pauses are rather long and at times pronunciation hinders comprehension.

For written communication -
- The student has met the assignment requirements minimally. Work displays vaguely consistent and appropriate register. Content is vaguely effective and diverse.
- The text is not in keeping with style-specific conventions.
- The student constructs minimally understandable sentences. Grammatical irregularities occur often. Vocabulary is minimally appropriate to context.

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

For verbal communication -
- In most cases the student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts with participants. Performance meets most set expectations of given assignment.
- The student speaks in a consistent manner. Delivery is structured.
- Linguistic performance is somewhat accurate and appropriate to the context, although short pauses and hesitations may occur.

For written communication -
- The student has met the assignment requirements adequately. Work displays somewhat consistent and appropriate register. Content is somewhat effective and diverse.
- The text has a reasonably logical structure. The text is rather cohesive. Minor mistakes occur in style.
- The student mostly constructs sentences well. Grammatical irregularities occur. Vocabulary is adequately professional and mostly appropriate to context.

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

For verbal communication -
- The student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts fluently and competently. Performance meets all set expectations of given assignment.
- The student speaks in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. Delivery is well-structured, intentional.
- Linguistic performance is accurate, appropriate to the context, and speech tempo is natural.

For written communication -
- The student has met the assignment requirements fully. Work displays consistent and appropriate register. Content is effective, diverse, and skillfully delivered.
- The text has a clear and logical structure. The text is cohesive, fluent, and versatile.
- The student uses varied structures although occasional grammatical irregularities may occur. Vocabulary is varied and professional and typically appropriate to context. ?