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

Blended learning course.
Individual and group work.
Spoken and written assignments. There are four assignments that will be evaluated by the teacher with the grade 5 -0 (CV and video application; formal email; report, executive summary and sales pitch) the other assignments are evaluated on pass/ fail scale. In addition to this, there are lessons and meetings to attend. Active participation in all these activities impacts your grade for the course.

Timing and attendance

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

Learning material and recommended literature

Authentic articles, videos, podcasts are used as materials for the course.

Learning environment

Campus and online.

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: pass/ fail assignments as well as 4 assignments for teacher's evaluation; participating in lessons.

Contents

- managing job application processes (CV, video application, job interview);
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of the business field: the topics include working globally (cross-cultural collaboration in business); the world of business, professional meetings; activities include participating in discussions, problem-solving, information presentation);
- managing in written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and in the work-life: correct/appropriate use of language (grammar, formal vs. informal style)
- recognizing and applying the different sources and tools to help students improve their English skills: critical use of dictionaries and other resources

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation on the scale 5 - 0.

Assessment scale

1-5

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

The student can speak satisfactorily. Interaction is occasional. Speech lacks structuring, logic and cohesion almost totally. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is quite hesitant, pauses are rather long and pronunciation mistakes sometimes disturb the message. The student uses only a few basic structures and makes mistakes.

Written communication consists mostly of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Much of the text lacks logic and cohesive elements. The text is not in keeping with the genre- and/or style-specific conventions. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. There are considerable flaws in meeting the task requirements

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

The student can speak well and interacts with the speaking partner/audience. The student knows how to use ways of nonverbal communication. Speech is easy to follow but lacks cohesion in places. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent and clear but short 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. The text has a reasonably logical structure. The text is cohesive but minor flaws occur. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements

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

The student can speak extremely well. Interaction is very skillful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports the speech. Speech is target-oriented, very consistent, to the point and logical. Transitions are very smooth. Linguistic performance (speech, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent, clear and accurate, and speech tempo is normal.

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, but makes occasional mistakes in the most advanced structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. The text is cohesive and transitions are smooth. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements