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

This course is taught in class and on Moodle, blended learning.

The focus is on learning through lively face-to-face interaction which aims to simulate the activities of business professionals. In addition to reading and listening to authentic business communication materials, students will also participate in discussions, debates, information-gathering, presentations, meetings, and complete written and oral assignments.

Timing and attendance

Periods 1 and 2 of the autumn term 2023.
Regular and active participation during lessons is required. All compulsory assignments must be completed by the deadline.
Participation in the contact lesson during week 45 is evaluated, thus it is compulsory.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials are provided via Moodle.
Authentic articles, videos, podcasts are used as materials for the course.

Learning environment

Moodle.
Classroom lessons are held in Lappeenranta campus.

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, including 4 assignments for teacher's evaluation; participating in contact lessons (22h).

Contents

Current topics of relevance to the business field:

- managing job application processes (CV, video application, job interview);
- understanding the key terminology and concepts of business field (the topics include working globally (cross-cultural collaboration in business); the world of business (entrepreneur, company, bank); professional meetings (communicating with your employees, business meetings, negotiations); activities include participating in the meetings, discussions, problem-solving, information presentation;
- managing written and oral communication situations required in professional studies and at work: correct/appropriate use of language (grammar, formal vs. informal style).

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Assessment criteria

The course is evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment.
Active participation in all course's activities impacts the course grade.

Assessment scale

1-5

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 skilful, 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.