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 course is taught in class.

The focus is on learning through lively face-to-face interaction which aims to simulate the activities of professional engineers. In addition to reading about various developments in engineering and listening to authentic discussions on them, students will also discuss the developments themselves, take part in problem-solving activities, panel discussions, project launches, debates, information-gathering, interviews, presentations, and meetings.

Timing and attendance

Periods 3-4 (Spring 2024)

2 lessons per week, each lesson lasting 2 hours.
5 absences allowed, not more than 3 in either period.

Learning material and recommended literature

All material will be provided by the teacher in class. They are based on authentic reading texts from publications such as The New Scientist, MIT Technology Review, The Economist, The Guardian, The New York Times, etc., and authentic listening material from broadcasting stations such as the BBC, NPR, Radio Australia, etc.

Learning environment

Dynamic and collaborative classroom learning environment that provides space and time for creative experimentation.

Student time use and work load

4 credits, equivalent to 100-120 hours of work, divided as follows:
• Lessons in class: 56 hours
• Homework and self-study: 44+ hours

Contents

Current topics of relevance to the engineering profession, for example, energy, artificial intelligence, the environment, machines and processes, transport, materials, etc.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught on a C1-C2 level.
Therefore, participants should have B2 level English skills (according to the Common European Framework for Languages). Students with less than B2 level skills—who wish to be challenged and who are willing to put in extra effort—are also welcome.

Assessment criteria

Continuous in-class assessment of speaking, conversing, reading and listening skills, based on work done on tasks given. If deemed necessary, reading and listening quizzes will be given in class to ascertain the students’ skill in these areas.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student’s language skills are below the required B2 level of competence, The student is therefore unable to perform the tasks of the course to an acceptable level. In particular, the student:
• struggles to follow texts and discourse on developments in engineering
• is not able to participate independently in international professional activities, but would need a great deal of help to communicate and understand what is going on.

Assessment criteria: assessment scale failed/approved

The student has good overall English skills (a solid B2 level of competence), and also attempts occasionally to express more complex ideas using higher level language, with varying degrees of success. By and large, the student demonstrates sufficiently good ability to:
• follow and discuss, on a professional level, developments in the engineering field.
• participate successfully in international professional activities, such as seminars, conferences, interviews, presentations and meetings.

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

The student has satisfactory overall English skills (a B2 level of competence), and also attempts occasionally to express more complex ideas using higher level language, with varying degrees of success. By and large, the student demonstrates some ability to:
• follow and discuss, on a professional level, developments in the engineering field.
• participate successfully in international professional activities, such as seminars, conferences, interviews, presentations and meetings.

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

The student has good overall English skills (a solid B2-C1 level of competence), and also attempts occasionally to express more complex ideas using higher level language, with varying degrees of success. By and large, the student demonstrates sufficiently good ability to:
• follow and discuss, on a professional level, developments in the engineering field.
• participate successfully in international professional activities, such as seminars, conferences, interviews, presentations and meetings.

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

The student has excellent overall English skills (C1-C2 level of competence), and is able to express more complex ideas using higher level language, with high degree of success. By and large, the student demonstrates excellent abilities to:
• follow and discuss, on a professional level, developments in the engineering field.
• participate successfully in international professional activities, such as seminars, conferences, interviews, presentations and meetings.