Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- interpret and analyse authentic professional texts in English
- identify the main content points in texts and find information that they need
- adopt and use professional terminology
- use different techniques to enhance reading
- prepare summaries and presentations in English
- communicate with clients.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Blended learning: in-class learning sessions on campus and (when practical) online, self-studies online. Lectures and teacher-directed activities, peer-to-peer learning, and feedback. Group work and individual studies. Where relevant and possible, integration with another course implementation or a LAB project (e.g. an information search task, a presentation, or a report/summary writing task).

Timing and attendance

Scheduled weekly classes to attend (min. 75%). Online and in-class tasks to compete by deadlines. Timing: September - December 2024.

Learning material and recommended literature

Study materials are selected and created by the teacher and the students according to the student group's needs and interests. Materials from other study courses or LAB projects are included when possible and relevant.

Alternative completion methods

Recognition of prior learning (RPL): The student must submit an application before or immediately after the start of the course. Neither a pathway student (nor an open UAS student) can apply for RPL.

Learning environment

Blended learning: campus (classroom) and online (Moodle, Teams, other digital platforms as needed).

Student time use and work load

The estimated student workload is around 100 h, spread over the course from September to December and including reading, exercises, and assignments, teamwork, lectures or other scheduled meetings, and tests.

Contents

Field-specific concepts and terminology, professional communication:

- interpreting law texts, VAT regulations, employment and other contracts
- customer service at a bank, including family and inheritance law, opening of an account and related documents, power of attorney
- spoken communication with customers
- presenting and discussing professional topics
- producing summaries and reports

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at skills level CEFR B2.

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation: regular attendance (75%) and active participation in lectures and in-class exercises, including readiness to communicate in English with the teacher and other students. Successful completion of written and spoken assignments and tests by given deadlines. Students are assessed based on group and individual performance, either on a scale of 5-0 or Pass/Fail, depending on the nature of the activity. The student's final course grade is determined by his/her overall performance during the course, on a scale of 5-0.

Assessment scale

1-5

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

Student can use organizational features in texts to help find relevant information and can apply a technique to support reading for information. From most common field-specific texts, the student identifies main content points and understands the relationships between them. Student knows and can use essential field-specific terms with the help of dictionaries. Student can retell essential content points from a professional text in writing and in speech. Student can communicate with clients in basic speaking situations at work.

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

Student can use organizational features in texts to help find relevant information and can confidently apply techniques to support reading for information. From varied field-specific texts, the student identifies the main content points, can analyze the relationships between them and can use the information for professional purposes. Student knows and uses field-specific terms independently and using appropriate tools such as professional dictionaries and literature. The student can retell, in their own words where appropriate, the main content points from a professional text in writing and in speech. The student can communicate with clients in speaking situations at work.

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

Student can recognize organizational features in different types of texts and use this knowledge effectively to help find relevant information. Student can confidently apply various techniques to support reading for information. Student can identify, analyze, interpret and make comments on the content points from a range of field-specific texts. Student can decide which information is most appropriate and use it for professional purposes. Student knows and uses field-specific terms independently and using appropriate tools such as the most reliable professional dictionaries and literature. The student can retell, in their own words where appropriate, the main content points from a professional text in writing and in speech, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the source text. The student can fluently communicate with clients in varied speaking situations at work.