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 a face-to-face course, meaning there will be classes to attend (in Lappeenranta) supplemented by independent learning.

Students will be:
- Engaging in both independent and group tasks
- Reading, watching and analysing course materials
- Completing research
- Completing assignments (both written and spoken)

All work is delivered through Moodle, and guidance is provided on the work to be completed as well as deadlines for the work.

Timing and attendance

The lessons on campus are meant to focus on practice and application of skills students have studied independently. The main focus will be on spoken activities and there will be some lecturing by the teacher. It is therefore required that students are able to attend the lessons on campus and are willing and ready to engage with other students in the course. Alternative tasks are not given for the on-campus lessons, except in very exceptional circumstances.

Learning material and recommended literature

All learning material will be provided by the teacher through Moodle.

Learning environment

The course will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Moodle is also used for independent study and as a tool to deliver assignments.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS, equivalent to 104 hours of work. 10 lessons (á 90 minutes) throughout the spring term. The number of lessons may change as a result of the planning process, but not by much. Detailed information will be provided at the start of the course.

Contents

The course will include most or all of the topics mentioned below.

Topics:
- managing job application processes: CV/video 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).

Any concerns about language skills should be discussed with the teacher at the beginning of the course.

Assessment criteria

All compulsory assignments must be completed by the given deadlines.

Assignments may include:
- Business plan (and other business documents)
- Formal writing task
- International business task
- Presentation
- Jobs/Interviews task, CV possibility
- Meetings and Negotiations
- Discussions
- Sales pitch
- Vocabulary tasks

Please note there may be changes to this list by the teacher before the course is scheduled to begin. All of the information regarding the completion of the course will be delivered at the start of the course.

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)

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 skillful, 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.