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

A total of 7-8 meetings. Half of them online, half on campus. Study material, exercises, and assignments on Moodle. Both written and spoken exercises and assignments.

Timing and attendance

Periods 3 and 4 in fall term 2024. Attendance requirement is 75%: a student cannot miss more than two of the eight meetings.

Learning material and recommended literature

Provided by the teacher through Moodle.

Exam retakes

No individual retakes for the assignment.
If the student wants to improve their course grade after passing the course, they need to retake the entire course.

Learning environment

On campus, Zoom, Moodle.

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 and watching video materials
- completing written and oral assignments
- participating in meetings

Contents

Students will:
- learn the main terminology and concepts of their own field
- recognize and apply different sources and tools to help improve their English skills
- 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. The teaching and working language on the course is English.

Assessment criteria

Continuous evaluation on scale 0-5.

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)

Grade 1: The student has a satisfactory knowledge of the course content.

The speech is understandable with some difficulty to follow. Transitions are not handled smoothly, and the speech lacks logic and structure. 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. Transitions are not smooth. Much of the text lacks logic, and is not in keeping with the stylistic conventions of the genre. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. The text does not meet all the task requirements.

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

Grade 3: The student has a good command of the course content.

The student can speak well, interacts with the partner/audience and uses means of nonverbal communication. The speech is easy to follow. Transitions are not always handled successfully. 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. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Transitions are mostly smooth. 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)

Grade 5: The student has an excellent command of the course content.

The student can speak excellent English. Interaction is very skillful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports the spoken words. The speech is targeted, extremely logical, relevant and consistent. Transitions are smooth. 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 text has a very clear and logical structure. Sentences are linked by transitions and the text flows smoothly. 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.