English for business

This course is intended to support the International Business Programme. As the specific English business vocabulary will be acquired in the professional courses, the English course focuses on developing the four main communicative skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Level

The level is upper-intermediate to advanced, so a good command of English is a prerequisite. Referring to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR the minimal entry level of B1 is required.  Topics will be adapted to meet specific student needs. A placement test will be held to pinpoint the students’ skills. The results will be taken into account when forming the split-class activities.

Subjects

Relevant parts of grammar and syntax are revised when and if necessary and acquired language skills are transferred to different communication situations.

Teaching and learning strategies include student-centred activities based on business/management tasks: presentations, meetings, negotiations.
Current events and issues concerning international business and communication are dealt with.

Study materials

Handouts – Blackboard e-learning platform
Self-sustained learning paths using library and Open Learning Centre (OLC ,V103)

Multimedia software available in OLC and VLE (virtual learning environment, Blackboard)
Remedial e-learning platform websites
First Certificate of English cd-roms, Longman
Focus on Grammar Advanced cd-roms, Longman
Words at Work, Vocabulary development for Business English, Cambridge University Press
Listening materials on VLE

Assessment details

Self-study - workshops

In-unit & continuous assessment (tasks, presentations, preparations, attendance,...) : 40%
Oral examination: 30%
Written examination: 30%

A minimum of 50% must be achieved on every separate evaluation module (i.e. continuous assessment and the oral and written examination) to obtain the 4 ECTS credits.