Objectives and competences

- broadening of students’ business English knowledge across general English borders; - development of upper-intermediate language competence, - development of skills and strategies for reading and listening comprehension and for spoken and written communication; - familiarization with different forms of communication in a variety of business oriented situations and contexts ; - achievement of business communication skills with skills of qualitative and effective interpersonal communication; - fostering reflection and discussion on specific topics; - comprehension, acquisition and ability to use business English vocabulary and specific terminology; - development of critical thinking and problem solving skills;, - learning about cultural and business etiquette of different EU and other countries of the world.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The course provides students with written, audio, video and multimedia input for interactive development of their reading, listening, speaking and writing skills at upper-intermediate B2-C1 level (proficient user) on the Common European Framework of References. Throughout the course, students get acquainted with wide-ranging business topics, situations/settings and business English terminology relating to management, organisation, governance and entrepreneurship.

Learning and teaching methods

- reading and text method - dialogue method - interaction, discussion, debate - writing method - project work - multimedia presentations - case studies - problem-solving - simulations of varied business situations and settings - role plays - cooperative learning - e-learning - group work, pair work, individual work - ICT supported teaching-learning process

Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding

Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course students will be able of: - writing and speaking communication in different business situations and contexts, - in-depth comprehension, interpretation and summarization of written and audio-video texts, - understand and use specific business English terminology. Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes: Students can: - communicate in English more fluently, accurately and with more confidence, - read, listen and comprehend short and long audio-video and written texts, - produce comprehensive and coherent written and audio-video texts, - use business English in a range of different situations and roles, - use context and situation suitable communication strategies and skills, - produce short or long written texts in different standard communication forms (e.g., report, business plan), - analyse and solve business-related problems/case studies, form positions, give arguments, defend opinions, negotiate and effectively participate in a discussion, - demonstrate the ability to use business English vocabulary and specific terminology.

Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes

Readings

- Duckworth, M. in Turner, R. (2008). Business Results. Upper-intermediate. Student’s Book. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press. - Hughes, J. (2008). Business Results. Upper-intermediate. Teacher’s Book. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press. - Dignen, B., Flinders, S. in Sweeney, S. English 365. Student’s Book 3. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Prerequisits

There are no prerequisites to enter the course.