Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
English II
Teaching staff
By appointment
Introduction
The aim of this programme is primarily to provide students with the skills and knowledge to practice and perform linguistic skills related to the area of architecture in various professional situations and with a multicultural and international scope.
The programme contains 3 elements that include class-based lessons, tutorials and self study. The teacher-led lessons focus on communication skills relevant for future architects. Tutorials will focus on student development and interpersonal skills. The final part being the self study or ‘distance learning’ element which primarily focuses on consolidating grammar and specific lexis through writing and increasing the autonomy of the learner with respect to learning a foreign language.
All three elements have been specifically designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and resources that will increase their confidence in order to communicate effectively in English.
Pre-course requirements
Preferred minimum global level is that of a B1+/B2 before the start of the course.
Objectives
Classroom:
Develop professional communication techniques for common professional situations.
Tutorial:
Develop students’ interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in both native and an additional language.
Self Study:
To develop autonomy with respect to students preparing and adapting their projects to different situations through drafting and rehearsing, carrying out individual and group work related to a variety of themes within the field of architecture. In addition, students will learn how to utilize ICT and internet based resources in order to learn a language independently.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
Linguistic competencies in English:
Based on the use of competencies from the degree programme, students will be able:
1. (70) To understand the main ideas in complex texts in English, on specific and abstract themes, and in technical discussions related to the professional and specialized field of architecture.
2. (71) To express oneself in English with reasonable fluency and spontaneity, interacting with native speakers in an natural way, without causing strain on either part.
3. (72) To write clear and detailed texts in English on a variety of themes, mainly on architecture and to express points of view in English presenting the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | COMPETENCES | ECTS CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Class exhibition | 70 71 72 | 0,71 |
| Class participation | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Tutorials | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Individual or group study | 70 71 72 | 2,37 |
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be able:
1. (70) To understand the main ideas in complex texts in English.
2. (70) To carry out technical discussions in English.
3. (71) To express oneself reasonably fluently in English.
4. (72) To write about a variety of themes related to architecture in English.
5. (72) To express points of view on a variety of themes in English.
Syllabus
Communication skills:
Students will learn to perform in the following areas: recruitment and job search, different types of presentation situations both individually and in groups, discussion and negotiation through case studies and the ability for cross cultural communication.
Language knowledge:
Students will need to revise/consolidate specialist vocabulary and language structures.
Teaching and learning activities
In blended
Students will become actively engaged in the process of preparing themselves for the professional world by presenting their ideas, proposals and studies or pitching for a given project to fellow architects or potential clients. Students will also work in team through case studies, sharing ideas with their colleagues and learning to negotiate in an effective way.
Emphasis will also be given to preparation for self-study using distance learning tools and internet materials, and this will form an essential part of the course, equipping and motivating students for the life-long learning of English.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | COMPETENCES | ECTS CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Class exhibition | 70 71 72 | 0,71 |
| Class participation | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Tutorials | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Individual or group study | 70 71 72 | 2,37 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In blended
Presentation 1 35% (72) To write about a variety of themes related to architecture in English
(71) To express oneself resonably fluetly in English
Presentation 2 35% (72) To write about a variety of themes related to architecture in English
(71) To express oneself resonably fluetly in English
Project work 20% (72) To write about a variety of themes related to architecture in English
(71) To express oneself resonably fluetly in English
(70) To understand the main ideas in complex texts in English
(16) To be able to develop abilities for interpersonal relations
Autonomous learning 10% (30) To demonstrate the ability to learn autonomously
In all situations and in both sittings students must pass all sections of the subject.
In the second sitting students will make up for those sections failed in the subject.
Bibliography and resources
Bibliography:
-An English-English dictionary of the student’s choice.
-A Thesaurus of the student’s choice. Heinemann:1997.
-Ching, Francis D. K. A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. Van Nostrand Reinhold: New York, 1997.
-Maclean James H. and Scott, John S. The Penguin Dictionary of Building: 1995
-Putman R. E. and Carlson G. E. Diccionario de Arquitectura Construcción y Obras Públicas: Paraninfo, 1999.
-Venturi, Robert. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. MOMA papers: New York, 1966.
Resources:
Class-based materials will be provided by the teacher.
Intranet and internet based materials for self study:
Distance Learning Programme (intranet forum)
Student English File Resources (bcn) (intranet forum)