Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
English II
Teaching staff
By appointment
Introduction
This course mainly aims to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to properly communicate in the field of architecture in various professional situations. The scope of the course is multi-cultural and international.
The programme consists of teacher-led lessons that focus on consolidating grammar and specific lexis, as well as written and oral communication skills relevant for future architects. Autonomous learning and the development of interpersonal skills are encouraged. Listening and reading comprehension skills are also addressed. The course aims to increase the autonomy of the learner with regard to using a foreign language in the field of architecture and design.
The different parts have been specifically designed to provide students with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to communicate confidently and effectively in English in architecture-related contexts.
Pre-course requirements
Preferred minimum global level is that of B2 before the start of the course.
Objectives
The aim of the teacher-led classes is for the students to develop communication techniques for professional situations in the field of architecture.
The students will develop interpersonal skills and the ability to work with others in English in architecture-related contexts.
Self-study is encouraged for students to develop autonomy with respect to preparing written and oral projects in different situations through drafting and rehearsing, carrying out individual and group work related to a variety of themes within the field of architecture.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
Linguistic competencies in English:
Based on the use of competencies in the degree programme, students will be able to:
1. (70) understand the main ideas in complex texts in English,both on specific and abstract topics, as well as in technical discussions related to the professional and specialised field of architecture
2. (71) express oneself in English with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity, interacting with native speakers in an natural way, without causing strain on either part
3. (72) write clear and detailed texts in English on a variety of themes, mainly on architecture and to express points of view in English stating the advantages and disadvantages of different options
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | COMPETENCES | ECTS CREDITS |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,71 |
| Class participation | 70 71 | 0,47 |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Individual or group study | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Tutorials | 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 situations: different kinds of group presentations, individual writing assignments, panel debate discussions on controversial topics in the field of architecture, cross-cultural communication skills.
Language knowledge:
Students will learn/ consolidate specialist vocabulary and language structures
Course content:
The course consists of 2 modules:
- Module 1 A: Buildings & materials/ Module 1 B: Design
- Module 2: Sustainability in architecture
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Students will become actively engaged in the process of preparing for the professional world by presenting their proposals and projects to fellow architect students. The course includes individual writing assignments, group presentations on several architecture projects, as well as debates in which sharing ideas with their colleagues and effective debating techniques and skills are encouraged.
Emphasis will also be given to self-study, 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 |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,71 |
| Class participation | 70 71 | 0,47 |
| Clase practice | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Individual or group study | 70 71 72 | 0,47 |
| Tutorials | 70 71 72 | 2,37 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
|
Activity |
% final mark |
Learning outcomes |
|
Mid-term exam |
10% |
(70) Understand the main ideas in complex texts, both on specific or abstract topics in English, as well as participate in technical discussions in the professional field of architecture
|
|
Writing assignment (1) |
15% |
(72) Produce clear, detailed texts in English on a wide range of topics, especially architecture, and express a point of view in English on an issue stating the advantages and disadvantages of various options |
|
Panel discussion (1)
|
15%
|
(71) Speak to native speakers of English with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity and without strain for the speakers |
|
Group projects (2) |
30% |
(71) Speak to native speakers of English with a certain degree of fluency and spontaneity and without strain for the speakers (72) Produce clear, detailed text in English in a wide range of topics, especially on architecture and express a point of view in English on an issue stating the advantages and disadvantages of various options |
|
Final exam |
30% |
(70) Understand the main ideas in complex texts, both on specific or abstract topics in English, as well as participate in technical discussions in the professional field of architecture |
Given the nature of the course, students are reminded that attendance and participation in class and continuous evaluation are fundamental to pass the course.
- Students who have not attended 80% of the subject in the first sitting do not have the right to take the final exam in that same sitting.
- Students with a final mark between 4 and 5 in the first sitting only have the right in the second sitting to make up the material that was failed or not handed in.
- Students with a mark that is less than a 4 in the first sitting will have to make up 100% of the subject in the second sitting by producing and defending a dossier before a tribunal and taking a final exam.
- In all situations and in both sittings students must show a B2 level in English to pass 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)