Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Communication Skills IV: English Language 2
Teaching staff
By appointment
Janine Knight jknight@uic.es
Introduction
In recent decades, English has become the lingua franca in academic communication and scientific research, as well as a very valuable communication tool for intercultural communication among different peoples. Furthermore, the new undergraduate degrees (graus) lead us towards a teacher profile with a multilingual mindset, ready to use different languages in his/her professional career.
This subject seeks to activate the students’ linguistic competence in the English language to a level equivalent to B2.2/C1.1 as described in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), in accordance with the linguistic requirements set by the Ministry of Education for undergraduate degrees in primary Education.
Pre-course requirements
To have a level B2.1 in English according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages.
Objectives
1. To achieve a B2.2/C.1.1 level in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
2. To promote autonomous learning.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CEM-52 - To be able to foment initial contact with a foreign language.
- CET-7 - To promote responsibility in terms of professional development: to analyse, reflect on and develop points of view about the profession and teaching skills, to know how to make these clear and how to bring them up to date.
- CG-01 - To integrate information and communication technologies in teaching and learning activities, teaching management and professional development.
- CG-03 - To be able to communicate in English at level B1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR).
- CG-08 - To be familiar with the elements that make up reflective thinking, the different levels of proficiency and how to develop this skill as much as possible.
- CG-09 - To be familiar with the elements that make up creativity, the different levels of proficiency and how to develop this skill as much as possible.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be able to communicate in English both orally and in writing according to B2.2/C1.1 level.
Syllabus
During the academic course, we will work on relevant and current topics relating to the area of Education.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Theoretical classes
Practical classes
Group work
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
This subject will be shared between three groups and following the needs and interests of each group, different projects and the number of projects that students carry out through the year may vary between groups. In addition, different projects may have different % of the evaluation grades assigned to them. Therefore you should consult your group's specific course program provided by your class teacher for this information.
The evaluation of this course will be based on continuous assessment activities.Those students who do not attend over 80% of classes will lose their entitlement to ongoing assessment and will therefore have to sit a comprehensive exam at the end of the term.
Having an official certificate does not involve course validation.
Classes will be taught in English as the vehicular language from the very beginning. In order to maximize learning opportunities, students will have to speak English during lessons.
The continuous assessment system will entail a range of learning activities throughout the term which will provide teachers with evidence for the competence achievement process, which translates in the learning outcomes mentioned above. The class content and evaluation criteria will depend on the group you are allocated to. See course programme 2021/2022 from your allocated teacher for more details.
Continuous evaluation for this course revolves around the following components:Projects, Readings, Speaking activities, Writing activities, Vocabulary, Grammar and Listening.
SPEAKING
Oral linguistic skills will mainly be evaluated through classroom observation. Students will regularly be required to do oral activities during lessons that will be assessed. Oral skills evaluation will be ongoing, hereby emphasizing the student’s final progress. Therefore, there will not be any specific oral tests at the end of the term.
READING, WRITING, VOCABULARY, GRAMMAR, LISTENING
These components will be continually assessed through a series of tests, quizzes and other assignments.
In order to pass this course, it is mandatory to pass all the components listed above separately. This rule is applicable to both first and second sittings (convocatòries).In the event of having failed the subject in the first sitting, students will only have to re-sit the skills that they have not passed.
This course involves 120 hour autonomous learning besides face-to-face lessons. Thus, autonomous work is essential to pass the subject.
Bibliography and resources
Refer to the course programme 2021/22 for your specific group.