Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Professional Communication Skills
If the student is enrolled for the English track then classes for that subject will be taught in the same language.
Teaching staff
By appointment
Introduction
The aim of this programme is primarily to provide students with the skills and knowledge to practice and perform the linguistic tasks related to areas of business 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 business people.
Tutorials will focus on student development and interpersonal skills. The final part is the self-study 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 B1.2 +/B2 before the start of the course
Objectives
Classroom:
To develop professional communication techniques for common professional situations.
Tutorial:
To 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 business. 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
- 39 - To acquire the ability to solve problems and make decisions based on relevant information, applying the appropriate methods and situating the problem within the organisation as a whole.
- 50 - To acquire the ability to relate concepts, analyse and synthesise.
- 52 - To develop interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- 53 - To acquire the skills necessary to learn autonomously.
- 54 - To be able to express one’s ideas and formulate arguments in a logical and coherent way, both verbally and in writing.
- 58 - To be able to develop self-assessment exercises.
- 60 - To acquire knowledge that promotes respect for other cultures and habits.
- 64 - To be able to plan and organise one's work.
- 67 - To be able to express oneself in other languages.
Learning outcomes of the subject
1. Understand literature related to the economic-business world in English as well as specific terminology and structures.
2. Be able to present and write projects/work and analyse and synthesise information in English.
3. Understand and use the key ideas expressed in English by speakers, lecturers, professionals or other students when discussing financial and business-related subjects. Students must be able to ask and respond to questions as they present their ideas in an orderly and coherent manner.
4. Able to work on a team and/or resolve problems and make decisions in small grupos, thereby developing interpersonal abilities.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of other cultures and customs while respecting them.
6. Able to work independently, able to plan and organise one's own learning and obtain the ability to self-reflect on one's work in English and in general, as well as be able to gain the necessary habits for a lifetime of learning.
Syllabus
Students will learn to read and understand content relevant to the field of business. Furthermore, they will learn to recognise and use the vocabulary specific to the main areas of business. Students will learn to present, transmit ideas and interact with fellow students or professionals.
Language knowledge:
Students will need to revise/consolidate specialised vocabulary and language structures as well as learn vocabulary related to the world of business.
Communication Skills
Students will learn to negotiate to come to an agreement, use polite language in business situations, debate and communicate their ideas professionally and politely in English.
Group Project:
Students will participate in a group project where the following skills will be assessed:
* Speaking and giving a presentation
* Writing and working in a group
* Co and self-evaluation
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Students will read material related to the world of business and write about what they read as well as listen to simulated lectures on a variety of themes relevant to their professional field. Students will explore ideas individually and in discussion groups and share these ideas with their colleagues in order to stimulate reflection and discussion.
Students will actively participate in class where the emphasis will be placed on spoken and written English as well with the use of related texts and listening activities.
Emphasis will also be given to autonomous learning using self-study and internet materials, and this will form an essential part of the course, equipping and motivating students for the life-long learning of English.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Evaluation
|
Activity |
% of the final grade |
Learning Results: |
|
Individual writing projects |
Total: 35% 3 projects |
1,2,3,5,6
|
|
Oral evaluated projects Individual |
Total: 30% 3 projects |
1,2,3,4,5,6 |
|
1 Group project |
Total: 25% |
1,2,3,4,5,6
|
|
Attendance and participation
|
Total: 10% |
|
Students with passing grades, but who have not attended 80% of course, will have to take a final exam which will receive a PASS or FAIL mark. A passing grade means that the student’s previous work will be validated and accepted for a final grade. A failing mark on the exam means that previous work will not be accepted and the student will have to go to the second sitting and make up 100% of the course.Participation in class and continuous evaluation are fundamental to passing the course. Students are reminded that they must attend 80% of the class in order to receive a final grade.
If the student has attended 80% of the course and receives a final mark between 4.0-4.9, they will have to repeat what they didn’t do and/or what they failed for the 2nd sitting.
Students who receive a grade lower than 4.0 OR who have attended less than 80% and failed the exam in the first sitting, will have to make up 100% of the course by doing the following for the 2nd sitting:
a) A portfolio that includes an executive summary, and essay and a report (30%)
b) A pitch and a debate explained (20%)
c) One of the projects from the course which will include a 1,000 word paper plus a 7 minute presentation (30%)
d) A final exam (20%)
In all situations and in both sittings, students must demonstrate a B2 level in English in order to pass the class. Passing grades cannot be improved.
Bibliography and resources
Students will have to buy a photocopy pack from the copy center or download the materials for the class from the Moodle website.