Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Communication Skills IV: English Language 2

Communication Skills IV: English Language 2
6
10623
2
First semester
FB
Main language of instruction: English

Teaching staff


Dr. VIDAL RODÀ, Enric - evidal@uic.es

By appointment

Enric Vidal: evidal@uic.es (Normal degree)

Christina Howes: chowes@uic.es (Billingual degree)

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 B1+/B2 (Normal degree) or C1+ (Bilingual degree) 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.

Objectives

1. To achieve a B1+/B2 (Normal degree) and  C.1 level (Bilingual degree) in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

2. To promote autonomous learning.  

3. To improve students' academic writing skills in English.

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 B1+ (Normal degree) o C1 level (Bilngual degree).

Syllabus

During the academic course, we will work on relevant and current topics which enhance critical thinking skills. 

1. It is compulsory to buy and bring to class the following course books:

Anglès 1 i 2 (Grau 'normal' Català/Castellà): Speakout, B1+, Student's Book. Pearson.

Anglès 1 i 2 (Grau bilingüe): Speakout, C1-C2, 3rd Edition. Student's Book. Pearson. 

 

2. Extra material will be uploaded to the Moodle (audio-visuals, readings etc).

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Theoretical classes

Practical classes

Group work

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The assessment of this course will be based on:

1. Two in-class academic essays (25%): Essay 1 = 40% (of total mark for essays); Essay 2 = 60% (of total mark for essays) .

2. Continual Assessment of oral activities (25%). This will be an impression mark based on students' active participation in class discussions and oral activities. Marks will be given for fluency, accuracy, pronunciation. 

3. Final Written Exam: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Listening (50%).

 

Please note the following points:

  • The assessment of this subject will be on-site. A student who does not attend more than 80% of the sessions will lose the right to benefit from reassessment.
  • Possession of an official certificate for B2 o C1 level does not imply validation of the subject.
  • The classes will use English as a vehicle language from the first moment. In order to maximise learning opportunities, students should express themselves in English during teaching sessions.
  • Check your group's 2023/24 course schedule for more details on assessment dates and activities (available in the Moodle Classroom).
  • To pass the subject, it is necessary to have passed all the elements assessed separately. This rule applies to both the first and second calls. In the event of suspending the first call, the student must only recover those elements that they have not passed.
  • The subject, apart from face-to-face sessions, involves about 120 hours of personal work; autonomous homework, therefore, is essential for passing the subject.
  • Oral expression of the language will be assessed primarily through observation in the classroom. The assessment of the oral part will be continuous and face-to-face, with emphasis on the final progress of the student. Therefore, no specific oral test will be held at the end of the semester.
Conditions for Reassessment:   To be able to reassess this subject, the following conditions apply:  
  • The minimum grade in the first convocation must be more than 3,5.
  • The student must have attended 80% of the on-site classes.
  • The student must have handed in both assessed essays. 
Note that the continual assessment of oral activities cannot be reassessed, and the student can only reassess the failed items from the first convocation. The maximum grade for reassessment is a 5.

Bibliography and resources

Refer to the course programme 2023/24 for your specific group.

(Normal degree):Speak Out B1+, 3rd Edition,Student's Book. Pearson

(Bilingual degree): Speak Out C1-C2, 3rd Edition,Student's Book. Pearson

 

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