Subject

Professional Communication Skills

  • code 10301
  • course 4
  • term Semester 1
  • type OB
  • credits 3

Main language of instruction: English

If the student is enrolled for the English track then classes for that subject will be taught in the same language.

Teaching staff

Head instructor

Lda. Suzanne CÓRDOVA - scordova@uic.es

Office hours

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

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. In addition, they will practice note-taking skills in preparation for listening to lectures. 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.

Communication Skills

* Looking for a job with a focus on writing a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation/statement in English as well as developing a personal brand, creating an online presence and interviewing techniques.

* Participating in meetings, expressing opinions, negotiating and coming to an agreement, communicating ideas in English as well as note-taking in English.

This part is on written and spoken English and listening comprehension.

Language Knowledge

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 Final grade

Learning outcome

Individual written projects

Total: 40%

4 projects

1,2,3,5,6

1 Group project

20% 1 group project

15% - individual presentation,  5% -  peer evaluation

1,2,3,4,5,6

Assessed speaking activities

Total: 40%

4 assessed speaking situations

1,2,3,4, 5,6

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.   

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.

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) An individual portfolio that includes a CV, a cover letter and a personal blog or website (30%)

b) 4 projects from the course that include a 1,000 word essay in addition to a presentation that is 8-10 minutes long (30%).

c) A final exam (40%)   

  

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. 

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:

  • E2 25/06/2019 08:00h b301
  © 2024 Universitat Internacional de Catalunya | Contact us | Privacy and data protection | Intellectual property
  Campus Barcelona. Tel.: 93 254 18 00 | Campus Sant Cugat. Tel.: 93 504 20 00