The aim of this course is to develop students' ability to use English (with a particular emphasis on speaking skills) in order to enable students to adapt to and function in their future socio-professional lives.
The course aims at developing students' communication techniques on a socio-professional level through the mastering of the code (general and specific vocabulary, grammar, language functions etc.)
Reading Comprehension:
- Students should be able to read autonomously and understand in detail factual texts and specialised articles related to their field of studies.
B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Listening Comprehension
Individual:
- Students should be able to understand conferences and extended speeches and follow complex argumentation.
- Students should be able to understand most current-affairs television programmes and most programmes which are/are not related to their field of studies.
Interactive:
- Students should be able to follow argumentation in an animated conversation between different interlocutors within the main socio-professional contexts.
B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Speaking Skills
Individual:
- Students should be able to present a complex topic in a clear and methodical way with only occasional reference to their notes.
Interactive:
- Students should be able to communicate spontaneously and fluently to a degree that allows for normal interaction with a native-speaker interlocutor.
- Students should be able to communicate fluently and effectively in conversations on both social and professional levels.
- Students should be able to express, articulate and defend their opinions and should be able to react to and interact with their interlocutors in conversations on both social and professional levels.
B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Writing Skills:
- Students should be able to produce a short written presentation on a subject related to their field of studies.
- Students should be able to express and develop their views on a subject related to their field of studies.
- Students should be able to write a letter of application and a CV.
Upper B1 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Main themes
Code:
Enabling students to adequately master language functions, grammatical structures (simple and complex), vocabulary (general and specific), pronunciation and intonation in order to allow for fluent and spontaneous communication.
Culture:
Making students aware of the (inter-)cultural differences as expressed by different interlocutors of the English language (native and non-native speakers).
Content and teaching methods
Students will take part in activities which will allow them to use and develop their communication skills and mastery of the language (principally speaking skills) in situations such as:
- Socialising
- Travelling abroad
- Presentation of a project,
- Participation in (leading of) a group project, a meeting
- Negotiations, exchanging of ideas, building up an argument
- Telephoning
- Job interviews (including the writing of a CV and application letter)
Students will be given a host of language aids (communication techniques, language functions, general and specialised vocabulary, grammatical points .) and resources (written documents, audiovisual supports ) before each activity thus enabling them to participate fully in each interactive communication situation. Feedback and remedial sessions will also be provided. Detailed instructions concerning each activity will be given in advance.
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
Prerequisites:
- Students should have followed the intermediate-level course ANGL 1816 or a course of a similar level.
- Students should know basic vocabulary and grammar.
Assessment:
- Continuous assessment (preparation for class, active participation in all class activities, language skills ..).
- Oral presentation given in class.
- Oral exam:
. Group oral
. Individual oral
Course material
- Course notes: C.Starrs, An Interactive Communication Course for Philosophy and Theology Students
- Videotapes: Effective Presentations English through Film (available in the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA) )
Training staff:
- Groups of maximum 18 students.
- Every teacher is available during his/her office-hour and can be contacted by e-mail.
- Individual advice and guidance at the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA) the multimedia room (SMM) in the ILV.