English: interactive communication
[ANGL2416]
[30h] 2 credits
This course is taught in the 2d semester.
Teacher(s): Colleen Starrs
Language: English
Level: Second
Aims
The course aims at developing students' communication techniques on a socioprofessional 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 exploit the main points of a document in a conversation.
. Interactive
- Students should be able to follow argumentation in an animated conversation between different interlocutors
within the main socioprofessional 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.
- Student 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.
. Upper 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 point of view 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
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.
PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH
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
- Organisation of a trip/stay 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 specialized 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.
Content and teaching methods
Title - English - An interactive communication course
Year of studies - ISP / TECO BAC 3, ISP BAC 1
ISP / TECO BAC 3 - 30 hours, 1 hour per week over the whole year
ISP BAC 1 - 30 hours, 2 hours per week in the 2nd term
Objectives and content - to develop communication skills (with a particular emphasis on speaking skills) in interactive communication situations similar to those students will encounter in their future socio- professional lives.
Evaluation - Continuous assessment, oral presentation in class, oral exam
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
Students should have followed the intermediate-level course ANGL 1816 or a course of a similar level.
WORKLOAD
- Class: 26 hours
- Self-study: 46 hours
PEDAGOGICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
- 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.
- Organisation of an English Film Club, with fortnightly screenings of films in the original version (in English),
proceeded by an introduction and followed by a debate, all in English.
TEACHING SUPPORTS
- Course notes: C.Starrs, F.Stas, An Interactive Communication Course for Philosophy and Theology Students.
- Videotapes:
. Effective Presentations
. English through Film (available in the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA) )
ASSESSMENT
- Continuous assessment (preparation for class, participation in all class activities).
- Oral presentation given in class.
- Oral exam (Interactive and individual).
Students will be asked to take part in one or more activities similar to those covered in class.