Interactive communication
[ANGL2431]
[30h] 3 credits
This course is taught in the 1st semester.
Teacher(s): Philippe Detry(supplée null), Nevin Serbest, Colleen Starrs(coord.)
Language: English
Level: Second
Aims
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 current-affairs television programmes and programmes which are/are not
related to their field of studies.
- 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 while using visual supports
(PowerPoint, OHP,¿.) and 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 write a clear e-mail message while covering all of the necessary points.
- Students should be able to write a letter of application and a CV.
- 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.
- 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.
Culture
Making students aware of the (inter-)cultural differences as expressed by different interlocutors of the English language (native and non-native speakers).
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)
- Writing e-mails
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, internet sites¿) 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, ...)
Students should have followed the intermediate-level course ANGL 1331 (BAC 2) 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: Ph. Neyt, C.Starrs, Interactive English for Sociologists
- Internet site of the course with forums (under construction)
- Videotapes available in the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA)
ASSESSMENT
- Continuous assessment (preparation for class, participation in all class activities, with particular emphasis on an oral
presentation (minimum one 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.