English Professional Skills, B2 (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Sisältö:
- writing professional, field-specific texts
- presenting and discussing field-specific topics in a professional manner
- reading field-specific texts and utilizing the information in professional contexts
- learning and using key terminology of their field
- becoming professional, autonomous language users in working life

Session 1:
- Introductions
- Housekeeping, course requirements, syllabus
- Portfolio instructions
- Video presentation instructions
- Course assignments + due dates
- Assignment: Evaluating language skills, setting learning goals, professional profile

Session 2:
- Foreign language listening strategies
- Listening comprehension task(s) + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Field-related podcast + written critique
Session 3:
- Reading strategies
- Peer reading (articles to be announced) + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Article + written/oral critique/opinion

Session 4:
- Writing conventions and tips, process writing
- Types of texts commonly needed in the profession
- Thematic discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: (Peer) writing on chosen topic and chosen text type
Session 5:
- Oral presentations: structure and tips
- Oral presentation examples + discussion
- Terminology exercises
- Assignment: Short video presentation on chosen topic

Objective

The aim of the course is to activate and develop the students’ field-relevant English language and communication skills. The students will gain professional skills in various spoken and written communicative situations encountered in working life and society. In addition, they will learn to utilize tools and techniques to further develop their skills in authentic, field-specific contexts. More specifically, students will focus on developing their language and communication skills in.
Upon completing the course, the students should have acquired skills to communicate at level B2 according to European Framework of Reference for Languages, which states that at B2-level students should be able to produce clear, coherent and well-structured texts, present detailed descriptions related to one’s field of interest, express and exchange opinions using fluent language, follow complex arguments, and read longer articles and reports.

Content

- writing professional, field-specific texts
- presenting and discussing field-specific topics in a professional manner
- reading field-specific texts and utilizing the information in professional contexts
- learning and using key terminology of their field
- becoming professional, autonomous language users in working life

Materials

The instructor will provide most of the learning materials, and therefore students do not need to purchase any. For some of the tasks, students will be requested to search for various materials to support their writing, reading and presentations.

Teaching methods

Listening, reading and writing exercises, video presentation, thematic discussions, online tasks.

Exam schedules

This course does not require students to take a test. Rather, students will submit a portfolio of the various tasks completed during the course, including video and reflections.
Due date: 10.12.2023

International connections

Digital learning, peer learning, self-regulated learning, feedback, process learning

Student workload

Three credits are equivalent to 81 hours of study.
• Online lessons and assignments: 26 hours
• Video presentations and preparation: 15 hours
• Online tasks, portfolio and independent study: 40 hours

Further information

Learning platform, email and individual consultation as needed