Curricula

Objectives

The object of the course:
The course focuses on spoken interaction and conversation skills. You will

- learn and adapt new, socially interactive techniques into your general approach to conversation
- develop vocabulary related to several different conversational contexts or themes
- learn how to facilitate conversation
- take active part in discussions
- improve your skills as a supportive and diplomatic conversationalist.
- identify the importance of culture in discussions.

Course competences:
The course prepares and equips you to act and work in an international and multicultural environment.

The learning objectives of the course:
After completing the course, you will be more confident in expressing yourself in English in various different conversational contexts.

Content

- Conversation activities and games.
- Social networking and personal introductions for various purposes/contexts
- Using small talk as a way to get better acquainted with others and to open the opportunity to discuss more meaningful topics
- The importance of diplomatic/neutral language.
- Formal and informal language use.
- Expressing agreement and disagreement appropriately.
- Communication strategies

Learning materials and recommended literature

Material provided by the teacher. In addition, the students are expected to follow current themes and find information related to the topics discussed.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face implementation, 11 September - 11 December, Wednesdays at 9.45-12

Learning outcomes of the course

The course focuses on spoken interaction and conversation skills. You will
- learn and adapt new, socially interactive techniques into your general approach to conversation
- develop vocabulary related to several different conversational contexts or themes
- learn how to facilitate conversation
- take active part in discussions
- improve your skills as a supportive and diplomatic conversationalist
- identify the importance of culture in discussions

Course contents

- Conversation activities and games.
- Social networking and personal introductions for various purposes/contexts
- Using small talk as a way to get better acquainted with others and to open the opportunity to discuss more meaningful topics
- The importance of diplomatic/neutral language.
- Formal and informal language use.
- Expressing agreement and disagreement appropriately.
- Communication strategies

Presentations/facilitating a discussion/speaking exam

Prerequisites and co-requisites
The students are able to communicate orally in English in basic everyday situations. (B2 in CEFR Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Speaking exam in December 2024. Possible retakes in January 2025.

Student workload

5 ECTS credits = 135h of student's work

Weekly meetings, homework assignments, working in groups, presentations, speaking exam

Further information for students

Evaluation 0-5

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

1 Understands clear and simplified speech dealing with everyday, familiar matters. Understands with ease short, simple messages and understands the main ideas in texts dealing with familiar topics. Copes with routine speech situations requiring a simple exchange of information, even though pronunciation is still defective. Shows a minimal level of vocabulary and grammar structures. Is aware of his or her role in a conversation and is able to take part in it.

2 Understands longer stretches of speech and grasps the central idea if the topic is relatively familiar. Can cope in the most common speech situations even though grammatical and lexical inaccuracies may occasionally hinder comprehension. Shows a good command of vocabulary related to everyday situations and the key basic grammar structures. Errors in pronunciation can sometimes lead to misunderstanding. Understands the meaning of conversation strategies and uses some techniques to help facilitate it.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

3 Understands normal tempo speech in face-to-face situations and discussion on general topics but some details may not be understood. Rapid spoken language and dialectical variations cause difficulties. Copes fairly well even in less familiar speech situations. Makes a distinction between official and unofficial forms of language. Pronunciation is clear and understandable most of the time. Shows a good command of basic grammar and vocabulary. Takes an active part in the conversations and uses some conversation strategies to facilitate conversation.

4 Understands longer sections of speech at normal speed in face-to-face situations even though comprehension sometimes requires a certain amount of effort. Speaks clearly on various topics, but the use of less common vocabulary and complex sentence structures may, however, cause difficulties. Shows a good and versatile command of grammar and vocabulary. . Pronunciation is clear and easy to understand. Actively uses conversation strategies to facilitate conversation. Is able to lead a conversation.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

5 Understands a wide range of spoken language without difficulty. Experiences only occasional difficulties with subtle differences of tone and nuance in expressions. Speaks extremely fluently in a situationally -appropriate style. Is able to express even subtle nuances of meaning. Shows a solid command of grammar and vocabulary in almost all situations. Pronunciation is clear and fluent. Uses conversation strategies effectively to participate in or lead a conversation. Strategically uses different techniques to facilitate conversation.

Prerequisites

The students are able to communicate orally in English in basic everyday situations.