Contents of the subject

Courses in this series focus on expanding both receptive and productive English language skills needed by students of Business Studies and Economics in both their academic and later professional roles.
The instructional format follows a flipped-classroom model, in which the expansion of relevant vocabulary as well as grammar review and practice are primarily facilitated outside of classes with self-study material from the course book and additional online resources, while time in class is largely reserved for interactive and communicative learning activities.   

Business Language:
e.g. conduct and report market research; using persuasive communication in meetings; developing internal relationships, politeness strategies in difficult situations; business emails (formal/informal)

Academic Language:
e.g. structuring a presentation; good delivery techniques; visualising ideas

Topics:
Marketing: e-marketing; branding; online-communication
Accounting and Finance: cost and price; microfinance, banking

Qualification aims of the subject

This module aims to develop English language skills tailored to the needs of students in Business Studies and Economics, with a focus on building the foundations of communicative competencies as required for both academic and occupational success.

By completing all four modules in this series, students will gain the ability to interact successfully in language specific to their subject area, both in written and oral communication at level B2. This level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is widely defined as the minimum requirement for studying in English and for workplaces within an international environment.

Additionally, the module series targets the development of communication strategies, socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural competence, mirroring the role of English for global Business communication. By covering language-learning strategies, students are enabled to independently broaden the core skills and areas of vocabulary covered in this module, especially during a stay abroad.

After successful completion of all four modules in this series, students will have acquired the following linguistic competencies, as adapted from the CEFR for level B2:

ILO 1: Listening comprehension

They can understand extended speeches, presentations and lectures, as well as spoken business news and are able to follow complex structures of argumentation in the field of Business Studies and Economics.

ILO 2: Reading comprehension

They are able to comprehend complex business and academic texts with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes. They have a broad and diverse active reading vocabulary in the field of Business Studies and are able to use reference sources selectively for lower frequency idioms.

ILO 3: Written production

They can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects in the area of Business Studies and Economics as well in the wider field of related occupational roles (e.g. standard business correspondence). They are able to include specific vocabulary and to make some adequate use of more complex linguistic structures. Depending on the type of text, they can write detailed descriptions of a complex process, evaluate and synthesize information and arguments from a number of sources and develop an argument systematically, appropriately highlighting significant points and providing relevant detail to support their case.

ILO 4: Spoken production

They can express themselves confidently, clearly and politely in a register appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned. They can participate in academic and occupational conversations with a suitable degree of fluency, spontaneity and grammatical control, allowing for a meaningful and largely unhindered exchange. They are able to communicate complex information and advice on a comprehensive range of matters relating to tasks in possible later occupational roles. In the field of Business Studies and Economics, they can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations.

Applicability of the subject

This is the third module in a series of four modules (BUS-MSP-F03;BUS-MSP-F04; BUS-MSP-F05; BUS-MSP-F06) leading to Business English at level B2.

The module is available to students of the following programs: Business Administration, Economics, Wirtschaftsrecht, Gründung und Nachfolge

The nature of the examination / requirements for the award of credit points

In order to receive credit, students need to attend regularly (at least 75% of class time) and participate actively, which includes successful completion of all major course work (as defined by the instructor).

Competence acquisition is additionally verified by an assessment of oral and written proficiency on the basis of a simulated staff meeting (10 min) and a business email (250 words)

Literature and learning resources

Business Advantage B2, Klett/Cambridge (Student’s Book, units 9-12)

Additional information

As part of the final module of the B2-series (BUS-MSP-F06), students will have the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for being awarded with a graded B2-certification by completing a combined proficiency examination.

Teaching and learning forms

Practical Exercise

Participation requirements

Entrance level B2.1 (onSET: minimum of 92 points) or successful completion of modules BUS-MSP-F03 and BUS-MSP-F04