Contents of the subject

Courses in this series focus on expanding advanced receptive and productive English language skills needed by students of Business Studies and Economics in more demanding communicative situations 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. moving discussions forward; making a sales pitch; sales negotiations; writing an executive summary

Academic Language:
e.g. brainstorming; creating effective notes for presentations; advanced presentation techniques; using a diagram to express ideas

Topics:
e.g. International marketing: entering the global market; time management; standardisation and differentiation of a product in different markets
Competition and entrepreneurship: theory of competition; fostering entrepreneurship; the structure of a business plan

Qualification aims of the subject

The aim of this module is to develop English language skills tailored to the needs of students in Business Studies and Economics, with a focus on refining communicative competencies for advanced academic and occupational contexts.

After completing all four modules in this series, students will have gained the ability to interact fluently and confidently in a wide range of situations by utilising the language specific to their subject area, both in written and oral communication at level C1. This level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) corresponds to the level of language skills widely recommended for obtaining (advanced) degrees in the target language and for conducting business internationally.

Additionally, the module targets enhanced communication strategies, socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural competence, mirroring the role of English in global business communication. By honing their language-learning strategies, students will be enabled to build independently on the advanced skills and areas of vocabulary covered in this module in order to overcome virtually any future linguistic challenges. 

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 C1:

ILO 1: Listening comprehension

They can understand extended speech on abstract and complex topics in the extended field of Business Studies and beyond. They are able to follow most lectures, debates and negotiations with relative ease, even when they are not clearly structured and relationships and meanings are only implied. They recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

ILO 2: Reading comprehension

They are able to comprehend a wide variety of extended and complex texts, including specialized academic and professional publications. Students can understand both explicit and implicit information and can follow the content in detail, provided there are opportunities for re-reading and they have access to reference tools. They possess a wide-ranging and diverse active reading vocabulary in the field of Business Studies.

ILO 3: Written production

They can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding on and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. Within their field of interest, they can write a longer report, article or dissertation on a complex academic or professional topic, provided that there are opportunities for redrafting and revision. They can include specific vocabulary from the fields of Business Administration and Economics as required and make adequate use of more complex linguistic structures.

ILO 4: Spoken production

They can express themselves fluently and almost effortlessly in academic and occupational conversations; as well as giving clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

They possess a good command of a broad lexical repertoire, allowing gaps to be readily overcome through circumlocution. There is little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies; only a conceptually difficult subject outside their usual field can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

Applicability of the subject

This is the first module in a series of four modules (BUS-MSP-F07; BUS-MSP-F08; BUS-MSP-F09; BUS-MSP-F10) leading to Business English at level C1.

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 sales pitch (3 min) and an accompanying product presentation (at least one page)

Literature and learning resources

Business Advantage C1, Klett/Cambridge (Student’s Book, units 1-4)

Additional information

As part of the final module of the C1-series (BUS-MSP-F10), students will have the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for being awarded with a graded C1-Certification by completing a combined class-work assessment and written examination.

Teaching and learning forms

Practical Exercise

Participation requirements

Entrance level B2.2 (onSET: minimum of 110 points) or successful completion of modules BUS-MSP-F05 and BUS-MSP-F06