English B1 (Language for Specific Purposes - Business)

22B1598

Bachelor

English

5.0

winter and summer term

The module is offered several times each semester with courses running parallel and taught by various members of the Business and Management English Team.

1 semester

The module consists of 2 courses taught by different lecturers: Component 1 and Component 2 (2 SWS each). In component 1, students focus on improving their presentation skills. In component 2 the focus is on developing skills needed in business meetings.

In both parts, a considerable amount of time is spent on expanding students' business vocabulary and improving their business correspondence writing skills.

The English B1 module leads to the further development of competencies at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The course enables, taking into account cultural specificities, a more independent use of the language in everyday, professional and university situations.

The main aim of this module is to prepare students for higher education and/or employment in the world of business and management where English is spoken or used as a business language.

The module focuses on improving participants' ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts by practicing and refining the key skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening.

The focus of this module is on Specific Purposes (Business) language training for confident use in professional contexts. 

The module is divided into two components. In Part 1, students focus on improving their presentation skills. In part 2 
the focus is on developing skills needed in business meetings.

In both parts, significant time is spent on expanding students' business vocabulary and improving their business correspondence writing skills.

• reading, analysis and discussion of selected articles from textbooks and the English-language business press
• business terminology 
• case studies on the topic of entrepreneurship
• oral and written text (re)production
• discussions and short presentations
• consolidation of grammatical and idiomatic structures in a business context
• reading and listening comprehension strategies
• language usage - and modern learning techniques

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

The module consists of two components of 2 SWS each. The above mentioned teaching and learning forms refer to both components in the module.

• Portfolio exam or
• Portfolio exam

PFP-1) The Portfolio Examination is worth 100 points and consists of a one-hour written exam (K1) and an oral exam (M). Each item is weighted with 50 points.

PFP-2) The portfolio exam is 100 points and consists of two 30-minute written exams (K30), one presentation (PR), and one oral exam (M). Each element is weighted with 25 points.

Written examination: see applicable study regulation

Oral examinations as part of the portfolio examinations: see General Part of the Examination Regulations

Presentation as part of the portfolio examination : approx. 8-10 minutes.

The requirements will be specified in the particular courses.

successful completion of Module A2 or equivalent previous knowledge (corresponding assignment by the placement test)

Students develop a broad and integrated understanding of business terminology.

They are familiar with business terminology and are able to identify and relate different business concepts. They will be able to describe, explain and evaluate buisness case studies in English.

Knowledge of general and specialized vocabulary is expanded. Students are able to integrate technical terms from different business areas into their communication.

In addition, increasingly complex grammatical, syntactical and idiomatic structures enable increasingly confident use in professional contexts. Correct grammatical use of the language enables precise and professional communication in business and professional contexts.

Students are able to report on current topics, business players and trends in the relevant language area and explain correlations.

What is more, they recognize the cultural characteristics of the target language countries in both general language and professional contexts. They understand how cultural differences can affect the business world and gain insight into the workings and ethics of the Anglo-American business world. As a result, students are better able to interpret and apply business etiquette and protocols, which promotes improved interactions with international clients and colleagues.

Students are able to distinguish and use business terms in the foreign language. 

They are able to understand business contexts relatively independently and to effectively write professional articles/business letters/reports in English.  

Students are able to prepare an English CV for job applications and are able to participate successfully in an interview. 

They are able to hold and participate in discussions, conversations by explaining, justifying, defending and responding to their own opinions, points of view and plans. 

They feel confident to prepare and give specialized presentations.

Students are able to independently research, analyze and present specific topics of relevance to society as a whole (especially with regard to economics and business administration).

Students can understand authentic texts on economic and social topics of the Anglo-American language area, reproduce them in linguistically correct form and describe problem areas. They can independently research and present topics.

Students are able to communicate in the foreign language in subject-specific and university-specific contexts with a relatively high degree of confidence.  

They can respond to queries (on subject-specific topics), lead a discussion and participate in a team discussion. 

By learning the cultural characteristics in the respective language area and using extended vocabulary, students are enabled to communicate relatively appropriately. 

They develop a sensitivity to the connections between language and culture, which in result promotes better intercultural communication.

Students are familiar with business terminology and case studies in a business context.

They have a good assessment of their own language skills and know how to further develop their language skills if necessary. 

Students develop a good understanding of business literature and are better prepared for later participation in (English-language) international conferences. 

The skills acquired prepare students to take on later leadership positions.

The module builds on the competencies of the module "English A2 ". It prepares students to be able to read, understand and use English subject-specific texts and thus lays the foundation for the acquisition of competencies in the subsequent modules.

In addition, the module helps to open up students' access to English-language literature and to familiarize them with the special features of the English-speaking world. These competencies promote the internationalization of the students and thus of the study program as a whole.

Language modules also play an important role in the context of a business study program, as they enable students to develop necessary language skills that are later required for international business relationships.

• Public Management, B.A.

• Business Management in the Health Sector, B.A.

• International Economics and Sustainability B.A. (01.09.2024)

• Business Administration and Management, B.A.

• Juraszek, Iwona

• Juraszek, Iwona