English B2 (Language for Specific Purposes - Business and Law)

Faculty

Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences

Version

Version 1 of 13.03.2024.

Module identifier

22B1602

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Special features of the module

This module focuses on the development of the participants’ ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts by practising and refining the key language competencies: speaking, reading, writing and listening. In the MODULE ENGLISH 4 subject-specific component (i.e. English specifically for Business Law or Business Psychology) otherwise referred to as Component 2, special attention is paid to improving participants’ language skills in their specific area of study. The MODULE ENGLISH 4 business management component for students of Business and Law or Business Psychology respectively, otherwise referred to as Component 1, focuses on improving students’ language skills in areas of business management which are of particular relevance for their specific fields of study.

Brief description

The interdisciplinary nature of the studies in social sciences calls for a special attention to linguistic and communication skills. An essential tool for students, across multiple disciplines, is to enhance English skills as a lingua franca in the modern global higher education community with a focus on specific purposes. Through accessibility to the ever-growing body of relevant literature and potential academic and professional networking opportunities, the students may bridge the gap between the skills and insights gained in the subject matter of the specialized courses and the real-life experience, as well as the future horizons of workplace beyond regional and national scopes. 

Upon completion of the module, students are able to perceive and produce English language at a B2 level of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Learners will understand and evaluate key concepts of complex discourse in their field of specialization.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  • Reading, analysis and discussion of selected articles from textbooks and the English-language business press;
  • Reading, analysis and discussion of authentic specialist texts in business psychology and on social and economic policy events in the English-speaking world;
  • in-depth study of topics in presentations, discussions and project work;
  • in-depth exercises on text structure and presentation of complex contexts;
  • Consolidation of grammar, syntax and conversation structure;
  • Case studies on intercultural differences

Overall workload

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

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
40SeminarPresence-
10OtherPresence-
10OtherPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60Work in small groups-
30Exam preparation-
Further explanations

The hours used in the Lecturer based learning Learning field are instructional hours.

Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of one 30 minutes written examination (K30), one written paper (HA), one presentation (PR), and one oral examination (M). Each element ist weighted by 25 points.

Exam duration and scope

Assessment, according to the details outlined in the examination regulations, is based on coursework. Students must decide either on the continuous assessment option as outlined below or the option of taking a complete examination at the end of the semester with the content based on the work covered during the semester.

The assessment of writing skills is comprised of 2 parts:

  • Written examination: Vocabulary Test, Written Knowledge Test; in accordance with the valid study regulations
  • Written paper: approx. 600-800 words

The assessment of oral skills comprises:

  • Presentation: approx. 12-15 minutes
  • Oral examination: Oral Group Exam (3 students, 10 minutes per student), Individual Interview / Oral Test (if deemed necessary). In accordance with general part of the examination regulations

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

Recommended prior knowledge

passed module English 3 (technical language) or equivalent previous knowledge

Knowledge Broadening

The students can identify the specific English terminology and discourse commonly used in business law textbooks and media. They can summarize and reproduce the major arguments in the context of business law.

Knowledge deepening

The students can discuss the key theories of law with regard to the business concepts of intellectual property, competition, and fair trade.

Knowledge Understanding

Students will be able to review, in English, the application of legal research and methodology towards a further understanding of business concepts and practices.

Application and Transfer

Students will be able to develop the linguistic body of knowledge and skills to actively join a meeting/debate/discussion, present a critical overview of a relevant topic, and compose an essay within the domain of business law.

Academic Innovation

Students will be able to apply the academic language skills in order to critically analyse the current issues in business law and projects/case studies at regional, national, and global levels.

Communication and Cooperation

Students will be able to engage in interdisciplinary peer exchange about key concepts and trends in business law in academic and professional contexts.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

The students will be able to assess their performance and reflect on their role as future professionals dealing with the potential challenges of organizations.

Literature

Diverse vertiefende Artikel aus Fachbüchern und Fachpresse zu wirtschaftspsychologischen Themen; Diverse vertiefende Artikel aus der englischsprachigen Wirtschaftspresse; Diverses audiovisuelles Materialrial aus Rundfunk, Fernsehen, Internet und anderen Quellen

Applicability in study programs

  • Business Law (Bachelor)
    • Business Law, LL.B.

    Person responsible for the module
    • Asiayee, Hamid
    Teachers
    • Asiayee, Hamid