Course detail

English for Europe

FEKT-XAEUAcad. year: 2018/2019

The course is focused on the development of the students' verbal and written communication skills and their further professional application within the wider framework of both Czech and European job markets. The central elements of the course consist in practising communication in the European cultural, business and legal environment and activities designed to describe and question European cultures in comparison with the Czech Republic (taking the Euro-American cultural context into account). The course provides the overview of the European Union institutions and their functions and presents the English language as the universal tool providing access to education and jobs to the Czech and Moravian university graduates. The coursework is based on the interpretation of written and audio-visual sources, discussion and personal opinion presentation.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

PhDr. Milan Smutný, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Foreign Languages (UJAZ)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The ability to find one's way in the European (and world) cultural and professional environment. The ability to use English in a wide range of everyday situations. The knowledge of various writing techniques. Improved ability to understand spoken English.

the student is able to describe EU institutions and knows the basic facts about their functioning
understands the relationships of the Euro-American cultural context
explains and describes the structure of a firm and its functioning, introduces its products and services to potential business partners
prepares documents connected with the job application procedures
is prepared for different situations connected with the job interview
responds adequately in problem solving (professional communication)
makes basic formal documents
discusses the problems of the legal system and environment
compares cultural environment of different countries and understands cultural differences
is able to discuss the problems of the systems of education

Prerequisites

The subject knowledge required corresponds to the standards of the Bachelor ´s study program.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in Article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.
Exercises developing communication skills in both oral and written forms.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Active participation in seminars (75%), semester test (min. 24, max. 40, semester test may be repeated only once), exam (min. 30, max. 60).

Course curriculum

EU – information about the history of EU and functioning of its institutions
How to prepare a successful presentation
Professional communication, introducing a company, the structure of a company, negotiations with a business partner
Jobs, job application procedures, CV, job interview
Telephoning, problem solving and replies to complaints
Formal (business) communication
Law, crime, justice, legal proceedings
Cultural differences, intercultural communication
Schools and education
Health problems, health care and the related communication in a foreign country
USA, Canada, Euro-American culture
Presentations on the European countries and regions

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Vocabulary development and practising the general ability to work with language Encouraging the students to communicate actively. Further broadening of European horizons. Teaching the techniques of writing.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

a set of selected texts
Wellman, Guy. The Heinemann English Wordbuilder. Praha: Státní pedagogické nakladatelství, 1991.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme AUDIO-J Bachelor's

    branch J-AUD , 3 year of study, winter semester, elective general

Type of course unit

 

Language exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

PhDr. Milan Smutný, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1.Introduction. Everyday English I: meeting new people, conversation topics. Taboo areas. Family life, housing, work and leisure across Europe.
2.Everyday English II: living in Europe. Meeting people, conversation topics. Food and
eating out. Restaurants, hotels and hostels. Doing business in restaurants.
3.Everyday English III: meeting people, conversation topics. Shops and shopping.
4.Across the continent: Employers and employees. Listening comprehension.
5.Everyday English IV: English in the workplace. Interviews, starting a job.
6.Everyday English V: how to manage a business meeting. Communication: dealing with problems, responsibility. Coming into conflict and the difference of opinion: in and out. Writing: business meeting papers and reports.
7.Everyday English VI: English in the workplace. Writing: ads and offers. E-mails and fax messages. Speaking on the phone. Film: business communication.
8.Everyday English VII: Role play and writing: how to apologize for…, letter of complaint.
9.Social language. Role play: accepting and declining an invitation. Welcoming a guest. Writing: letters of invitation.
10.English for authorities; housing and finance. The police and crimes.
11.Informal language II: across Europe.
12.Course evaluation and revision.
13.Semester test.