Course detail

Technical English 1 (B2 Level)

FA-OA1-NAcad. year: 2023/2024

In this course students study authentic English architectural texts which provide them with contemporary technical terminology that they may use to describe and present their projects, and to work as an architect in an international team.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Department of Drawing (UZ)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The assessment comprises a written summary of student´s own project and an oral exam.
The oral exam tests the student´s knowledge of the technical terminology necessary to perform the architectural profession and it has two parts:
  • oral presentation of student´s own project and the follow-up discussion
  • discussion of a selected topic related to the university studies and architectural practice.
In order to complete this course successfully, students must show that they are able to present their projects in an understandable way, to use correctly the basic terminology of their study field, and to describe their studies at BUT.
In order to complete this course successfully, students must participate in 80 % of lessons at minimum, submit the written assignments, and do the final exam in the form of oral presentation and the discussion on a selected topic. The absences may be compensated by submitting a written assignment upon the agreement with the teacher.
Upon the agreement with the teacher, the absences in the classroom can be compensated via online participation.

Aims

The goal of this course is to develop students´ competence to communicate in English, so that they will be able to use their technical knowledge acquired at the university in English (see the Standards by MŠMT 2016).
The aim of the lessons is to provide students with English technical terminology necessary to present their architectural projects in spoken and written English.
The aim of the exam is to assess students´ ability to communicate in English in the situations related to their studies and work as an architect at B2 level of CEFR.
  • Students will acquire the basic technical English necessary for studying abroad or for doing an internship in an architectural studio abroad.
  • Students will know the contemporary English terminology for describing residential buildings and their surroundings.
  • Students will be able to introduce their architectural projects in spoken English, and to react to basic questions about their projects.
  • Students will know how to describe the building site, structure, facade, materials and functions of a building.
  • Students will be able to produce parts of the documentation and drawings with English text.
  • Students will be able to write summaries of their projects in technical English and style.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Heidenreich, S. English for Architects and Civil Engineers. Wiesbaden: Vieweg Teubner Verlag, 2010. ISBN 978-3-8348-0950-6. (EN)

Recommended reading

Powell, M: Dynamic Presentations, Cambridge University Press 2011. ISBN 978-0-521-15004-0. (EN)
Vince, M. Macmillan English Grammar in Context. Oxford: Macmillan, 2008. ISBN 978-1-4050-7140-6. (EN)
Wallwork, A. English for Interacting on Campus. Springer, 2016. ISBN 978-3-319-28732-4 (EN)

Elearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme N_A+U Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    specialization --- (do 2022) , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's

    specialization --- (do 2022) , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme ARCHURB Bachelor's

    branch ARCH , 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

  1. Basic terminology of architecture. Working with technical dictionaries. Describing exterior of houses
  2. Describing structure of houses. Regional differences in terminology
  3. Building materials, describing their characteristics
  4. Types of architectural drawings and documentation. Describing site plan of houses
  5. Disposition and functional zoning of a house. Describing floor plans
  6. Residential buildings. Classification and description of dispositions
  7. Public buildings. Classification and description of their functions
  8. Renovation of buildings. Tips how to present in English
  9. Urban design and spatial organisation
  10. Public space. Description and function. Writing summaries
  11. Students present their projects. CV in English
  12. Students present their projects. Portfolio in English
  13. Consultation of submitted summaries and CVs

Elearning