The main aim of this course is to improve students' interactive communication skills in English, as a second language, and to develop their knowledge of vocabulary. The course also aims to improve students' speaking skills, in addition to revising certain grammatical points. Students will take part in activities that will allow them to use and develop their communication skills and mastery of the English language in situations such as:
• Socialising
• Negotiating
• Exchanging of ideas
• Building up an argument
• Asking questions
• Responding to questions or suggestions
• Making offers
• Asking for opinions
• Asking for clarification or repetition
The aim of this course is to develop students' ability to use English in interactive communication situations similar to those they will encounter in their future professional lives.
Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Present a complex topic in a clear and methodical way with only occasional reference to their notes.
• Communicate spontaneously and fluently to a degree that allows for normal interaction with their peers.
• Communicate fluently and effectively in conversations on both social and professional levels.
• Express, articulate and defend their opinions and be able to react to and interact with their peers in conversations on both social and professional levels.
• Master language functions, grammatical structures (simple and complex), vocabulary (general and specific), pronunciation and intonation to allow for fluent and spontaneous communication.
The course is open to students with an adequate command of English, with knowledge of the literary, cultural, and translation traditions of the English-speaking world. Students should also plan to view television, DVDs, etc. and listen to audio materials from other sources to further strengthen vocabulary and comprehension in preparation for their oral assessments. The level of speaking proficiency achieved by individual learners will depend on the learner's motivation, previous experience, and degree of engagement in course activities.
Learning will occur through communicative and collaborative tasks (via audio and video), the
development of autonomous learning skills and strategies, reflecting on the use of the English
language through intercultural activities, and simulations. High importance will be given to
interaction in English language use and learning in view of its central role in communication,
making students aware of the (inter-)cultural differences as expressed by native and non-native
speakers.
Assessment and Final Grade
Individual oral presentation during class (topic to be given by teacher): 50%
Individual oral presentation during class (topic to be chosen by each student): 50%
Course Requirements
Regular attendance and participation in activities are essential to be a successful language
learner. For students to progress in understanding and speaking English, they must hear and
speak it on a daily basis.
Students must attend classes since active participation and interaction with the teacher and
peers, and between peers, are essential to effective second language acquisition and oral skills
development. Attendance is a mandatory part of this course.
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