Learning outcomes

The course aims for the B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the following skills:

 

Listening Comprehension (B2+)

  • Understand audiovisual materials (such as "Ted Talks") related to one's field of interest and discipline: grasp the main ideas of complex interventions in terms of content and form on concrete or abstract topics and in standard language, including technical discussions in one's field of specialization.
  • Be able to follow the main points of a lecture, speech, and other forms of academic/professional presentations, which are complex in terms of content and form.
  • Be able to follow a lively conversation among native speakers; identify the main reasons for or against an argument or idea in a discussion using clear and standard language.
  • Understand the speaker’s viewpoint on common or specialized topics, provided that the speech rate is normal and the language is standard.

 

Reading Comprehension (B2+)

  • Understand specialized articles in one's field.
  • Have a broad and active reading vocabulary (although infrequent expressions might pose challenges).
  • Skim through a long and complex text (e.g., a scientific article) and identify the relevant points.

 

Oral Production, alone and in interaction (B2 minimum)

  • Make a detailed description and presentation on a wide range of topics related to one's field of interest, developing and justifying ideas with secondary points and relevant examples.
  • Develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting viewpoints with secondary arguments and relevant examples; logically connect arguments.
  • Explain a viewpoint on an issue, providing the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
  • Deliver a clear, prepared presentation, presenting reasons for or against a particular viewpoint and outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
  • Handle a series of questions after the presentation with a level of ease and spontaneity that does not create tension for the audience or for oneself.
  • State and defend opinions relevantly, providing explanations and arguments.
  • Understand in detail what the interlocutor is saying in standard language, even in a noisy environment.
  • Actively participate in discussions on topics related to one's field and understand in detail the points highlighted by the speaker.

 

Goals

The aim of this course is to help students progress from level B1+ to B2/B2+ in the targeted skills in preparation for the Bachelor’s degree exit profile: listening comprehension (B2+) and oral production, alone and in interaction (B2).

By the end of the year, students should be able to:

  • make a presentation in their field of specialization;
  • follow a lecture or presentation in their field of specialization;
  • lead and participate in a debate in their field of specialization.

Content

Course materials posted on WebCampus.

Table of contents

See course programme on WebCampus.

Teaching methods

The course is conducted in-person in the form of interactive seminars in English. Attendance is required to make progress. Opportunities to work on oral production are provided in each class.

 

The objectives and activities align with the philosophy of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Language communication is worked on considering linguistic (vocabulary, syntax, phonology), sociolinguistic (social relationship markers, politeness rules, etc.), and pragmatic (organization, adaptation, discourse structure) skills necessary for the target tasks. The course is not limited to linguistic considerations.

 

Particular attention is paid to the student’s workload, specifically the balance between in-person class hours and course credits. Approximately one-third of the course credits (= 1 credit/3 = +/- 30 hours) will be in-person with the teacher, while the remaining credits (= 2 credits = +/- 60 hours) will be remote using resources available on the WebCampus platform.

 

In practice: Students will review the texts (videos and/or articles) scheduled in the program and complete the required tasks before attending class (see course program).

 

Assessment method

The final grade for the course is calculated as follows:

  • Continuous Assessment (20%): First presentation in the 2nd term on a chosen specialized topic, followed by a debate.
  • January Exam (20%): Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation test.
  • June Exam (60%):
    • Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation test (10%)
    • Listening comprehension: audiovisual material not covered in class (20%)
    • Oral production (30%) alone (enhanced oral presentation of the chosen specialized topic) and in interaction (debate on one of the topics presented by students in the 2nd term).

 

All presentations must follow the guidelines provided in class. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in a fail mark.

 

An absence or attendance mark for any part of the assessment will result in an absence or attendance mark for the whole assessment.

 

For the August session, a student with a final grade below 10/20 will retake the parts for which they did not achieve 10/20. Each part is weighted as follows:

  • Linguistic Competence (vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation): 30%
  • Listening Comprehension: 20%
  • Oral Production (alone and in interaction): 50%

 

Continuous assessment will not be taken into account.

 

An absence or attendance mark for any part to be retaken will result in an absence or attendance mark for the whole evaluation.

 

In case of another failure, all parts of the exam must be taken again the following academic year; partial grade transfers between academic years will not be allowed.

 

Important Note: Success in this unit of study does not certify in any way that the student has reached the B2+ or B2 level of the CEFR for receptive or productive skills.

Sources, references and any support material

  • Syllabus: course documents will be posted throughout the year on WebCampus.
  • Recommended grammar and vocabulary book: Bled Anglais Tout-en-un, B. Lallement, N. Pierret-Lallement, Hachette-Educ, 2014 (or reissue).
  • Additional materials on WebCampus.

 

Language of instruction

English
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Geology Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Geography : General Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Geography : General Standard 3 3
Bachelor in Geology Standard 3 3