ØASPR2000 Business English and Negotiations Course description

The main purpose of this course is to improve the student’s ability to communicate in English in a professional business context, with the focus being on advanced oral communication such as that used in business meetings, presentations, and negotiations. The course is intended to equip the student with the skills necessary for dealing with real-life situations in the business world where effective and coherent communication in English play a crucial role. The level of the course is B2 according to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).

Language of instruction is English.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has a wide vocabulary in economic and business English
• knows the main written genres of business communication
• knows the main points of grammar necessary for correct and idiomatic usage of the English language
• knows core characteristics of the oral genres: presentations, negotiations and business meetings
• knows how to adapt the language to various business and cultural contexts
• has knowledge about the British and American economies and business worlds
• has knowledge of basic negotiation strategies

Skills

The student

• can write professional English within a business context and demonstrate critical reflection when using AI tools to produce text
• can speak English in a formal and correct manner
• can accommodate speakers from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• can use business terminology in oral and written contexts
• can discuss, analyse and reflect on various issues and texts in English
• can demonstrate practical problem-solving and negotiating skills
• can structure and present information clearly and coherently in English
• can give constructive feedback to peers and reflect critically on their own communicative performance

General competence

The student

• has developed their communicative competence for advanced communication in English, which includes linguistic, intercultural and strategic competencies
• can function well in most professional situations internationally, including demanding situations such as negotiations
• can apply their skills and knowledge of business English appropriately

The course consists of lectures, classroom and workshop activities where active participation and regular attendance are vital. Students will learn through case studies in the form of simulated meetings and negotiations, presentations with peer feedback, discussion and learning activities related to core business topics, and through workshop tasks connected to business writing genres. Independent study is also required.

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Students must attend and participate in a simulated case-based business meeting or negotiation
• Coursework 2: Students must hold a presentation on an approved business topic in a group of two or three with a maximum duration of 12 minutes
• Coursework 3: Students must participate in a 4-hour writing workshop in which they will practise writing skills linked to specific genres, for example, email and report writing

The aim of the coursework requirements is for the student to develop oral and written skills through practice and be able to reflect critically on their own performance and that of peers.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the students will be given one opportunity to submit/present an improved version by the given deadline. In the case of absence from a coursework requirement, the student will be offered one more opportunity to fulfil the requirement.

The exam in the course is a two-part oral exam:

1) The first part of the exam consists of a case-based meeting or negotiation. The exam is group-based with two to three students. Each group will be given a scheduled time to meet up 40 minutes prior to the exam in order to prepare. The preparation will be done with an appointed supervisor present. The duration of the first part of the oral exam is 10-12 minutes.

2) The second part of the oral exam consists of an individual part. The student is required to discuss a selected topic relating to the US and UK economies for 8-10 minutes. The topic is randomly picked when the student enters the examination room.

Both parts of the exam take place at the scheduled time on the same day.

Each part counts for 50% of the grade and the student receives an individual grade for both parts of the exam. All parts of the exam must be passed in order to pass the course. If one of the exam components is not passed, the failed component may be retaken.

No aids are permitted during the exam apart from the case paper.

Grade scale A - F

The oral exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner. If there is disagreement about a grade, the external examiner makes the final decision.