I. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COURSE:
This course is aimed at students with level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and, from a communicative perspective, aims to help students deepen their knowledge of some of the principal elements of business communication in Spanish, learn strategies and linguistic techniques, and develop as effective communicators. In an ever more globalised economy, a sound knowledge of business Spanish makes a vital contribution to professional success.
II. PRE-REQUISITES: Intermediate Spanish or above.
III. METHODOLOGY:
The course methodology is based around the active use of Spanish in a dynamic environment and is highly practical in nature. The course will include individual, pair and group work. Discussions, negotiations, case studies, practical activities and simulations will all be employed. Furthermore, students will be introduced to the Spanish business world through the comprehension and analysis of written and oral texts taken from the Spanish media, the use of audiovisual and multimedia resources in the classroom, visits to Barcelona-based companies and business related talks given by local professionals. Although the course is class based and the active participation of students is fundamental, to take greater advantage of the material covered in class, complementary work will be assigned for completion outside of class.
IV. EVALUATION SYSTEM:
The final grade for the course is distributed in the following way.
| CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT |
1 oral presentation (10%) Individual work completed outside class (20%) |
60 %
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| FINAL EXAM |
40%
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V. GRADING AND CLASSIFICATION SCHEME:
In assessed pieces of work, progress tests and the final exam, the following grading and classification scheme will be used:
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Final Course Grade: (60% continuous assessment + 40% final exam)
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Quantitative Grade
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Qualitative Grade
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The student will fail in any of the following cases: |
Unsatisfactory Performance
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| 5,0 - 6,9 |
Adequate Performance
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| 7,0 - 8,9 |
Good Performance
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| 9,0 - 10 |
Excellent Performance
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VI. ATTENDANCE POLICY AND WORKLOAD:
As language study is a cumulative process which requires continual practice to assimilate knowledge and skills, attendance is obligatory. In order to receive a final grade, students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes. In exceptional cases, and for justified reasons authorized by the appropriate committee, students will be allowed to be absent for more than 20%, providing that absence is not greater than 40% of the course.
In order to ensure the maximum benefit is gained, students are required not only to attend classes, but also to participate actively in class and to dedicate a minimum of one hour of study outside of class on a daily basis. During this time, students will undertake tasks set by the professor and revise material covered.
Students must submit work in strict accordance with the deadlines set. Failure to do so will result in the assignment mark being lowered by one point for every day after the hand-in date.
VII. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
VIII. COURSE CONTENTS:
The course will concentrate on the following areas:
Social Aspects & Cross Cultural Communication:
Presentations:
Meetings:
Negotiations:
Professional Correspondence:
IX. COURSE MATERIAL:
During the first class, the professor will make students aware of the dossier of materials that will be used during the course.
X. ADDITIONAL COURSE ACTIVITIES:
Throughout the course, different field trips will be made to help students further develop and apply the knowledge gained in class. Students will also have the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker who will attend one of the classes.