BUSINESS INITIATIVES

Introduction

Learning Goals
This course introduces students to the basic language and concepts of business English and encourages them to apply this knowledge to the creation of an imaginary start-up. Each class will begin with some specific language work (listening, vocabulary, role-plays), based on the different steps of the creation of a start-up (finding the idea, recruiting, money, marketing, advertising, negotiating…). Then this knowledge will be put into practice. The students will work in groups of four and use the tools at their disposal (internet, PowerPoint).

Learning objectives
The objective of this course is for students to master the fundamental language of business English as well as understand the necessary mindset of the business world, and to apply this knowledge to the creation in groups of an imaginary start-up. Students should be able to:

• Use their negotiating skills while finding ways of financing their project
• Write a job advert to recruit a team member
• Carry out some market research
• Analyse the competition
• Think up an advertising campaign
• Work in teams to handle any potential difficulty which may occur while setting up the project
• Interact effectively in an online “classroom” and webinar setting
• Assess the finances of the project
• Sell their start-up

Students should be able to:
• Exercise judgement and flexibility in expressing complex ideas
• Conceive, plan and deliver academic presentations
• Interact effectively in a classroom and seminar setting
• Use techniques to engage in reasoned debate
• Facilitate discussions and show understanding in interpersonal contexts
• Deploy a range of reading techniques to quickly digest large quantities of reading material
• Use a range of appropriate strategies to maintain communication while listening
• Recognise and reuse key vocabulary and language patterns appropriate to an academic context
• Recognise cultural differences with the target culture
• Produce a CV for an international academic application

Acquis d'apprentissage

7.1 Interagir aisément dans une autre langue que la sienne

Contenu

7. Interagir dans un environnement globalisé

Evaluation

All Grading will be on a scale of 0 to 20, unless otherwise stated.
CF: A written synthesis produced in an academic style, of two texts - one written, one video.
CC: 3 Selected Classroom assignments, as detailed by the teacher (2 written texts, one Presentation).
PP: Presence & Participation (each representing 50% of the PP grade)

Evaluation is constructed with 2/3 of the final grade relating to effort, presence and work completed in class. 1/3 is attributed to the CF.

Presence: Students will receive credit for attending class regularly, up to a maximum of 1/6 of their total grade. Unjustified absences will thus have a direct impact on student’s overall grade.
Participation: Students will be assessed on their participation in class, according to the criteria in ‘classroom expectations’

Validating the tandem programme will add 2 bonus points to a student’s CC grade (CC) of the corresponding language course.
It is the responsibility of the student to make up for any missed work in order to avoid these absences further impacting final grades.

CEFR Grade (A1-C2)
Students will be continuously assessed as to their language level relative to the CEFR criteria.
There is NO DIRECT RELATION between a student’s CC/CF/PP and their CEFR level.

For more information, please refer to the LSH website. https://lsh.imt-bs.eu/

Approches pédagogiques

Students should be ready for a high degree of interaction: in pairs, groups and in open class environments. Discussion will be the norm and everyone is expected to contribute in every class.

Students should arrive to class ready to participate with the necessary materials

Classroom expectations:
The participation grade will be based on the following criteria:
• Punctuality: on-time, (non-disruptive arrival)
• Motivation: Only speaking English in Class
• Collaborative: Interacting appropriately during pair/group work
• Engagement: Participating appropriately in whole-class activities
• Focus: Remaining focused during teacher input and on class tasks
• Committed to Homework: Homework delivered on time and to the best of your ability.
• Positive: Contributing to positive class atmosphere

Programme

Programme grande école,Programme Ingénieur,Programme Bachelor

Plan du cours

Generic Sequence (varying in function of theme):
S01 Introduction to course, theme and preliminary exploration of key issues
S02 Introduction to intercultural awareness / Writing I: Key objectives
S03 Writing II - preparing CC1
S04 CC1 (written) / Presenting I: Key objectives
S05 Review & feedback of CC1 / Presentations II
S06 [Flexi-session I : depending on student needs]
S07 CC3 (Presentation) / CV project
S08 CC3 (Presentation) / CV peer-review / Writing III
S09 CC3 (Presentation) / Writing IV - Citations & Preparing CC3
S10 CC2 (written) / Editing / Catchup session
S11 Review and revision for CF / [Flexi-session II : depending on student needs]
S12 CF