B_BR_AJ2_p English 2

NEWTON University
summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/2. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: graded credit.
Teacher(s)
Yvona Dicker (seminar tutor)
Vladimír Srebnickij (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Táňa Vybíralová (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
BcA. Robert Michael Westbrook, LL.M., MBA, MSc
Language Centre – International programmes – NEWTON University
Timetable of Seminar Groups
B_BR_AJ2_p/01: Wed 11:20–12:50 BR Učebna 08, V. Srebnickij, Úroveň C1: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
B_BR_AJ2_p/02: Wed 9:40–11:10 BR Učebna 08, V. Srebnickij, Úroveň C1: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
B_BR_AJ2_p/03: Wed 8:00–9:30 BR Učebna 05, T. Vybíralová, Úroveň C1: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
B_BR_AJ2_p/04: Wed 9:40–11:10 BR Učebna 05, T. Vybíralová, Úroveň B2: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
B_BR_AJ2_p/05: Wed 9:40–11:10 BR Učebna 06, Y. Dicker, Úroveň B2: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
B_BR_AJ2_p/06: Wed 8:00–9:30 BR Učebna 06, Y. Dicker, Úroveň B2: jedná se o cílovou úroveň jazyka, které student dosáhne při dokončení kurzu.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives

Course Description

This 12-week seminar (90 minutes per week) is an interactive, student-centered course focused on the development of Business English communication skills combined with applied critical-thinking practice. Students work with level-appropriate materials (B1, B2, or C1) from the Business Partner coursebook series (Financial Times Publishing), enabling differentiated instruction according to language proficiency.

The course develops practical workplace communication competencies including meetings, presentations, negotiations, professional correspondence, and collaborative problem solving. In addition, two to three dedicated seminar units focus specifically on critical-thinking development, covering topics such as metacognition, structured decision-making, cognitive biases, and analytical reasoning. These units are designed to strengthen students’ ability to evaluate information, make informed decisions, and communicate arguments effectively in professional contexts.


Learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively in spoken and written English in common professional and business contexts appropriate to their proficiency level (B1–C1).

  2. Participate actively in professional interactions such as meetings, presentations, negotiations, and collaborative discussions.

  3. Apply relevant business vocabulary, functional language, and communication strategies to workplace-related situations.

  4. Analyse information, formulate structured arguments, and express reasoned opinions in business and professional discussions.

  5. Apply basic critical-thinking strategies, including reflection (metacognition), structured decision-making, and evaluation of alternative solutions.

  6. Deliver a structured presentation on a professional topic using appropriate language, visual support, and audience-engagement techniques.

Syllabus

Course Content – Units 3–4 (by Level)

B1 Level

Unit 3 – Products and Services
Describing products and services, comparing features, discussing customer needs and product advantages.

Unit 4 – Customer Service
Handling customer requests and complaints, providing solutions, and developing effective service communication strategies.

B2 Level

Unit 3 – Marketing and Branding
Market positioning, branding strategies, promotional activities, and communication with target audiences.

Unit 4 – Customer Relationships
Building and maintaining client relationships, responding to customer feedback, and managing long-term partnerships.

C1 Level

Unit 3 – Business Strategy
Analysing competitive environments, strategic positioning, and long-term organizational planning.

Unit 4 – Innovation and Change
Managing innovation processes, organizational change, and strategic decision-making in dynamic business environments.


Two seminars (in B2 and C1) are dedicated to critical-thinking development, including topics such as cognitive biases and bias-mitigation strategies for managers, as well as high-context and low-context communication in intercultural professional environments.

Literature
  • Business Partner B1 Evans, V., Obee, B., & Obee, R. (2018). Business Partner: Student’s Book B1. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited (Financial Times Publishing).
  • Business Partner B2 Hughes, J., Stephenson, H., & Dummett, P. (2019). Business Partner: Student’s Book B2. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited (Financial Times Publishing).
  • Business Partner C1 Hughes, J., Stephenson, H., & Dummett, P. (2020). Business Partner: Student’s Book C1. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited (Financial Times Publishing).
Teaching methods

Teaching Methodology

The course is delivered using a communicative, task-based, and discussion-driven methodology emphasizing active participation and experiential learning. Seminars include guided discussions, pair and group work, role-plays, simulations, case-study analysis, and short presentations. Instruction integrates language development with targeted critical-thinking activities to ensure that students apply vocabulary, grammar, and discourse strategies in realistic professional contexts. Continuous formative feedback is provided to support language accuracy, fluency, and strategic communication skills.


Assessment methods

Assessment Requirements

The basic requirement for obtaining a graded course credit is 75% attendance at seminars, one presentation on a professional topic (see the detailed weekly syllabus), and a final test. The instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements for awarding the graded course credit if necessary. Course completion is awarded in the form of a graded credit, evaluated using the grading scale A–F based on the institutional 10-point grading scale. 

Due to the reduced contact-hour allocation in the KFS form of study, attendance is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining the graded credit. In this case, completion is based on successful completion of the final test covering the required course content. 

The instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements for awarding the graded course credit if necessary.


Language of instruction
Czech
The course is also listed under the following terms summer 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.newton.cz/course/nu/summer2026/B_BR_AJ2_p