Course detail

English C1-2

FSI-0AX Acad. year: 2027/2028 Summer semester

The course focuses on the development of advanced English skills at the C1 level and their practical use in academic and professional contexts. It extends the knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary with an emphasis on active and confident fluent spoken speech. In addition to language competences, the subject specifically develops the communication and transferable skills necessary for effective, confident and independent communication. The emphasis is placed on critical thinking, argumentation skills, the ability to respond promptly and adapt the communication strategy, style and language register to a specific purpose, situation and target audience.

Through cooperative activities, interactions in the group, and independent preparation of assigned tasks, students develop the ability to formulate and convincingly present their own ideas, effectively argue, critically evaluate information and perform in front of the audience. The course thus combines the development of advanced language competence with the building of academic and professionally applicable communication skills.

The acquired knowledge and skills correspond to the C1 level of CEFR and can provide students with a sufficient basis for a subsequent completion of internationally recognised English language exams.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Supervisor

Mgr. Dita Gálová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Foreign Languages

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Knowledge acquired by the student:

  • has an active command of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, fixed phrases, and collocations appropriate to the C1 level;
  • has mastered grammatical structures typical of an advanced level of English;
  • actively uses sophisticated language resources to express complex ideas and arguments, as well as specific vocabulary used in discussions and debates;
  • understands the specific features of language appropriate to different communicative situations and language registers and is able to use them appropriately;
  • is familiar with the stylistic and pragmatic aspects of the English language, particularly with regard to communicative intent and the intended audience.

Skills acquired by the student:

  • is able to communicate confidently and spontaneously in English at the advanced C1 level in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations;
  • is able to formulate, develop, and defend complex ideas using precise language, well-structured arguments, and a wide range of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures;
  • constructs persuasive arguments, critically evaluates differing opinions, and responds effectively to counterarguments; demonstrates critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, as well as the ability to make well-informed decisions when addressing complex and controversial issues;
  • participates confidently and constructively in formal discussions and debates, using rhetorical strategies and persuasive language to influence and engage the audience;
  • responds promptly to challenging questions and strategically adapts arguments in response to differing viewpoints;
  • is able to adapt their communication style, language register, and rhetorical approach to different types of audiences, purposes, and communicative situations.

Entry knowledge

The minimum entry requirement is very good knowledge of B2 grammar and vocabulary.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Attendance is mandatory and is systematically controlled. Two absences are allowed The compensation of extra absences will be, in justified cases, determined by the teacher.

The credit is awarded for active participation in classes and completion of assignments, thus regular attendance and activity are essential.

The examination is written and oral, with the written part contituting 50 % and the oral part also 50 % of the final evaluation. The written test examines the knowledge of the discussed language structures and vocabulary. The oral part takes the form of a group debate in which the active implementation skills developed in the course is evaluated. In both parts, it is necessary to score at least 50% of the total number of points.

Aims

The aim of the course is to develop communication skills and to expand knowledge of C1 English an emphasis on practical application in diverse communication situations. Instruction uses authentic materials, model communication tasks and activities from academic and professional contexts. The course thus combines the development of language competences with transferable communication and interpersonal skills that aid confident public speaking, critical thinking, decision-making, convincing presentation, and the ability to adapt language to different audiences and situations.

Objectives in language proficiency:

  • systematically extend active vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, fixed phrases and colocations corresponding to C1;
  • expand grammar structures typical of advanced English;
  • extend the language tools for expressing complex ideas and arguments, as well as specific vocabulary and expressions used in diskussions and debates;
  • deepen the knowledge of language resources characteristic of different communication situations and language registers;
  • develop awareness of the stylistic and pragmatic aspects of English, in particular the appropriateness of linguistic expression in relation to the communication intention and the receiver.

Objectives in communication and language skills:

  • communicate fluently, confidently and spontaneously in English at an advanced C1 level across a range of personal, academic and professional contexts;
  • articulate, develop and defend complex ideas using precise language, well-structured arguments and an appropriate range of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures;
  • construct persuasive arguments, critically evaluate opposing viewpoints and respond effectively to counterarguments;
  • demonstrate critical thinking, analytical reasoning and informed decision-making when addressing complex and controversial issues;
  • engage confidently and constructively in formal discussions and debates, using rhetorical strategies and persuasive language to influence and engage an audience;
  • think on their feet, respond spontaneously to challenging questions and adapt their arguments strategically in response to opposing positions;
  • adapt their communication style, register and rhetorical approach to different audiences, purposes and communicative situations.

The course culminates in a competition-style debate, providing students with an opportunity to integrate and demonstrate their advanced language proficiency, critical thinking, persuasive communication and teamwork skills in a challenging and authentic communicative setting.

The study programmes with the given course

Programme N-OBN-P: Common Offer, Master's, elective

Programme B-OBN-P: Common Offer, Bachelor's, elective

Programme BIT: Information Technology, Bachelor's
specialization BITP: Information Technology, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Language exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Syllabus

The instruction consists of blocks focusing on developing skills in these topics:



  • Week 1-2: Technology and ecology

  • Week 3-5: Technology and politics

  • Week 6-8: Technology and business/marketing

  • Week 9-12: Technology and society

  • Week 13: Final competition-style debate


Each block includes the training of the following skills:



  • generating topics for the debate,

  • generating syllogismas/statements,

  • generating for and against arguments,

  • search for evidence,

  • creating counterarguments,

  • adusting language to persuasive appeals,

  • assessment and decision-making processes.