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International Business Administration

Foreign language (CEFR level A2)

Exam number: Depends on the chosen language

Semester: 1st - 2nd Semester

Duration of the module: two semesters

Form of the module (i.e. obligatory, elective etc.): Obligatory

Frequency of module offer: Each semester

Prerequisites: Regulated by the Language Centre. As a rule Placement test before the beginning of the semester.

Applicability of module for other study programmes:
Obligatory or elective in other study programmes. For further information check regulations of the study programme.

Person responsible for module: Dean of Studies in consultation with the Language Centre

Name of the professor: Depending on the course

Language of teaching: Depending on the course

ECTS-Credits (based on the workload): 12

Workload and its composition (self-study, contact time):
Contact time (language course etc.) 90 hours; self study: 270 hours

Contact hours (per week in semester): 8

Methods and duration of examination:
Proof of this is provided by language certificates in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, at least level A2 of the Council of Europe, and certificates issued by a German university are recognised in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Exceptions are decided by the examination board.
Recognition requires that the original language certificate be presented to the examination office. The preparation of a final thesis in a foreign language cannot be accepted as proof in this module, since the examiner does not have to verify the foreign-language performance of the final thesis.

Emphasis of the grade for the final grade: zero

Aim of the module (expected learning outcomes and competencies to be acquired):
Due to the international orientation of the university, foreign language training is an integral part of the programme. The aim of the training is to prepare students for studying abroad and working in international contexts. This is not only done by imparting linguistic skills in the narrower sense of the word and by presenting facts about the region. As members of the European University Viadrina, students already live and learn in an intercultural context. The Language Centre should be the place where this cohabitation is reflected. The own point of view is to be recognized as culturally determined and put into perspective. The Language Centre of the European University Viadrina is a central, scientific institution responsible for the planning and implementation of language training during the course of studies.

Contents of the module:
Education in the chosen foreign language up to level A2 of the Council of Europe, English cannot be chosen as a foreign language. For foreign students who have not proven their ability to study in German, German as a foreign language is obligatory. In addition to German, the Language Centre currently offers training in French, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. Classes are given mainly by native speakers.

Teaching and learning methods:
Language course(s); self-study

Special features (e.g. percentage of online-work, practice, guest speaker, etc.):
A multimedia self-learning centre is available for students. The aim is to facilitate the original encounter with the culture of the language that the students learn, e. g. through multimedia databases, interactive computer programs, satellite television and video. In addition, students have access to the information highway, e-mail and Internet. This enables authentic communication across continents with speakers of the languages to be learned. In the lessons students are prepared for work in the self-study centre.
The certificates of the Viadrina Language Centre are accredited within the framework of Unicert®, a certificate system that covers all universities. Both training and certificates are in accordance with the Council of Europe's reference framework.

Literature (compulsory reading, recommended literature):
Depending on the course

Further information:
Webpages of the Language Centre