ENGLISH Objective B1+ (SOCA, HUSO, SPOL)

langs1202  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

ENGLISH Objective B1+ (SOCA, HUSO, SPOL)
3.00 credits
45.0 h
Q1 or Q2
> Schedule
Teacher(s)
Mulkers Sandrine (coordinator); Piwnik Marc (coordinator);
Language
English
> French-friendly
Prerequisites
Students must have level B1- in English or taken the course LANGS1201 (English Objective B1 SOCA HUSO SPOL) or another equivalent course corresponding to Level B1- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Main themes
The topics covered are selected in line with the learning outcomes of the programme and the communicative needs as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for the target level (B1+).
They cover specialised communication situations relating to the fields and professions of social sciences and humanities, sociology and anthropology, political science, such as sustainable development and gender and identity.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Learning outcomes (Bachelor’s degree programmes in Sociology and Anthropology, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Political Science, general stream)
  • LO4. Communicate and collaborate in French and two foreign languages, both orally and in writing, while adapting to the audience and context to integrate into an international environment.
    • LO4.2. For 2 foreign languages (English and Dutch, German, or Spanish) :
      • Communicate orally and in writing in a clear, coherent, well-argued, and fluent manner on general topics or subjects related to the field of study.
      • Identify differences and similarities between the target culture (associated with the language) and the culture of origin.
      • Use appropriate strategies to establish contact with speakers of the target culture.
    • LO4.4. Adopt an effective and respectful dialogue attitude by adjusting the communication mode according to the interlocutor (peers, teachers, administrative staff, socio-professional environment) and demonstrating listening skills, empathy, and assertiveness.
 
Learning outcomes (CEFR)
Listening comprehension (B1+) 
  • understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job-related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.
 
Reading comprehension (B1+)
  • scan longer texts in order to locate desired information, and gather information from different parts of a text, or from different texts, to fulfil a specific task.
  • quickly scan clear factual texts, identify the main topic and decide whether information is relevant.
 
Writing (B1)
  • write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within their field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
 
Written interaction (B1)
  • write personal messages and notes asking for or conveying simple information of immediate relevance, getting across the point they feel to be important.
 
Spoken interaction (B1+)
  • communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to their interests and professional field.
  • exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem.
  • express thoughts on more abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music, etc.
 
Overall linguistic competence (B1+)
Has, in general, a good grammatical mastery despite clear influence from mother tongue. Mistakes can occur but the general meaning remains clear.
  • usually use the right word stress and clearly pronounce isolated sounds.
    The accent tends to be shaped by the influence of one or the other of the languages the learner speaks.
 
Content
The LANGS1202 course provides English-language instruction at an upper-intermediate threshold level (B1+), based on general and socio-economic topics related to the students’ programme of study. It aims to develop reading and listening comprehension skills, while consolidating students’ grammatical and lexical knowledge.
Teaching methods
The course is based on an interactive and integrated approach, combining in-class activities, active student participation and regular independent work.
  • Reading comprehension activities based on authentic texts covering general topics as well as subjects related to political, social and human sciences and contemporary societal issues.
  • Listening comprehension activities based on authentic audio and video materials, exposing students to natural English and a variety of communication situations, accents and language registers.
  • Grammar activities aimed at reviewing and consolidating the main grammatical structures corresponding to B1+ level and encouraging their use in context.
  • Oral production and interaction activities, including conversation, pronunciation and reading-aloud exercises.
  • Regular independent work focusing on vocabulary, grammar and comprehension activities, including the preparation of certain course content and activities prior to class sessions.
  • In-class review and consolidation of content prepared independently, including analysis and correction of difficulties encountered, as well as additional reinforcement exercises.
  • Group oral presentation on a topic related to political, social and human sciences.
  • Use of MoodleUCL and the course syllabus for preparation, self-study activities and access to teaching materials and resources.
Evaluation methods
JANUARY EXAMINATION SESSION — 75% of the final grade
  • Written examination: 60%
  • Oral examination: 15%
JUNE EXAMINATION SESSION — 100% of the final grade
  • January examination session results: 75%
    The results obtained during the January examination session are automatically carried over to the June examination session and account for 75% of the final grade.
  • Oral presentation: 15%
  • Continuous assessment: 10%
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER EXAMINATION SESSION — 100% of the final grade
  • Written examination: 80%
  • Oral examination: 20%
Other information
  • Attendance is compulsory for all classes. Regular and active participation is an integral part of the learning process.
  • ENGLISH+ tutoring programme: optional support is available throughout the academic year for students wishing to strengthen their English language skills.
  • Aide à la Réussite (Student Support Programme): optional sessions are organised each quadrimester, either face-to-face and/or via Microsoft Teams, focusing on specific aspects of the course (grammar, language skills, methodology, revision, etc.). Practical information is available on MoodleUCL.
  • Office hours: each lecturer offers at least one office hour per week to answer students’ questions and provide additional academic support.
Online resources
MoodleUCLouvain e-learning platform: https://moodle.uclouvain.be/
Bibliography
  • English Vocabulary in Use – Pre-intermediate and Intermediate, Stuart Redman, Cambridge University Press, 4th Edition.
  • English Grammar in Use, Raymond Murphy, Cambridge University Press, 5th Edition.
Teaching materials
  • Syllabus LANGS1202 – Anglais Objectif B1+ (SOCA, HUSO, SPOL)
Faculty or entity
> ILV


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Human and Social Sciences
HUSO1BA
3
Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology
SOCA1BA
3
Bachelor in Political Sciences: General
SPOL1BA
3