Administrative Details

Objective
This subject aims to further develop those English language and communication skills required by the students to communicate effectively in their future professional careers.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• write promotional literature related to products and services
• participate effectively in business meetings and negotiations
• plan, organise and deliver effective business presentations
• write descriptions and interpretations of business-related data

Subject Description
The subject is designed to build upon the language and communication skills covered in EIW. The subject underlines the need to be able to select suitable registers of English in particular contexts and also concentrates on the strategies available to speakers and writers of English when communicating in a professional capacity. In order for students to be able to use English appropriately and successfully in their future professions the coherent presentation of ideas and language will be emphasised.

The study method is primarily based on seminars. These will include discussions, role-play, individual and group activities. Use will be made of video and tape recordings, library research, and our Centre for Independent Language Learning. Specially prepared material from the English Language Centre will be used throughout the course. In addition, lecturers will recommend additional reference material as required.

Syllabus
This syllabus is indicative. The balance of components, and the weighting accorded to each, will be based on the specific needs of the students.

1. Registers of English:
   Varieties of spoken and written English: field, mode and tenor. Importance of the appropriacy of register for any given situation. Practice in writing in a variety of registers, for example promotional material, advertisements, manuals, brochures and technical papers. Practice in speaking in a variety of registers, for example interviewing and being interviewed, social interaction in a professional setting, and work-related presentations.

2. Negotiation strategies:
   Discussion techniques, argument, debate, politeness strategies, persuasive speaking. Significance of non-verbal communication and the effects of cultural differences on communication.

3. Meetings:
   Chairmanship and participation in meetings. Practice in writing documents associated with formal meetings. Practice in stating opinions, making recommendations, and expressing positive and negative viewpoints.

4. Project writing:
   Preparation for the writing and oral presentation of projects.

Throughout this subject, continuing attention will be paid to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

References
Huckin, T. & Olsen, L. (1991). Technical writing and professional communication for nonnative speakers of English. 2nd ed. Singapore: McGraw Hill.

Kline, J.A. (2004). Speaking effectively: Achieving excellence in presentations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Mascull, B. (2004). Business vocabulary in use: Advanced. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Marsh, C. (2005). Strategic writing: Multimedia writing for public relations, advertising, sales and marketing, and business communication. Boston: Pearson/Ally and Bacon.

Murphy, H. A. & Hilderbrandt, H. W. (1997). Effective business communications. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.

O'Driscoll, N. & Pilbeam, A. (1992). Meetings and discussions. Harlow, Essex: Longman.

Reardon, K. K. (2004). The skilled negotiator: Mastering the language of engagement. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Stiff, J. B. (2003). Persuasive communication. 2nd ed. New York: Guilford Press.