Skip to main content

Business English and Concise Writing

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:7.00
Study Course Accepted:02.02.2024 12:29:21
Study Course Information
Course Code:VC_119LQF level:Level 6
Credit Points:8.00ECTS:12.00
Branch of Science:LinguisticsTarget Audience:Business Management; Management Science
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Sniedze Vilde
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Faculty of Social Sciences
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szfatrsu[pnkts]lv
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)1Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures2
Classes (count)35Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes70
Total Contact Hours72
Full-Time - Semester No.2
Lectures (count)0Lecture Length (academic hours)0Total Contact Hours of Lectures0
Classes (count)36Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes72
Total Contact Hours72
Part-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)1Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures2
Classes (count)13Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes26
Total Contact Hours28
Part-Time - Semester No.2
Lectures (count)0Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures0
Classes (count)14Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes28
Total Contact Hours28
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Knowledge of the English language at secondary school level.
Objective:
To develop students’ communication skills for use in academic and professional settings and to facilitate the acquisition of professional terminology for productive use.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Written communication in business. Concise writingLectures1.00auditorium
Classes1.00auditorium
2Productivity and CreativityClasses2.00auditorium
3Creation of Self-image and NetiquetteClasses3.00auditorium
4Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitchClasses5.00auditorium
5Language of LeadershipClasses3.00auditorium
6Brainstorming TechniquesClasses2.00auditorium
7Product ConceptClasses4.00auditorium
8Market AnalysisClasses4.00auditorium
9Competitive AnalysisClasses3.00auditorium
10Vision, mission and valuesClasses4.00auditorium
11Corporate communicationClasses4.00auditorium
12BrandingClasses3.00auditorium
13Building a team; MotivationClasses6.00auditorium
14Job interviewsClasses4.00auditorium
15Promotion and Marketing planClasses4.00auditorium
16Customer service, business correspondenceClasses4.00auditorium
17Communication with Mass Media; Crisis CommunicationClasses3.00auditorium
18Constructive communication; DebatesClasses3.00auditorium
19Intercultural communicationClasses3.00auditorium
20Communication ethicsClasses3.00auditorium
21Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacyClasses3.00auditorium
Topic Layout (Part-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Written communication in business. Concise writingLectures1.00auditorium
Classes4.00auditorium
2Productivity and CreativityClasses1.00auditorium
3Creation of Self-image and NetiquetteClasses1.00auditorium
4Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitchClasses5.00auditorium
6Brainstorming TechniquesClasses1.00auditorium
7Product ConceptClasses3.00auditorium
8Market AnalysisClasses2.00auditorium
9Competitive AnalysisClasses1.00auditorium
11Corporate communicationClasses1.00auditorium
12BrandingClasses1.00auditorium
13Building a team; MotivationClasses1.00auditorium
14Job interviewsClasses3.00auditorium
19Intercultural communicationClasses1.00auditorium
20Communication ethicsClasses1.00auditorium
21Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacyClasses1.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Individual and pair work: to deliver presentations on the topics studied, to perform written tasks, to design questionnaires, to make press conference questions, to write reports. Students are obliged to fill in the course evaluation questionnaire at the end of the course.
Assessment Criteria:
Active class participation; the quality of written homework submitted in time, the quality of oral answers; presentations corresponding to the topics of the course. At the end of the course – examination consisting of a written part and a presentation. The written part aims at evaluating the knowledge and practical application of the terminology covered and the acquisition of the theories. During the oral part, students will present their company presentation; the content, the presentation and language skills will be evaluated. Requirements for obtaining credits (assessment structure): Total grade consists of: Compulsory tests – Final Project presentation – 50%; Other tests (participation during the seminars, assignments on e-studies, home assignments) – 20%; Examination – 30%.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):Exam
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:On successful completion of the course students: • will know the general English vocabulary and basic economic and business terminology for use in various academic and professional situations, will be able to apply the acquired lexis for professional needs, to communicate with clients, to distinguish between business language styles, will be able to get necessary oral and written information.
Skills:On successful completion of the course students will be able to: • obtain the necessary written and spoken information and express their point of view, applying the terms acquired during the course; • define and apply business terminology; • write reports, formal letters, and summaries; • make and deliver presentations in English; • present their ideas in meetings, express suggestions in an ethical, constructive, and persuasive manner; • communicate with mass media; • participate in debates.
Competencies:Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to practically apply the acquired terminology in different communicative situations as well as in written correspondence.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Market Leader, Intermediate, Upper-intermediate, Advanced, D.Cotton, Longman, 2011.
2Intelligent Business, Intermediate, Upper-intermediate Level, T. Trappe, Longman, 2009.
3BEC Vantage Masterclass, N.O’Drisco, Oxford University Press, 2008.
4Business English Handbook, Advanced, Paul Emmerson, Macmillan, 2007.
5English for Business Studies, Ian MacKenzie, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
6Practical Presentation Skills: Authenticity, Focus & Strength, Brandt Johnson, Nicolas Brealey Publishing, 2019
7New Business Matters, Mark Powell, Thomson, 2004.
Additional Reading
1Longman Business English Dictionary, Pearson Longman, 2007.
2BEC Vantage, Books 1, 2, 3, 4, Cambridge University Press, 2009.
3BEC Higher, Books 1, 2, 3, 4, Cambridge University Press, 2009.
4Powerhouse, Upper Intermediate, Davids Evans, Pearson, 2000.
5Business Grammar Builder, Paul Emmerson, Macmillan, 2004.
6Oxford Business English Grammar and Practice, Michael Duckworth, Oxford University Press, 2002.
Other Information Sources
1www.harvardbusinessreview.com
2www.forbes.com
3www.ft.com
4www.economist.com
5www.accel-team.com
6www.thetimes.co.uk