Module Code and Title:       LAN305          English for Professional Communications

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Sonam Deki, Yesodha Chauhan, Poonam Chettri, Runa Chakraborty

Module Coordinator:            Sonam Deki

General objective: This module aims to deliver clear accurate information about accepted forms and practices in professional writing, so that students can learn to produce clear effective documents for professional purposes such as Résumés, job applications, official letters, official e-mails, memoranda, note taking, minute of meetings, and reports. Emphasis will also be placed on usage of formal language and appropriate vocabulary.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Distinguish between informal and formal registers of English.
2. Express themselves with clarity, eloquence and concision in written and oral forms.
3. Create documents that can be used in a professional context.
4. Employ vocabulary and write in a manner appropriate to an official environment.
5. Execute professional correspondences accurately.
6. Complete business presentations, memoranda, and meeting minutes.
7. Self-edit their written work for errors relating to grammar and meaning.
8. Employ professional etiquette in their writings.

Learning and Teaching Approach: 

Assessment Approach:

A. Résumé and Cover Letter: Portion of Final Marks: 20%

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of professional contexts by creating a résumé and a cover letter. They will be expected to match their skills and experiences to the requirements and specific duties of the targeted position. The first draft will be marked out of 5%, and the final submission out of 15%, of which 5% percent will be allotted to specific improvements made on the feedback received on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

B. Report Writing: Portion of Final Marks: 15%

Students are required to pick a topic and choose the most appropriate form of report to write, employing vocabulary appropriate to a professional setting. The first draft will be marked out of 5%, and the final submission out of 15%, of which 5% percent will be allotted to specific improvements made on the feedback received on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

C. Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students demonstrate their ability to communicate professionally with clarity, eloquence and concision in an oral medium by giving a presentation on their report. The duration of each presentation will be 5-7 minutes. Assessment will be based on the ‘Oral Tasks’ rubric.

D. Minutes of meeting: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students in groups of approximately 10 members will take turns fixing a meeting agenda and role-play a meeting. The remaining students will take notes and construct the minutes of the meeting. Students must demonstrate their ability to write their minutes concisely and accurately. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

E. Memorandum: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will write a memorandum, following the required format and employing suitable professional vocabulary. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

F. Official Correspondence: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

This component tests students’ ability to use professional, formal language for official correspondence, e.g., official letters, complaint letters, email etc. Assessment will be based on the ‘Professional Writing’ rubric.

G. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark:10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm and the remaining 5% post midterm. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

Pre-requisites: ACS101 Academic Skills, ANS101 Analytical Skills

Subject Matter:

1. Grammar, Language and Style, with particular focus on professional contexts
   • Distinction between formal and informal Language
   • Attention to lexical resource and appropriateness
   • Revising affected writing for clarity
2. Résumé and Cover Letter
   • Types of Résumé:
     • Chronological Résumé
     • Skill based/Functional Résumé
     • Combination Résumé
   • Features of different formats of Résumé
   • Practise matching skills, knowledge and experience with targeted position requirements
   • Discerning which format best suits one’s needs
   • Prioritising information
   • Cover Letter
     • Structure: elements and format
     • Content: organizing arguments and paragraphing
   • Self-edit their written work for errors relating to grammar and meaning
3. Official Correspondence
   • Structure of the block and semi-block formats: Comparison of prescribed formats with examples from actual use
   • Features of Email messages, Complaint Letters, Letters of inquiry, and Response Letters
   • Writing letter in stages: Prewriting, Writing and Post-writing
   • Employ vocabulary appropriate in official correspondences
   • Observing writing etiquettes in official correspondences
   • Self-edit their written work for errors relating to grammar and meaning
4. Memorandum
   • Characteristics of an effective Memo
   • Form and Structure: Comparison of prescribed formats with examples from actual use
   • Understanding the functions of memo
   • Practise writing memo for various scenarios
   • Discerning the degree of formality required in tone and language
   • Choosing the appropriate organisation: Induction or deduction
   • Self-edit their written work for errors relating to grammar and meaning
5. Minutes of a Meeting
   • What constitutes a meeting agenda
   • Form and Structure of minutes of meeting
   • Practise taking down minutes
   • Role play a meeting: note taking, drafting minutes, finalising minutes
   • Self-edit their written work for errors relating to grammar and meaning
6. Report Writing
   • Purpose and characteristics of a good report
   • Structure and formats of report
   • Practise writing a report in three stages:
     • Prewriting: consider audience, purpose, scope
     • Writing: drafting
     • Post-writing: revising, editing and proofreading

1. Press Release
   • Defining Purpose for the press release
   • Analysing Audience & Occasion
   • Developing Ideas
   • Organizing Contents and use of Visual Aids
   • Comparison of prescribed formats with examples from actual use
   • Self-edit their pieces for errors relating to grammar and meaning

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Alred, G. J., C. T. Brusaw, and W. E. Oliu. (2006). The Business Writer's Handbook. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
   • Bazerman, C. and H.S. Wiener. (1993). Writing Skills Handbook. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
   • Raman, M. & Sharma, S. (2008). Technical Communication: Principles and Practice. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
   • Rizvi, M. A. (2009). Effective Technical Communication. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.
2. Additional Reading
   • Alred, G. J., Brusaw, T. and Oliu. W.E. (2008).The Business Writer's Companion. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
   • Sharma, R.C. and K. Mohan. (2002). Business Correspondence and Report Writing. 3rd ed. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.

Date: December 20, 2015

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