1American Language Institute

Comprehensive English Program

Professional Communication for Levels 5 & 6

Instructor: Yuna Seong

Email: ys45@nyu.edu
Course number: CESL1-CE9035.003
Term: Spring 2016
Location: WW 230
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
February 8 May 4
Note: no class February 15-16; March 14-17; April 4, 6

Course Description:
This course is for intermediate to high-intermediate level students who are interested in
improving their confidence and ability in using English in professional settings. The
course includes learning about business communication etiquette, leading and
participating in meetings, and preparing for and delivering professional presentations
including job interview skills. In addition, this course covers important professional
writing techniques and language needed in resumes, cover letters, and appropriate
emails.

Course Structure:
The class will meet in-person on Mondays & Wednesdays 1:00pm-2:45pm. The classes
may include lectures, pair and group discussions, team projects, and presentations.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Expand their vocabulary by learning business vocabulary and idioms
Become familiar with and use writing skills and techniques for resumes, cover
letters, and email.
Use discussion skills to be able to participate effectively in professional settings
Prepare and deliver professional presentations

Communication Policy:
I check my email almost every day, so the fastest way to reach me would be via email.
If you would like to ask questions, discuss something, or just simply chat, feel free to
send me an email and we can set up an appointment.

Course Expectations:
Class work:
Discussions in small groups and as a whole class
Role plays
Vocabulary, idioms & pronunciation work
Short presentations
Grammar practice (as necessary)

Assignments:
Reading and writing assignments related to class content
Preparation of discussions and presentations related to readings
Incomplete class assignments

Late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED An assignment is considered late if it is not turned
in at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. If you are late or absent, it is your
responsibility to contact the teacher or other students to find out what you missed and
to complete it by the due date.

Course Materials:
You do not have to purchase a book for this course.
Your e-mail account: It is essential that you check your e-mail account regularly or
at least the day before class.I will be sending out electronic copies of assignment
handouts and giving you important class announcements via email.
Folder or Binder to keep all your materials in one place
A notebook with detachable sheets of paper and pen

Attendance Policy:
Students studying under an F-1 visa must attend at least 80% of their classes to fulfill
visa requirements. All students are expected to be ready to begin class at 9:00. Poor
attendance, including chronic lateness, may affect your final grade for the class.

Assessment:
At the end of the semester, you will receive a grade of P (pass and advance to the next
level) or N (not ready for the next level) based on your English proficiency in the four
skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Your class participation and the
successful completion of assignments will also be recorded by your instructor and may
have an impact on your successful completion of this level.

Cell phone use:

Cell phone use if strictly prohibited except for class research and dictionary purposes, or
emergency situations. Please let me know in advance if you need to use your phone
during the class due to personal reasons.

NYUSPS Career Advancement (non-degree) Grading Policies Website:

http://sps.nyu.edu/content/scps/academics/noncredit-offerings/academic-noncredit-
policies-and-procedures.html

Other NYUSPSs Policies:

NYUSPS policies regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism, Students with Disabilities Statement, and Standards
of Classroom Behavior among others can be found on the NYU Classes Academic Policies
tab for all course sites as well as on the University and NYUSPS websites. Every student
is responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with all of these policies.

The full list of policies can be found at the web links below:
University: http://www.nyu.edu/about/policies-guidelines-compliance.html
NYUSPS: http://sps.nyu.edu/academics/academic-policies-and-procedures.html

Course Outline (tentative)

Session Class Objectives

Session 1 Introductions & Greetings

M (Feb 8) Getting to know each other

Session 2 Business Etiquette

W (Feb 10) Discussion of American business culture: attitudes about time, body
language, appropriate and inappropriate topics at work

Session 3 Small talk: How to make a good first impression

W (Feb 17) Making a more formal introduction

Session 4 Informal vs Formal

M (Feb 22) Pragmatics and formality

Session 5 Email Etiquettes

W (Feb 24) Appropriate email writing

Session 6 Meetings and Discussions

M (Feb 29) giving opinions, responding to opinions (agreeing/disagreeing), interrupting
and handling interruptions, clarifying

Session 7 Leading and Participating in a Meeting

W (Mar 2) Role-play meetings

Session 8 Introduction to Shark Tank

M (Mar 7) Watch Shark Tank and analyze presenters and sharks: body language,
knowledge, passion, negotiating tactics

Shark Tank Group Project Guidelines

Brainstorm product ideas

Session 9 Introduction to Shark Tank (cont)

W (Mar 9) Discuss business language
- Presenters' language: persuasive, promoting
- Sharks' language: critical and positive response, types of questions
 SPRING BREAK

Session 10 Shark Tank Presentation Group Work (Computer Lab)

M (Mar 21) Student groups develop business plans and prepare for presentations
Business plan peer edit, business plan revisions

Session 11 Shark Tank presentations and feedback

W (Mar 23)

Session 12 Preparing a Presentation

M (Mar 28) Introduction to individual presentations
Choosing topic, preparation (understanding audience), and structure
Brainstorm and discussion of topic

Session 13 Panel Invitation

W (Mar 30) Discussion with successful international business experts

Session 14 NO Class (personal)

M (Apr 4)

Session 15 NO Class (personal)

W (Apr 6)

Session 16 Preparing the Presentation: Making an impact (Computer Lab)

M (Apr 11) Effective use of visual aids (PPT and Prezzi)

Assignment Due: Presentation Proposal and Outline

Session 17 Delivering the Presentation

W (Apr 13) Presentation language and structure (Transitions or signposting)

Session 18 Making your speech clear

M (Apr 18) Understanding pausing and thought groups
Extended Sentence Stress and Intonation
Class**
(till 4:00) Presentation Rehearsal
Demo of practice
Assignment Due: Presentation Draft

Session 19 Resume Writing

W (Apr 20) Searching for desired job
Extended Preparing resume
Class**
(till 4:00) Assignment Due: Bring in Resume and Desired Job Ad

Session 20 Individual presentations and feedback

M (Apr 25)

Session 21 Individual presentations and feedback

W (Apr 27)
Session 22 Cover Letter Writing
M (May 2) Preparing cover letter

Job interview preparation and practice

Body language, asking questions, turning negatives into positives

Session 23 Role play job interviews

W (May 4) Job interview critique/feedback