Type of Credit: Elective
Credit(s)
Number of Students
Workplace Communication is a one-semester 3-credit-hour course designed for high-intermediate/advanced students of English as a foreign language. This is not a course that aims to teach students business knowledge. Rather, it is designed to allow students to transform their English language knowledge into communicative skills necessary for the workplace in any profession.
Traditionally, “English at the workplace” often means “business English” which involves business terminology and business correspondence. However, as we embrace constant changes at work in the 21st century, particular content knowledge will soon be outdated. What is needed, therefore, is adaptability in cross-cultural contexts, as well as productive language skills for the ever-changing workplace. In this course, students are expected to use the English language to teleconference, to analyze case studies, to conduct individual or group presentations, to write job-hunting documents, and to compose formal emails and case reports. It is hoped that, through the vehicle of English language, as well as the exposure to the finer points of international workplace etiquette, students are able to, not only sharpen their language skills, but also develop a proper mindset and cross-cultural awareness that are essential to one’s success in any job.
能力項目說明
The primary goal of this course is to allow students to maximize their English listening, speaking, and writing abilities while exploring a wide range of topics from corporate entertaining to management styles, from brand management to business innovation, from business ethics to cross-cultural communication. All topics have been specially chosen to remain current and can be covered in any order. Class will be conducted entirely in English.
Learning outcomes:
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The primary goal of this course is to allow students to maximize their English listening, speaking, and writing abilities while exploring a wide range of topics from corporate entertaining to management styles, from brand management to business innovation, from business ethics to cross-cultural communication. All topics have been specially chosen to remain current and can be covered in any order. Class will be conducted entirely in English.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students are expected to have:
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週次 Week |
課程主題 Topic |
課程內容與指定閱讀 Content and Reading Assignment |
教學活動與作業 Teaching Activities and Homework |
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1 |
Introduction |
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Worksheet; group discussion |
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2 |
Office Issue; arranging meetings |
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Listening task; worksheet |
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3 |
Arranging Meetings |
yourself) from bad meetings
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Listening task and group discussion (coming up with a product name) |
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4 |
Closing the deal |
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Listening task and mini role play |
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5 |
Improving presentation skills |
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Listening tasks; worksheet
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6 |
Branding and marketing
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Listening tasks; worksheet |
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7 |
Branding and marketing |
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Filming a commercial |
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8 |
Student presentation
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Individual presentation and feedback |
Presentation |
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9 |
Midterm quiz & Student presentation
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Midterm quiz & Student presentation |
Midterm quiz & Student presentation |
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10 |
Cross-cultural awareness |
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Assignment 1: Writing an email to your instructor to discuss your cross-cultural insights |
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11 |
Cross-cultural awareness |
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Listening tasks; mini role play |
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12 |
Negotiations |
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Listening task; group discussion; writing skills |
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13 |
Negotiations |
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Listening task; reading activity |
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14 |
Job Hunting
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Group discussion; selecting your ideal candidate Assignment 2: cover letter and resume
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15 |
Final exam; interview
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16 |
Group Interview |
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You are expected to: - participate actively in all in-class activities and discussions; - attend each class and be on time; - deliver a presentation; - submit two written assignments; - take the midterm quiz and the final exam; - attend a job interview.
Your final grades are determined by the following course components:
ASSIGNMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS Attendance Attendance will be taken each week. Habitual lateness and unauthorized cell phone use may impact your attendance record. If you need to take a leave of absence, please inform the instructor via email in advance or promptly afterward.
Participation Class participation refers to your active involvement in the class activities including your participation in group discussions, insights and comments regarding class content, responses to the instructor’s questions, and reactions to other students’ contributions.
Assignments In addition to the in-class writing exercises, you will complete two written assignments: (1) an email about a cross-cultural discussion, (2) a personal resume and a cover letter. The email is based on one of the cross-cultural discussions conducted in class. For the resume and cover letter, you will be asked to respond to an authentic, self-chosen job advertisement. Even with limited work experience, you are encouraged to elaborate on your strengths by closely examining your academic background and relevant experiences. All written assignments are to be submitted before the due dates.
Presentation You will deliver an presentation on a workplace-related topic. Your presentation should have a duration of approximately 6-7 minutes. Detailed guidelines and grading rubrics will be given to you in class.
Job interview The interview will take place during week 15. You will participate in the interview alongside your teammates, at the designated time slot assigned to you. During the interview, you will be randomly asked 2 questions from the list of "commonly asked job interview questions", as well as 1 question related to the course materials. It is expected that you speak for 1 to 2 minutes to answer EACH question. You will be provided with a compiled list of questions in advance.
Final Exam The final exam is a paper-and-pencil exam. It may cover all materials presented throughout the semester, including the vocabulary list, readings, handouts, and video exercises provided in class. No make-up exam will be given unless you obtain the instructor’s permission in advance.
NOTE: Students are prohibited from utilizing AI to generate assignments; however, they are permitted to employ AI for proofreading purposes and correcting grammatical errors. Detailed instructions regarding the permissible use of AI will be provided during class. |
There is no required textbook for this course. YouTube videos will be used for listening tasks, and worksheets will be distributed in class. Abridged PDF files will be uploaded to Moodle each week for review.
Supplementary materials:
Mascull, Bill. (2018). Business Vocabulary in Use Advanced. Cambridge University Press.
Recommended self-learning websites: CNN Business: https://edition.cnn.com/business/perspectives Business-BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/business Fortune: https://fortune.com/ Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/ Indeed Careers: https://www.indeed.jobs/