English for Business Literacy

Overview

This course aims to improve your Business English language skills by developing your vocabulary and reading skills and your understanding of tone, style and knowledge of communication methods. We'll also cover how these language skills can enhance audience analysis, business case analysis and basic business communication strategies. Skills learned in this course will often be referred to and needed to complete the speaking, writing and cross-cultural communications courses of this Specialization.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

- describe things and events in the context of Business English
- make requests in the context of Business English
- support arguments in the context of Business English
- use appropriate tone and style according to the context of Business English
- conduct an audience analysis
- match audience with the purpose and medium of communication
- analyse and summarise business data

Syllabus

Welcome module
Welcome to Week 1! This week, we will cover Module 1 where we introduce you to the objectives and structure of this Specialization and course.

Communication basics
Welcome to Week 2! This week we will cover Module 2 where we introduce you to basic communication and language skills you will use in general business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Genres and styles
Welcome to Week 3! This week we will cover Module 3 where we will introduce you to common styles of English you will use for different spoken and written situations in general business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Audience and purpose
Welcome to Week 4! This week we will cover Module 4 where we will introduce you to ways of identifying the purpose and audience for spoken and written documents in general business situations and how this can affect language use. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Analyzing business cases
Welcome to Week 5! This week we will cover Module 5 where we will introduce you to ways of analyzing business cases and strategies for critical reading. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Concluding module
Welcome to Week 6! This week we will cover Module 6 where we will conclude the course and you will need to complete the final exam and post-course survey.