Description
Professional English
| Module title | Professional English |
|---|---|
| Module code | ELC2730 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 16 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
Students taking this module will learn how to use their English skills effectively in business and other professional settings. This will include a range of oral contexts such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, pitching and selling, in addition to formal and informal written communication such as emails, letters, reports, proposals and social media posts. In addition to providing opportunities for students to develop and enhance their use of English for the workplace, this module will also explore the issues of using English as a global language for the workplace and reflect on the implications for its users. There are no prerequisites for this module, and it is suitable for students from all subject areas with an English level from B2 to C2 on the CEFR framework (IELTS 6.5 to 8). Students wishing to take this module will need to complete a short task to ensure appropriate language level and shouldemailinsessional@exeter.ac.ukbefore registering.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module provides opportunities to enhance employability and raise awareness on issues of cultural competence in a globalised world. Its overarching aim is to help students to build real-world skills with transferability into workplace settings. It would be valuable for students who are non-native speakers of English and would like to be able to demonstrate specific aptitude in English for the workplace and to raise their awareness of the challenges and opportunities of using English as a lingua franca.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Use English to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively in oral professional encounters.
- 2. Use English to communicate appropriately in different genres of professional communication.
- 3. Effectively fulfil different purposes in written communication, including explaining complex issues.
- 4. Build appropriate lexis and grammar for professional communication.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Understand key features of the debate over English as a lingua franca
- 6. Awareness of the challenges and opportunities of using English as a lingua franca in professional contexts
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Work effectively with a team.
- 8. Use research strategies.
- 9. Identify problems and find solutions.
- 10. Work autonomously, when appropriate and reflect on process.
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
-
Professional communication in a digital, social, and mobile world.
-
Using English as a lingua franca for professional purposes
-
Communication challenges in a diverse world.
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Interpersonal communication and etiquette.
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Writing professional messages. Being clear and concise. Writing routine, negative, and persuasive messages.
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Using social media for professional purposes.
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Writing professional reports: researching, planning, drafting, and editing.
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Delivering professional presentations.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 106 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 44 | Lectures, language classes and seminars. |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Review and practice activities focusing on language, grammar and function. |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Keeping a reflective journal of learning. |
| Guided Independent Study | 42 | Research and preparation for group project. |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group proposal for project work | 1200words | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Tutor written feedback |
| Group presentation on project Topic | 8-10 Minutes | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Peer and tutor oral feedback |
| Reflective learning journal (3 entries) | 1000 Words | 3, 4, 5, 6 ,8, 10 | Tutor written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group report on project work | 40 | 2000 Words | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Tutor written feedback |
| Group presentation on project work | 40 | 20 Minutes | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Tutor written feedback |
| Individual reflection linking module learning and project work | 20 | 600 words | 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 | Tutor written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual report on project work | Re-submission | 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | August/September assessment period |
| Individual presentation on project work | Re-submission | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | August/September assessment period |
| Individual reflection on module learning and project work | Re-submission | 3,4, 5, 6, 8, 10 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
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Bache, Carl, and Niels Davidsen-Nielsen. Mastering English: An Advanced Grammar for Non-Native and Native Speakers, De Gruyter, Inc., 1997. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/exeter/detail.action?docID=929088
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Rossette-Crake, Fiona. Public Speaking and the New Oratory [electronic resource]: A Guide for Non-native Speakers, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-22086-0
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Talbot, Fiona, How to write effective business English: excel at e-mail, social media and all your professional communications, Kogan Page, 2016. https://www.vlebooks.com/Product/Index/915202?page=0
- Marshall, Carrie. Writing for Social Media, BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/exeter/reader.action?docID=5614289&ppg=1
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web-based and electronic resources:
-
ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |