Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Business English and Concise Writing

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VC_119
Branch of Science
Languages and Literature
ECTS
12.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Management Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To develop students’ communication skills for use in academic and professional settings and to facilitate the acquisition of professional terminology for productive use.

Preliminary Knowledge

Knowledge of the English language at secondary school level.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.On successful completion of the course students: • will know the general English vocabulary and basic economic and business terminology for use in various academic and professional situations, will be able to apply the acquired lexis for professional needs, to communicate with clients, to distinguish between business language styles, will be able to get necessary oral and written information.

Skills

1.On successful completion of the course students will be able to: • obtain the necessary written and spoken information and express their point of view, applying the terms acquired during the course; • define and apply business terminology; • write reports, formal letters, and summaries; • make and deliver presentations in English; • present their ideas in meetings, express suggestions in an ethical, constructive, and persuasive manner; • communicate with mass media; • participate in debates.

Competences

1.Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to practically apply the acquired terminology in different communicative situations as well as in written correspondence.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Individual and pair work: to deliver presentations on the topics studied, to perform written tasks, to design questionnaires, to make press conference questions, to write reports. Students are obliged to fill in the course evaluation questionnaire at the end of the course.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
Active class participation; the quality of written homework submitted in time, the quality of oral answers; presentations corresponding to the topics of the course. At the end of the course – examination consisting of a written part and a presentation. The written part aims at evaluating the knowledge and practical application of the terminology covered and the acquisition of the theories. During the oral part, students will present their company presentation; the content, the presentation and language skills will be evaluated. Requirements for obtaining credits (assessment structure): Total grade consists of: Compulsory tests – Final Project presentations– 70%; Other tests (participation during the seminars, assignments on e-studies, home assignments) – 10%; Examination – 20%.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Productivity and Creativity
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Productivity and Creativity
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Creation of Self-image and Netiquette
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Creation of Self-image and Netiquette
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Creation of Self-image and Netiquette
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Language of Leadership
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Language of Leadership
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Language of Leadership
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brainstorming Techniques
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brainstorming Techniques
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Competitive Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Competitive Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Competitive Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Vision, mission and values
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Vision, mission and values
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Vision, mission and values
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Vision, mission and values
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Corporate communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Corporate communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Corporate communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Corporate communication
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
72 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Branding
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Branding
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Branding
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Promotion and Marketing plan
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Promotion and Marketing plan
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Promotion and Marketing plan
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Promotion and Marketing plan
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Customer service, business correspondence
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Customer service, business correspondence
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Customer service, business correspondence
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Customer service, business correspondence
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication with Mass Media; Crisis Communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication with Mass Media; Crisis Communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication with Mass Media; Crisis Communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructive communication; Debates
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructive communication; Debates
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructive communication; Debates
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intercultural communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intercultural communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intercultural communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication ethics
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication ethics
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication ethics
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacy
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacy
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacy
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
72 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Written communication in business. Concise writing
Description
Annotation: Written communication in business. Concise writing. - Students acquire skills and abilities in business and academic written communication, including reports, presentations, emails, formal letter, articles. In the practical part, the students themselves, under the guidance of a course`s supervisors, participate in the written communication with companies and organizations in Brussels to organize the study visit - the Brussels Week taking place in the 3rd semester of their study path.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Productivity and Creativity
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Creation of Self-image and Netiquette
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation skills, Public speaking and Elevator pitch
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Brainstorming Techniques
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Product Concept
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Market Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Competitive Analysis
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Corporate communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Executive summary; Critical thinking; Media literacy
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Branding
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Building a team; Motivation
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Job interviews
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Intercultural communication
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication ethics
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Market Leader, Intermediate, Upper-intermediate, Advanced, D.Cotton, Longman, 2011.

2.

Intelligent Business, Intermediate, Upper-intermediate Level, T. Trappe, Longman, 2009.

3.

BEC Vantage Masterclass, N.O’Drisco, Oxford University Press, 2008.

4.

Business English Handbook, Advanced, Paul Emmerson, Macmillan, 2007.

5.

English for Business Studies, Ian MacKenzie, Cambridge University Press, 2006.

6.

Practical Presentation Skills: Authenticity, Focus & Strength, Brandt Johnson, Nicolas Brealey Publishing, 2019

7.

New Business Matters, Mark Powell, Thomson, 2004.

Additional Reading

1.

Longman Business English Dictionary, Pearson Longman, 2007.

2.

BEC Vantage, Books 1, 2, 3, 4, Cambridge University Press, 2009.

3.

BEC Higher, Books 1, 2, 3, 4, Cambridge University Press, 2009.

4.

Powerhouse, Upper Intermediate, Davids Evans, Pearson, 2000.

5.

Business Grammar Builder, Paul Emmerson, Macmillan, 2004.

6.

Oxford Business English Grammar and Practice, Michael Duckworth, Oxford University Press, 2002.

Other Information Sources

1.

www.harvardbusinessreview.com

2.

www.forbes.com

3.

www.ft.com

4.

www.economist.com

5.

www.accel-team.com

6.

www.thetimes.co.uk