Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.2.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Business English and Concise Writing

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VC_125
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
9.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Management Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Sniedze Vilde
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
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.

Individual work and tests

Examination

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
-
-

Students carry out independent work in groups: they conduct market research, compile relevant literature, complete practical tasks, prepare reports using field-specific terminology, organize discussions, provide constructive feedback to group members, record sub-tasks, and prepare progress presentations.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination
100.00% from total grade
10 points

Active participation in classes; timely completion of tasks at the required quality; quality of oral responses; preparation and delivery of presentations in line with the course project topics.

The course includes four projects, and at the end of each project, students present the final product and provide a detailed report on their independent work. The appropriateness of content, presentation, responses, and language will be assessed.

Requirements for earning credit points (course assessment structure): the final grade is calculated as follows – compulsory assessments: final project presentations (4) – their average grade constitutes 100%.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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):
3.00
Contact hours:
40 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

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

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

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

Brainstorming Techniques
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

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

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

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

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

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):
3.00
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