Business English (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

You will focus on using practical spoken communication skills in English to complete a variety of group based tasks and projects. Course aims and goals include building confidence to use English, improve overall fluency and build active vocabulary.
Topics include:

Breaking the ice
Team Presentation
Elevator Pitch
Team based problem solving projects

N.B. Teacher reserves the right to make changes to the above as required.

Objective

The student can both orally and in writing:
- describe the content and structure of his/her studies, training and working experience,
- introduce the operations and organization of a company and tell about different types of company forms as well as types of duties within a company,
- compile a professional job application and act in a job interview,
- communicate using right formality, vocabulary and phrases through a purchasing process (from an enquiry to an order, complaints, adjustments),
- analyze and tell about current business news in various Finnish media
- make and maintain contacts by phone, email, face-to-face

Content

Telling about the student’s own education, training and work experience. The student understands and can use appropriate business vocabulary and phrases both orally and in writing when describing the operations of a company, business environment, products and processes.
Making and maintaining contacts, discussing current business news, practising presentation skills. Compiling a job application and CV, acting in a job interview. Documentation used in a purchasing process.

Materials

No previous business experience is expected. While there is no requirement to read any business books prior to, or during the course, the following (in no particular order) are just a few recommended for anyone genuinely interested in a future career in the world of business:
Good to Great - James C. Collins
Blue Ocean Strategy - W. Chan Kim
The Art of War - Sun Tzu
The Personal MBA - Josh Kaufman
Zig Ziglar's Secrets to Closing the Sale - Zig Ziglar
Start With Why - Simon Sinek

Teaching methods

Interactive. Students are encouraged to participate as actively as possible in discussions and set tasks and will work in self-assigned groups drawing from their own ideas, opinions, and experiences.

Exam schedules

There is no exam for this course

International connections

The content of the course is designed to enhance overall English language communication skills. Examples include the ability to form relationships, present, support and defend own ideas and opinions, decide on appropriate forms of communication for different situations and demonstrate an ability to use different digital tools for effective communication. Students will complete tasks individually, in pairs and groups to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.

Completion alternatives

None

Student workload

Classroom activities 30h
Self-guided learning 20h

Further information

Emphasis is very much placed on clear, unambiguous and understandable communication. You will not be downgraded for grammatical, word order or other errors that do not interfere with overall understanding. Although emphasis in class is placed on spoken communication not everyone is a natural orator. You will not be marked down for a lack of fluency - effort and willingness to try are enough.