English Language for Business
The English Language for Business course lies at the interface of the academic and occupational fields of business and blends both academic and professional writing and speaking skills to enhance performance in both individual and group tasks.
The English Language for Business course lies at the interface of the academic and occupational fields of business and blends both academic and professional writing and speaking skills to enhance performance in both individual and group tasks.
The course materials draw upon the six major functional areas of business (strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, technology and equipment, and operations) to both contextualize skills and provide opportunities for business language development. The writing materials, which are based on research into what makes successful academic writing, show students how to use business tools to analyse and produce effective writing.
While the course is aimed at students who are intending to take university degrees in business, or advance planning for careers in a global business environment, no prior knowledge of business is needed to take the course. Participants should have an intermediate level of English. Typically, this will be IELTS 5.5-7.0, CEFR B2-C1 or Cambridge First Certificate or Advanced.
It was an exciting three weeks at the Warwick Summer School, we made new friends and it has changed our lives towards a more mature and goal-oriented direction.
Gemy Hale Provido (Philippines)
Key Facts
Expected independent study: 68 hours
Optional assessment: Dependant on course
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)** Please check with your home institution
For more information on exams and credit, please see our Teaching and assessment page
Lecturers
Syllabus
Week 1- Linear note-making
- Radial note-making
- Writing introductions
- Highlighting your main ideas
- Writing an Executive Summary
- Drawing conclusions
- Describing results
- Discussing reasons
- Exercising caution
- Evaluating alternatives
- Evaluating solutions and making recommendations
Assessment: Analyse and interpret data to write a report
Week 2- Organizing a presentation
- Giving an overview
- Introducing the next speaker
- Using pausing and pacing
- Using emphasis
- Using repetition
- Creating effective PowerPoint slides
Assessment: Group Presentation
Week 3- Characteristics of a successful seminar participant
- Looking at both sides of an argument
- Considering different perspectives
- Clarifying understanding
- Inviting others to speak
Assessment: Group seminar discussion
Course Aims
This course aims to enable participants to analyse written business texts more effectively; skilfully produce different genres of business writing such as business plans and research reports; give an impressive and effective business presentation or sales pitch; and participate successfully in business-related seminar discussions.
Learning Outcomes
- Use linear and radial note making techniques to analyse written business texts more effectively
- Use appropriate language, organisation, and a range of business tools to skilfully write various genres of business writing, such as business plans and business research reports
- Use organisation, technique and visuals to give an impressive and effective business presentation or sales pitch
- Use a range of speaking skills to successfully participate successfully in business-related seminar discussions such as concision, inclusion, clarification and consideration of multiple perspectives
Course Structure
There will be ‘4 hours of teaching on most weekdays.
Assessment is fully integrated into the design of the course. Input sessions will lead to assessment at the end of each week in your ability to analyse, describe and interpret business data, give an effective presentation or sales pitch, and take part in a seminar discussion.
| Assessment 1 | Writing | Data Description: 35% |
| Assessment 2 | Speaking | Group Presentation: 35% |
| Assessment 3 | Speaking | Group Discussion: 30% |
Business Studies (4th edition) by Dave Hall, Carlo Raffo, Rob Jones and Alain Anderton. Pearson Education Limited.
Entry Requirements
While the course is aimed at students who are intending to take university degrees in business, or advance planning for careers in a global business environment, no prior knowledge of business is needed to take the course. Participants should have an intermediate level of English. Typically, this will be IELTS 5.5-7.0, CEFR B2-C1 or Cambridge First Certificate or Advanced.
Please note changes to syllabus and teaching team may be made over the coming months before exact set of topics are finalised.
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