The purpose of this course is to build an understanding of effective uses of English in a business environment and to develop strong core business communication skills. This course will introduce and enhance the varying modes of English communication in the business environment and will also focus on when to use these varying modes, depending on the situation. This course will also give students the tools to function in a cross-cultural, global business environment and will develop an understanding of the best techniques for successful communication in varying business contexts.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Organize and use the most common forms of business communication using today’s standards of proper English.
2. Develop a coherent set of verbal and non-verbal communication skills as they relate to effective business communication.
3. Understand and utilize common methods of intercultural and international business communication skills.
4. Identify methods of business communication from a group/leadership perspective.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1- Introduction to Business Communication
Week 2: Unit 2- Delivering your message verbally
Week 3: Unit 3- Effective Business Writing
Week 4: Unit 4- Business Writing in Practice
Week 5: Unit 5- Business Presentations I
Week 6: Unit 6- Business Presentations II
Week 7: Unit 7- Intercultural and International Business Communication
Week 8: Unit 8- Group Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership
Week 9: Unit 9- Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Business Communication

● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Delivering your message verbally

● Peer-assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Effective Business Writing

● Peer-assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 4: Business Writing in Practice

● Peer-assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 5: Business Presentations I

● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Business Presentations II

● Peer-assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 7: Intercultural and International Business Communication

● Peer-assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 8: Group Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership

● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

● Review the course and take the Review Quiz; it will not be included in the final grade
● Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
● The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor