ESL 505: Representative Course Syllabus

Week 1 Diagnostic Exam: Memo

Introductions

Week 2 Writing: Preparing to write; memo writing

Speaking: Peer review of diagnostic memo

Assignment: revise memo

Week 3 Writing: Writing Styles for Business

Speaking: Words for Business: giving and receiving criticism

Practice office diplomacy

Week 4/5 Writing: Avoiding Plagiarism: quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing

Speaking: Impromptu summaries

Discussion: Get acquainted with WalMart Inc.

Assignment: Summary of a business article

Weeks 6/7 Listening: NPR 4-part series on WalMart (computer lab)

Speaking: Discussion about WalMart

Presentation: summary of one of the WalMart radio articles

Assignment: Write a memo

Field trip to Wal-Mart

Week 8 Writing: Executive summary

Speaking: Present recommendations to the Board of Trustees

Assignment: Write an executive summary

Sign up for individual writing conference

Week 9 Speaking: Peer review of executive summary

Practice ìwords for business

Assignment: Revise executive summary

Week 10/11 Speaking: Language for business: office scripts

Diplomatic Language

Beginning business negotiations: roleplays

Writing: Business letter

Journal: Describe a business negotiation

Week 12 Get a Job!

Writing: Cover Letter and Resume

Speaking: Peer Review of Cover Letter

Assignment: Write a cover letter for your ideal job

Week 13 Speaking: Techniques for successful job interviews

Interview role play

Weeks 14/15 Speaking: Negotiating your job and other business situations

Journal:            Self-reflection of your progress and your future