Business English Conversation & Listening 1. Introduction Instructor: Hsin-Hsin Cindy Lee, PhD Business English Conversation & Listening 2010

Contents Course description and requirements Syllabus and learning points Checkpoint

Course Description & Requirements

Course Objectives This course uses functional syllabus. It aims to help students learn language functions and useful expressions for working in the global workplace. The course content will help you learn how to speak English fluently in various business situations.

Teaching Methods This course combines e-learning and on-campus class hours. On our course website, you can download the learning materials and watch the video of instructor’s lecture. You can also practice listening and study the grammar rules by e- learning. You will be requested to post articles and responses and completing the quizzes on the course website. All the activities mentioned above will maximize your e-learning outcome. When you attend the class on campus every other week, you will have chance to practice English conversation with your classmates face-to-face. There will be student role plays and presentations, too.

Course Requirements Attendance and participation You need to respond biweekly online. Your biweekly article and response will be seen as attendance. This course requires on-campus attendance. Make sure you join the classroom activities every time. Punctual submission of assignments Use English in the class Interacting with your classmates in ‘English’ will further help you practice your business communication skills!

Grading Policy Assignments & Quizzes: 25% Role Plays or Presentations: 25% Mid-term exam: 25% Final Project & Presentation: 25%

Textbooks and References Business English Conversation 商務英語會話 (新頁圖書) (classroom use) Intelligent Business (Intermediate) (書林代理) Essential Business Grammar Builder 商用英文文法(基礎班/進階班) (寂天) (optional purchase)

Syllabus and Learning Points

Syllabus 1. Introduction 7. Making Suggestions 2. Greeting 3. Socializing & Small Talk 4. Making Telephone Calls 5. Making Requests 6. Dealing with Complaints 7. Making Suggestions 8. Making Presentations 9. Agreeing and Disagreeing 10. Final Review

Essential Learning Points

Lesson 1. Introduction to the Course Make sure you study Lesson 1 and understand all the course requirements. This course combines e-learning and on-campus classroom activities. Make sure that you are able to participate in both types of learning activities. This course is intensive in nature. Try to catch up with the course schedule all the time!

Lesson 2. Greeting Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Common Business Situations Introducing yourselves in the first meeting Introducing a peer to a senior Introducing peers to each other Receiving a guest (Model Conversation)

Lesson 3. Socializing & Small Talk Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Some Safe Topics for Small Talk Jobs/work/business/economy Vacation/ travel/ sightseeing Food/ drinks/ cuisine/ restaurants Sports/ local sport teams; events/ exercises General interests: movies; music, etc.

Lesson 4. Making Telephone Calls Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Learning Points How to making a phone call properly How to answer a phone call properly How to leave and take messages How to make an appointment

Lesson 5. Making Requests Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Learning Points Persuading people to do things politely Talking about urgency

Lesson 6. Dealing with Complaints Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Learning Points Principles of dealing with complaints The process of dealing with problems Clarifying and confirming on the telephone

Lesson 7. Making Suggestions Holding a brainstorming meeting Basic Rules of hosting and participating a brainstorming meeting The process of holding a brainstorming meeting Open a meeting Invite opinions Participants make suggestions Encourage opinions Summarize and end the meeting

Lesson 8. Making Presentations Basic rules of making an effective presentation Study the structure and relevant expressions The basic structure of presentation Opening Body Conclusion Q&A

Lesson 9. Agreeing & Disagreeing Basic Rules and Concepts Conversation and Listening Check Answers and Further Practice Writing Practice Learning Points Agreeing Disagreeing

Lesson 10. Final Review Greetings Socializing & Small Talks Telephone English Making Requests Dealing with Complaints Making Suggestions Making Presentations Agreeing and Disagreeing Review Socializing in English Telephoning in English Making presentations in English Conducting meetings in English

Checkpoint Have you known the course requirements? Have you known the essential learning points of the course content? Do you have any questions regarding the course content? Will you have difficulty joining the on-campus activities? Will you have difficulty with e-learning and the Internet?

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