ESL 300 Advanced Business English Communications School of Business University of Bridgeport Summer, 2013 (rev 04/2013)

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1 ESL 300 Advanced Business English Communications School of Business University of Bridgeport Summer, 2013 (rev 04/2013) Saturdays 09:00AM - 01:15PM, Carlson Hall /18/ /13/2013 Professor Steven M. Rashba, ARM, SM Carlson Hall, Room 205 (203) stevenr@bridgeport.edu Office Hours: Tuesdays 3-4 pm Fridays 12:30-4 Mailing Address: School of Business 230 Park Avenue University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT Course Materials Required Reading/Materials: all course materials and case study assignments are available on Blackboard. Students are responsible for regularly checking Blackboard and UB . Recommended Reading: Yahoo Finance, MSN Your Money A. General Course Information 1. Course Description Overview: This course is designed to help students feel comfortable with Business English. Through a review of real world grammar, vocabulary, slang, writing, and reading, students will be able to succeed in graduate level business studies while also gaining job-related skills. All course assignments are published and available on Blackboard. There is NO required textbook. 2. Intended Audience This course is designed to help first year (preferably first semester) international MBA students succeed in their studies by developing their professional communication skills. 3. Course Objectives At the end of the semester, students should:. Understand American Business English Vocabulary and terminology, idioms, expressions, slang, business collocations, proverbs (i.e. the early bird). Be comfortable using Written Business Communication---memos, letters, s, reports, proposals. Understand appropriate business style and mechanics. Learn proper quotation and citation forms. Be familiar with and comfortable conducting and participating in Business Meetings-- e.g.: sales/marketing proposals, interviews, progress reports with an emphasis on roleplaying.

2 Develop oral presentation skills. Review grammar structures of particular significance in the business context (i.e.: passive, perfect modals, conditionals) Review language for common Business Functions such as agreeing & disagreeing, negotiating, resolving conflict, handling complaints, confirming understanding, etc. Roleplay situations using these functions. Cultural norms will be addressed. Be aware of Cultural Differences in business practices--how to recognize and negotiate them. The above objectives will be met through readings taken from business information sources, case studies; class discussion and presentations. 4. Special Accommodations The University of Bridgeport is committed to providing services to qualified students with disabilities so that they receive an equal educational opportunity. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the American with Disabilities Act and the Connecticut State Laws, we provide reasonable accommodations to reduce the impact of disabilities on academic functioning or upon other life activities in a University setting. All accommodations are determined on an individual basis. If a student with a disability would like to be considered for accommodations, he/she must initiate the request, prior to or at the beginning of the academic semester and provide supporting documentation. For further information call or counselingservices@bridgeport.edu. B. Prerequisites Graduate/Undergraduate Standing Students must demonstrate English proficiency before taking this course. Proficiency may be demonstrated through standardized testing or by completing study at the English Language Institute. C. Mode of Instruction Each class is divided into two parts---team Projects/Presentations and Lecture. Team projects include actively participating in the Connecticut Stock Market Game and other business role playing situations. Lecture topics will cover: Sales/Marketing/Advertising, Finance/Investments, and Business Norms, Taxes, Cross Cultural Sensitivity Training, and Team Leadership skills. D. Student Responsibilities 1. Academic Honesty Standards It is the student s responsibility to familiarize himself or herself with and adhere to the standards set forth in the policies on cheating and plagiarism as defined in Chapters 2 and5 of the Key to UB or the appropriate graduate program handbook. 2. Class Participation Students are expected to attend every class and participate actively in class discussions

3 and activities. Additionally, students are expected to actively participate in team projects. In the event of illness or other extenuating circumstances, students must contact the instructor directly. 3. Assignments. There are 12 case study writing assignments. These assignments require some original thought and may also require limited use of outside information (web sites). The assignments are of varying lengths and focus on common intercultural communication issues and other management problems. Students will submit two case study assignments each week. 4. Instructions for Assignments and Papers a. Typing. Assignments must be typed using an acceptable version of Microsoft Word. b. Format. Assignments should include the student s name and be dated and titled. All assignments are submitted by to (stevenr@bridgeport.edu) and need an accompanying professional message. I suggest using Times New Roman 12 point font. c. Hand-in procedure All assignments must be ed from a UB address with a professional message to: stevenr@bridgeport.edu no later than 12 pm on the Friday preceding the class. (i.e. Assignment for every Saturday class is due the day before the class.) 5. Late Work Late work may be accepted for reduced credit. However, since the assignments are posted in advance, there is no reason for an assignment to be submitted late. 6. Study Hours Successful students should plan to spend a minimum of 3 hours on each assignment (reading, brainstorming, and writing). Additionally, ongoing team projects will require more time and possibly team face-to-face or virtual meetings. 7. Electronic Devices Electronic devices, including translating dictionaries, are not permitted. Any violation of this policy may result in a full letter grade reduction of your final grade. 8. Integrity *This course strictly adheres to the University of Bridgeport s Policy on Academic Honesty. *All work must be your original work in your own words. The University does not tolerate cheating or plagiarism. Any incident of blatant academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (F) in the course and referral to the Committee on Academic Dishonesty. This may result in your separation from the University. It is your responsibility to know and familiarize yourself with and adhere to the standards set forth in the policies on cheating and plagiarism as defined in Chapters 2 and 5 of the Key to UB as defined in the course syllabus.

4 E. Grading Grade Breakdown: Final Exam 25% Class/Team Participation (and Team Presentations) 25% Weekly Writing Assignments (total) 50% Grading Scale: A A B B B C C C D D D F 0.00 < Tentative Class Schedule Summer 2013* (rev 04/13) May 18 Class Overview/Requirements; Discussion of Academic Dishonesty and Effective Quoting/Summarizing; Introduction to American system of taxation May 25 On Line Lecture and Assignment June 1 Cross-cultural training case study; Introduction to Business Forms June 8 Introduction to Stock Market/Securities; Stock Terminology June 15 Mutual Funds; Money Managers; American Business slang ; IRA, Roth IRA, Retirement Plans June 22 Why is Social Security more than just a convenient number to have? June 29 Why do dogs run around in circles chasing their tails---economic impact of health insurance. July 6 Why are the lines so long at Stop and Shop---a management/labor model. Final presentations; Ignoring cultural sensitivities, what drives you CRAZY about other people---management Social Styles applications. Final project due. July 13 Final Exam *Content and class schedule may change to accommodate students learning needs. Appendix A: Exam Format, Procedures and Material Covered The final exam is short answer and covers content of class lecture topics. Appendix B Personal Record of Class Participation and Attendance Students may want to keep a record of attendance and class participation. Appendix C: Assignments All assignments for the entire semester are posted on Blackboard under the Assignments tab.

5 Appendix D: Case Analysis Instructions and Suggestions Please do not procrastinate on the assignments. I am happy to review work in progress and give feedback quickly (usually within 24 hours).