HSUHK | CCCO

ENG3002 English for Professional Communication

Prerequisite

ENG2001 English for Academic Purposes

Exclusion

ENG3040 English for Art and Design, ENG2200 The Grammar and Structure of English and TRA1004 English for Language Services ITRA1004

Module Description

This module aims to develop students’ English communicative skills in various professional contexts through a variety of real-life tasks and activities. Students will analyse the language, structures, and genres related to professional correspondence and formulate linguistic and communication strategies appropriate for their further studies or future careers. The interactive setting will allow students ample opportunities to express their ideas, discuss critically, and work collaboratively and professionally as a team in the corporate context.

Module Intended Learning Outcomes (MILO)

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. Understand the importance of audience and purpose and select appropriate language functions;
b. Analyse the linguistic devices and discourse of professional English communication;
c. Plan and compose effective messages and texts for professional purposes;
d. Evaluate and reflect on communication and interpersonal skills for different professional contexts.

Module Content

1. Course Overview

1.1 Evaluating differences among general English, academic English and professional English
1.2 Reviewing the importance of professional communicative skills and the basic principles of professional communication
1.3 Applying different types of professional correspondence that students need to function more effectively in their future profession
1.4 Diagnostic writing tasks

2. Professional Development

2.1 Analysing the features and elements of personal statements
2.2 Composing effective personal statements that support students’ application for a job or a programme for further studies
2.3 Employing self-evaluative and descriptive language

3. Group Proposals

3.1 Analysing the structure and essential elements of reports
3.2 Planning, organising, and writing convincing reports
3.3 Presenting problems and solutions with formal and concise language

4. Effective Language Use in Professional Settings

4.1 Communicating negative news in an appropriate tone, style, and language
effectively
4.2 Writing effective adjustment letters that express regret and apology, give reasons, and offer solutions
4.3 Understanding the purpose and the major components of an agenda
4.4 Participating actively and effectively in a meeting and producing the minutes

5. Group Presentations

5.1 Giving a presentation on the report on the topic chosen
5.2 Using effective delivery skills and technological aids to engage the audience
5.3 Employing transitional and deictic language in group presentations

Assessment Methods

1. Personal Statement (35%)
2. Group Project (35%)
3. Language Quiz (20%)
4. Participation (10%)

Texts & References

  1. Adler, R. B., & Elmhorst, J. M. (2008). Communicating at work: Principles and practices for business and the professions. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
  2. Angell, P. (2007). Business communication design: Creativity, strategies, and solutions. McGraw-Hill.
  3. Bilbow, G. T. (2004). Business writing for Hong Kong (3rd ed.). Longman.
  4. Cardon, P. W. (2020). Business communication: Developing leaders for a networked world. McGraw-Hill.
  5. DiSanza, J. R., & Legge, N. J. (2017). Business and professional communication: Plans, processes, and performance, books a la Carte (6th ed.). Prentice Hall.
  6. Guffey, M. E., & Du-Babcock, B. (2008). Essentials of business communication. Cengage Learning Asia.
  7. Lesikar, R. V., & Flatley, M. E. (2008). Business communication: Making connections in a digital world. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
  8. Locker, K. O. (2013). Business and administrative communication. McGraw-Hill.
  9. Thill, J. V., & Bovee, C. L. (2008). Excellence in business communication. Prentice Hall.