SFB51114 Professional Communication II (Spring 2015)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in Bachelor's Programme in International Communication.

Specialisation course in Bachelor's Programme in Business Administration, specialisation International Communication.

Prerequisites

Knowledge corresponding to the course Professional Communication I (10 ECTS credits) is recommended.

Lecture Semester

Bachelor's Programme in International Communication: 2nd semester (spring)

Bachelor's Programme in Business Administration, specialisation International Communication: 6th semester (spring)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE

The candidates have gained sound knowledge of negotiation theory and terminology. Vocabulary and communication skills have been improved through reading, discussion and presentations. The students have gained theoretical knowledge of writing advanced professional English texts.

SKILLS

The candidates have practical skills in writing texts in professional contexts. They are capable of carrying out negotiations in English.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidates have developed their language proficiency in general and professional English and have further enhanced their social competence.

Content

Negotiation technique and strategy, literature reading and discussions. Case studies are used as well as negotiation practice. Written business texts such as reports, e-mails, memos, CVs and job applications.
The learning focuses on using effective communication strategies as well as relevant structures, conventions and terminology.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures and seminars using English.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• One practical negotiation
• One written assignment submitted by a given deadline

 All coursework must be approved before signing up for the final exam.

Examination

Individual term paper (about 10 pages) and oral examination (approx. 25 minutes)

The oral examination may adjust the written result by one step on the A-F grading scale. Both the term paper and the oral test must be passed. No aids are permitted in the oral exam.

In the case of a failed result of the term paper or if the student wishes to improve the grade, the student may improve on the paper and resubmit it. In the case of improving the grade, the student must sit a new oral exam.

If a complaint is filed about the final result, the written part will be reassessed. In the case of a changed result a new oral exam will be arranged in accordance with the exam regulations of Østfold University College (section 18-4).

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated by the students twice each semester and the result of the evaluation is reported to the faculty's committee for study quality.

Literature

• Al-Maskari, Khaled (2012). A Practical Guide to Business Writing: Writing in English for Non-Native Speakers. Somerset, NJ: Wiley. 170 pages.
• Fisher, Roger, Ury, William & Patton, Bruce (2011). Getting to Yes. Negotiating an Agreement without Giving In. New York: Penguin Books/London: Random House. 204 pages.
• Ury, W. L. (2007). Getting Past No. New York: Bantam.
• Barker, Alan (2013). Improve Your Communication Skills. London: Kogan Page. 185 pages
• Simsion, Graeme (2013). The Rosie Project. London: Penguin Books.
• All course material published on the learning platform