English Programs for Internationals

University of South Carolina

Menu for EPI Teaching Business English

Course Description

This course provides 45 hours of instruction in which teaching business English and the global nature of business are addressed using, as much as possible given technological limitations, an integrated skills approach, primarily focusing on productive skills—i.e., business writing and speaking—and requiring receptive skills—particularly reading about business English teaching—by nature of the instructional delivery by distance means.  

All materials are available on the Internet or via e-mail.  There are two course websites:

http://fc.epi.sc.edu/tbe/ provides course logistical information, introduces the faculty, and presents the syllabus and assignments.

http://fc.epi.sc.edu/~alexandra_rowe/ provides readings and archives participants’ contributions for ongoing sharing, even after the conclusion of the course.

Each participant receives a course e-mail account that offers “chat,” and their virtual desktop contains a Discussion Room that threads discussions and a Bulletin Board for announcements. Participants should expect to spend approximately 5 hours per week on the course.  Most of the instruction and communication occurs asynchronously so that participants can choose their own times in which to participate.  However, if participants wish to “chat” with the instructor in “real time,” appointments can be made.  (See Office Hours and chat function instructions.)  The final project of the course is to design a follow-on activity for sharing TBE information and materials with colleagues at home.  This course is supported by the U.S. Department of State, Office of English Language Programs, and is developed and taught by the University of South Carolina.  

Syllabus