OTEC 130 Business English for Professionals focuses on correct English usage in a business environment and provides students with a comprehensive study of grammar, punctuation, and style, as well as business spelling and vocabulary development. This course is essential for students seeking successful careers in management, administration, communication, and related areas in which a high level of English language skill is required.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 12 |
|---|
| Total Credits | |
|---|
| Total Hours | 60 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Other | 60 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Recognize the parts of speech and how they function in sentences
- Apply the basic principles of grammar, punctuation, and style
- Demonstrate business vocabulary and spelling skills
- Proofread and edit written communications
- Write grammatically correct sentences
Teaching and Learning Approach
The Business English for Professionals course is divided into six units. Each chapter begins with a set of learning
objectives followed by a brief pretest. The assigned readings, together with the reinforcement exercises, are your
principal learning activities. Graded assignments include proofreading exercises and internet research. Additional
materials and resources are available online. There is an online test at the end of each unit of study as well as a
comprehensive final exam.Learning Resources
Required:
Guffey, M.E., Seefer, C.M., & Witlox, C. (2022). Canadian Business English (8th Canadian ed.). Toronto, ON:
Cengage Learning Canada, Inc.
Available through Selkirk College bookstore or direct from publisher:
https://www.cengage.ca/c/canadian-business-english-44-8th-edition-8e-guffey-seefer-witlox/9780176832193/
OR
eTextbook
Available through Vital Source or direct from the publisher:
https://www.vitalsource.com/en-ca/products/canadian-business-english-mary-ellen-guffey-carolyn-m-
v9780176887650
Personal computer, webcam, microphone, speakers, internet access, current Windows operating system, current
web browser, and current Microsoft Word software.
Recommended:
Gregg Reference Manual or Pitman Office Handbook
Dictionary (current college-level Canadian dictionary preferred) or an online dictionary.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Unit 1: Laying a Foundation Chapter 1: Parts of Speech Chapter 2: Sentences: Elements, Patterns, and Faults
2. Unit 2: Knowing the Namers Chapter 3: Nouns Chapter 4: Possessive Nouns Chapter 5: Personal Pronouns Chapter 6: Pronouns and Antecedents
3. Unit 3: Showing the Action Chapter 7: Verb Tenses and Parts Chapter 8: Verbs: Kinds, Voices, Moods Chapter 9: Subject–Verb Agreement Chapter 10: Verbals
4. Unit 4: Modifying and Connecting Words Chapter 11: Modifiers: Adjectives and Adverbs Chapter 12: Prepositions Chapter 13: Conjunctions to Join Equals Chapter 14: Conjunctions to Join Unequals
5. Unit 5: Punctuating Sentences Chapter 15: Commas Chapter 16: Semicolons and Colons Chapter 17: Other Punctuation
6. Unit 6: Writing With Style Chapter 18: Capitalization Chapter 19: Numbers Chapter 20: Effective Sentences
7. Final Comprehensive ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Graded Assignments | 1-5 | 15% |
| Online Unit Tests | 1-5 | 60% |
| Invigilated Final Exam | 1-5 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.