Course Outlines 2016


School of Commerce

Business English
Business correspondence is often associated with mechanical use of stock phrases to make enquiries or place orders. Such correspondence has its role in trade and commerce and is relatively easy to write. Much more difficult is the composition of personal letters to fit specific business situations. Following closely the material of the textbook, the course will focus on the formats, styles and approaches appropriate to specific situations commonly encountered in multi-national cross-cultural business. After a detailed analysis of selected sample letters, students will be asked to write their own letters making extensive use of the sample material. These assignment letters will then be discussed and examined in class.
Negotiation
Negotiation is an advanced course that seeks to develop all four communication skills through intensive practice. Students with TOEFL ITP scores of less than 530 points will find the coursework too difficult and demanding. The course will take the form of a project simulation in which students will adopt appropriate roles within imaginary multinational companies and interact through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The basic scenario of the project simulation will be introduced during the first two lectures. Thereafter students will themselves develop the scenario on the basis of discussion and negotiation. Emphasis will be placed on active rather than passive communication skills.
Presentation
The Presentation course develops basic public speaking skills through a series of short student presentations, each of which focuses on a particular skill. These presentations are analysed and discussed in class, and active participation in these discussions is just as important as the presentations themselves. Students will be require to give at least four short speeches. The order of speeches will be random and there will be no rescheduling for students who are absent or unprepared when their turn comes. A detailed explanation of both course content and expectations will be given in the first class.

Graduate School of Commerce

Business Negotiation
The Business Negotiation course consists of a project simulation in which students adopt appropriate roles within an imaginary multinational company and its business partners. Course activities will utilize the fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The basic scenario will be that of a multinational company seeking to gain a foothold in the Japanese market. Details of this scenario will be developed on the basis of student discussion and feedback. Student participation and teamwork are essential, as emphasis is placed on active rather than passive communication skills.
Academic Writing
The course provides guidance and instruction in the writing and publication of an English-language academic paper. Particular emphasis is laid on correct formatting and accurate documentation. Lessons will be conducted in a computer classroom and will consist of hands-on practice sessions. The course is conducted in English.