CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Superior University

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Communication Skills & Professional Development for Masters Students Course Handbook
English Language Department

Contents

Course Introduction Course Objectives Course Contents (coverage) Course Outputs Student Gains Teaching and Learning Methodology Assessment Details and Policies Deadlines and Penalties Assessment Grades and Percentages Lecture Plans Mid/Post Term Evaluation Forms (various)
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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Course introduction The aim of this course is to prepare students for the the world of corporate culture in which they will face exciting new challenges and have to overcome difficulties with a degree of skill and determination. This course will give students the practical skills needed in dealing with projects, data collection, report writing, presentations and making an impression with successful outcomes, hence reinforcing the concepts of OWNERSHIP & INITIATIVE. It is suitable for masters students who want a compatible and complimentary language course in order to prepare them for further professional studies and work. Note: It is assumed that our Masters Students will be of varying backgrounds, institutions and language levels. It is also worth noting that the vast majority of Masters Students have not gone through our bachelors programs at Superior University and therefore have not been exposed to English for Life, Business English and CSPD I courses. To this effect we deem it necessary to repeat sections from business English and CSPD I for our Masters students in this CSPD for Masters Program. Course Objectives The main objective of the course is to develop business concepts using English language that can be effectively understood by our students. Another important goal is to allow students to go experience (first hand) problem solving situations by giving them tasks and assignments to complete in which they will explore decision making skills, team consultations and problem solving strategies and effective teamwork coordination. There is no final examination (written) the students will be assessed on given tasks and challenges throughout the course. This is a skills orientated course to develop the professional competencies of masters students. By the end of this course students should be able to: Develop their communication with people, and describe everyday situations well.

Effectively Search for jobs through various mediums e.g. in newspapers, on the net etc. Have an insight about the dos and donts of essay writing. Organize and deliver effective presentations (clarity & impact). Understand the format, structure and details of a Report 4

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Comprehend various rules and methods for good reading comprehension.

Be acquainted with how a meeting is conducted professionally.

Be on familiar terms with interviews and their subsequent preparation.

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Course Contents (coverage)

Course Title: CSPD for Masters students (Communication Skills and Professional Development) Course Duration: 4 months (24 sessions) Class Duration: 90 minutes (twice a week)

S # 5 2 3 4 6

Course Contents Presentation Skills CV Cover letter Interviews Essay writing

Sessi ons 5 2 1 3 2 5 2 2 2 24

Report writing & (trouble shooting) 7 Reading Comprehension 8 Movie Session & Apprentice 10 Final Oral Group Presentations Total

Course Outputs Classification Knowledge and Comprehension Topics Interview dynamics, meeting strategies, oral presentations, CV construction, reading comprehension. Movie comprehension (Listening, watching and reading) with subtitles. Essay writing guidance, being able to search for jobs professionally and prominently. Understanding ethical/cultural issues in organizations. Job descriptions and specifications. Prepare, organize & conduct formal interviews, give speeches with impact on audiences, create impressive and comprehensive CVs, improve reading and writing exercises and tests.

Application and Skills

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Students Gains
Presentation Skills Students will be able to: Utilize essential vocabulary and phrases when presenting information. Use the human elements (voice, body language etc) in a maximized manner. Interact with audiences confidently and tactfully (questions & answers session). Job Hunt Students will be able to: Understand advertisements and job requirements Write job applications Prepare a CV Prepare a professional cover letter Understand how to get ready for interview/s Understand what general questions are possibly interview/s Know about their respective job descriptions/ duties Demonstrate their interview skills Assess their own interview performance

asked

in

Essay Writing Students will be able to: Know how to plan and structure their thoughts in writing Understand correct language features Express their ideas and reflect understanding in writing a good essay Understand about presentation and style of writing an essay Use referencing and citation in their essays English Language a tool of effective communication Students will be able to: Interact with fellow students Receive and impart information while introducing each other Understand the role of communication in a business set up Locate language problems in an organization Know various areas of language improvement Understand the law of attitude and come up with clear understanding of responsibilities Find what role English language plays in successful business set ups 7

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Report Writing Students will be able to: Know the structure of reports (formal/informal)

Know the purpose and requirements of a Report Understand report formats e.g. abstract, executive summary etc. Plan and prepare a questionnaire Write satisfactory reports on allocated topics

Reading Comprehension Students will be able to: Comprehend reading texts more effectively

Understand the main ideas in texts Make summaries text

Teaching and Learning Methodology Lectures: Interactive Learning is one of the best ways for students to grasp key concepts in the class room. Students will be involved in activities to identify issues and give solutions or suggestions. Our teachers will endeavor to utilize technology to inculcate creativity and interest in students. Multi Media, YouTube footage, Movies and appropriate handouts, on certain topics, will be used to enhance open discussions. Practical every day examples will be sought and different tasks and assignments will be based on productivity and student quality learning. All students have to do is to put serious and sincere efforts and allocate proper timings to regular practices, and rest assured their language skills with a specific focus on speaking and writing will definitely improve. Individual work There will be some exercises that students need to do by hand or on the computer, students are expected to complete these tasks in the proper time schedules. Attendance will be monitored every week. If you fail to attend at least 80% of the 8

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

sessions you will receive an F grade for the module. It is expected that you will attend all the classes and attendance in a particular week will be deemed complete only if you attend three hours. You are expected to turn up for all classes on time and be ready to participate in class activities.

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Assessment Details and Policies Assessment Criterion # 1 2 3 4 3 6 7 9 10 Topics/ area Oral presentations Prepare a C.V. (resume) Prepare a cover letter Conduct Interviews (panel interviews) Essay (Business Situations) Formal Report (research) (group effort) Presentation of Report (group) Viva (whole course) TOTAL Weight age (%) 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 20% 10% 20% 100%

Assessment Grades & Percentages A combined mark of 50% translates into the pass grade of D. However, in order to pass the module you need not only a combined mark of 50% or more but also a mark of 30% or more in each of the examinations and the coursework. If you fail to get 30% or more in just one component you will be given a grade F, no matter how well you have done in the other components. Table 1
Percentage Mark 80-100 70-79 60-69 50-59 Below 50 Grade A B C D F

Assignments: Your teacher will inform you about any assignments with clear instructions for completion and deadlines. The format of your assignment 10

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

should be strictly followed i.e. A 4 size paper, handwritten or typed (as instructed) the official cover letter (available from the Course Coordinator).

Deadlines & Penalties You must meet all the deadlines of your coursework. You will be awarded zero marks if you miss the deadlines; which mean that the student has not completed all the assessment requirements for the module. The minimum pass grade D is the maximum that may be gained if the module is subsequently passed. Students cannot be given an extension on the coursework deadline (unless you have written approval of your teacher alongside other university authorities). Submission of Coursework Coursework must be submitted to the Students office together with the feedback / receipt form (available at the book shop). Work should be stapled at the top left hand corner. You can use plastic folders. You should retain a copy of all submitted work. Examinations There is no formal paper exam for this course, students are expected to complete given assignments and projects during the course. Plagiarism Work presented for assessment, whether as coursework or examination, must be your own. Plagiarism is the representation of another persons work as your own. Strict action will be taken against students carrying out this act of dishonesty. Students Feedback and Quality Assurance You will have the opportunity to provide feedback about this course through your Board of Studies Representatives, and each of you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the module towards the end of the semester. However, please dont be afraid to talk to the module leader or another member of staff first if you think there are any problems. We value your input and ideas that are for the benefit of the course and the university.

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Assessment GPA and Percentages: (80-100%) This is an outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an outstanding level of academic ability; mastery of skills (as identified in the assessment task); and achievement of all assessment objectives. (70-79%) This is an excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a very high level of academic ability; sound development of skills (as identified in the assessment task); and achievement of all assessment objectives. (65-74%) This is a very good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a high level of academic ability; reasonable development of skills (as identified in the assessment task); and achievement of all assessment objectives. Pass (50-64%) This is a satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an adequate level of academic ability; satisfactory development of skills (as identified in the assessment task); and achievement of most assessment objectives. Fail (less than 50%) This is an unsatisfactory standard indicating an inadequate knowledge and understanding of the relevant materials; insufficient evidence of academic ability; failure to develop skills (as identified in the assessment task); and failure to achieve assessment objectives.

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Lecture Plan

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

1 Presentatio n skills Taking control of your material - Types & purposes of presentations Language for beginnings, endings & responding to questions Presentation planner - organize & structure Typical language for presentations Spider web your presentations Taking control of yourself - Dealing with nerves and building up confidence Using your voice: pace, pausing & emphasis Maximizing body language/gestures Taking control of your audience - Analyzing your audience Dealing with questions effectively Being tactful and composed with difficult questions Delivery of presentations (10% coursework) Delivery of presentations (10% coursework) Delivery of presentations (10% coursework)

Presentatio n skills

3 4 5 2 4 3 5

Presentatio n skills Presentatio n skills Presentatio n skills CV (resume) The vital concepts CV (resume) The vital concepts How to Prepare for Interview Interview Skills

CV Skills the graduate CV simple format. Produce a CV begin with a simple CV format in Class Action verbs for resume Produce a CV begins with a simple CV format in Class to be completed after one week as 10% Interview (Interviewee Interviewer) Useful information for the interviewee, types of interviews, Purpose of an interview, preparing for the interview Interview impressions, questions (types & handling of questions) Approaches to interviewing (Structured, unstructured & semi structured) Three Stages of the Interview (Opening, Exchanging, Closing) Job Descriptions (samples of various Job descriptions) Role Play group wise Intro of Essay writing types of essays (Explanation Essays) Essay evaluation ( A good answer, an average answer, a weak answer) How to plan an essay what should an assignment be like? How to write essays, Presentation and style of the essay Referencing citation or quoting (Comparison, Cause & Effect Essays) 14 Dos and Donts of Essay writing

8 5 9

Interview Session Essay Writing

10

Essay Writing

CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Lecture Plan cont 6 7 11 12 13 14 8 9 18 Report Writing - how reports look in their final draft version (view a typically effective report) Understand the purpose and importance of reports in business correspondence. Identify the purpose & structure of reports Structure (Components of a report) sample of a good report Writing Reports at University Things to remember when writing a report Report Organizer (A) Question Sheet (B) Subtopics or key words Sample of a good questionnaire/ survey form Useful language for reports (British Council)Hand out Report writing checklist to Intro, Purpose of meetings, types of meetings, essential documents for meetings, The Notice, The Agenda, The Minutes to How to Conduct Effective Meeting Running Effective Meetings Video Clip to Guiding students for Demo of a Meeting Revision of post mid session Essay Writing Mid Term Reading Comprehensi on Reading Comprehensi on Class Activity Revision for Mid Term task/s or Presentations Reading Comprehension rules Factors that effect reading comprehension Finding the main idea Summarizing & Synthesizing 3 Case Studies (Harley- Davidson, Car Club of America & Wal-Mart Stores)

10

19

Report Writing Report Writing

20

11

21 22

12

23 24

How Conduct Meetings How Conduct Meetings How Conduct Meetings Post Mid

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Oral/Presentation Evaluation Form

Speaker _________________________ _________________________________ Topic

5 = exceptional, 4 = good, 3 = satisfactory, 2 = weak, 1 = poor Structure / Organization Language Structure (correct use of grammar / Vocabulary)
5 5

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1

Clear logical flow of words (fluency) Smooth logical flow from point to point (moving forward)
2 3 4 5

Content / Details Relevance (was the point made clear?)

5

1 2 3 4 1 1

Explanation / Examples (relevant & interesting)

2 3 4 5

Ending proper conclusion / summary

2 3 4 5

Delivery / Voice Projection Capturing audience attention

5 5

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5

Pacing / Speed of speaking Audibility (voice projection, stress and intonation)

5

Enunciation clarity / deliberate pronunciation

5

Within time limits

Body Language Eye contact Facial expressions (convincing)

5 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Gestures (hand, arm control) Confidence displayed

5

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Enthusiasm displayed
5 1 2 3 4

Resource

Persons

Comments:

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ____

MARKS OBTAINED

FINAL %

80

10

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

CV Criteria & Evaluation Form

Structure / Organization
Photograph 5 Opening statement/objective 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4

Skills & experiences mentioned 4 5

Education written out comprehensively 4 5

Overall presentation & attention given 4 5

Resource Persons Comments: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ______

OBTAINED

FINAL %

20

10
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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Interview Evaluation Form

5 = exceptional, 4 = good, 3 = satisfactory, 2 = weak, 1 = poor

Group Particulars Name Roll #
Appearance Dressing Posture Preparation Self - knowledge Organizations knowledge Content Relevance (was the point made clear?) Explanation (relevant / interesting) Ending (proper) Language Skills Language structure (Accuracy) Logical flow (fluency) Attitude / Response During the interview answering While questioning Body language Eye contact Facial expression (convincing) Gestures (groomed) 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Topic/ Situation Interviewer Interviewee 1

Interviewer 2

Interviewer 3

Date Interviewer 4

Interviewer 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2

3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Resource Persons Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ _

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Essay / Assignment Evaluation Criteria

5 = exceptional, 4 = good, 3 = satisfactory, 2 = weak, 1 = poor Structure / Organization Opening (proper introduction of the topic)
2 3 4 5

Middle (facts discussed in detail) Language Structure (correct use of grammar/ vocabulary) Clear logical flow of thoughts/ideas Style / Presentation

1 2 3 4

2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4

(graphs, pictures, statistics, and attention to detail) 1

2 3 4 5

Content / Details Relevance (Was the point made clear?)

5

1 2 3 4

Explanations/ Examples (relevant & interesting) Proper conclusion Quotes / References

2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Resource Persons Comments: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ____

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Report Criteria

Writing

Evaluation

Post Midterm Assignment Total marks 20 209%

Students/ group names ...

Organization & Structure

(Appropriate sections, headings & sub headings, paragraphing, pictorial conversion of Questionnaire and general layout/presentation) 1 2 3 4 5

Language Competency
(Spelling, accuracy, punctuation, vocabulary and ideas: conclusions/recommendations) 1 2 3 4 5

Research Undertaken
(Background, questionnaire, interview with relevant management/Department, team coordination & thoroughness/depth) 1 2 3 4 5

Presentation
(Objectivity, logicalness, conciseness, clarity and analysis) 1 2 3 4 5

Batch: Teacher:
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CSPD Course Handbook for Masters Students (ELD) Oct 2010

Date: marks:

Total

24