English is undoubtedly the language of business and commerce in today’s global economy, and CISL students understand the importance of implementing their English skills in the work environment. For motivated, professional students, CISL offers the Executive English course and the Global Success course.
CISL Executive English
CISL’s Executive English Program is designed for business executives, professionals, and highly motivated learners (with an intermediate level of English or higher) who would like to use their English in a work environment. Learn how to negotiate in English, deal with employees and employers, create and present effective presentations, and do business with other cultures in this highly effective course.
CISL San Diego Executive English Syllabus
I. Brief Course Description
The objective of this course is to improve our clients’ ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in English in a wide range of business situations and in specialized fields according to clients’ needs. The course will develop the communication skills used to succeed in business and function professionally in the business world.
II. Textbook
Market Leader Third Edition Pearson Longman Plus supplemental material as needed from the Market Leader series: Business Grammar and Usage, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Business Law, Human Resources, Logistics Management, Working Across Cultures
III. Authentic Materials
Newspapers: New York Times, The Wall Street Journal Business Magazines: The Economist, Harvard Business Review
IV. Course Objectives
After completing the course, depending on the level and length of stay, clients will be able to:
• Lead and participate in a meeting
• Assess and resolve conflicts
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
• Listen and summarize main points of negotiations, interviews
• Brainstorm solutions to common business problems
• Negotiate issues while maintaining/creating effective long-term relationships
• Give a well-organized and effectively delivered presentation
• Make well-justified recommendations and compare alternatives
• Write informal/formal emails, memos, short reports, agendas and meeting minutes
V. Methods of Instruction
The instructor may use case studies, lectures, questions and exercises from the textbook, videos, recordings, recent technological changes in the communication process, current events, Power Point presentations, authentic materials, current newspapers such as The New York Times, magazines, such as Harvard Business Review, and student experiences and responses.
VI. Attendance
Punctuality and regular attendance in classes is of prime importance for successful completion of this course, just as the same punctuality and attendance is important in the business world. Students will be expected to arrive for class on time and to remain in class until the end of the class session.
VII. Methods of Evaluation
Assignments and projects, to be completed as homework or in class, should not contain errors in spelling, punctuation, style, etc. Dictionaries, spellcheckers, and other methods of checking and proofreading are encouraged. Incorrect assignments may be returned to be rewritten. Due dates of assignments will be announced in advance and may be found on the schedule that follows. (Please keep this schedule handy and refer to it often!) The goal should be to complete assignments that you would be proud to give to a supervisor.
HOMEWORK – These include short assignments to provide assessment to the student and the instructor through research and creativity. GRADED homework includes: Final Draft of Report Mini oral report on research topic Formal Letter Final Draft of Summary
TESTS and QUIZZES – There will be a quiz after each unit and a test after every three units.
EVALUATIONS – These represent work prepared that will confirm that a student has met the objectives of a certain chapter: Resume and sample cover letter: Resumes and cover letters that contain errors will be returned. These resumes and cover letters must be corrected and resubmitted. Grades on resubmitted items will be averaged for a final grade. A revision is required in all cases. (These are usually redone several times for the benefit of the student.) Formal business letter: Student will show proper format and appropriate language usage. Report: Although not lengthy, a research paper is required to demonstrate knowledge of report preparation. Presentation: Each student will give a presentation. The instructor will provide suggested topics. This presentation is usually on a specialized business topic. Formal Negotiation session: Students will work in teams against another team to persuade their case. Networking session: Students will participate in a networking session, employing all the proper protocols.
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: These are projects that will be completed in the classroom. They are to be submitted at the end of the session. Writing sample Brainstorming Report topic summary Mini presentations Discussion topics Case studies Formal letter Persuasive message
The small groups of CISL’s Global Success course (no more than 4 students per class) allow ambitious business students and professionals the opportunity to improve their English skills in classes focused on business and commerce. Students give daily mini-presentations, work together on projects to develop confidence in group communication, and receive instruction designed specifically to enhance their English skills as related to business.
Global Success English Program Global Success courses are designed for ambitious learners, executives, and professionals who want to be successful in the global economy. These courses are taught in small groups (1:1 or 1:4 per class) to ensure that students benefit from a high level of individual attention. Every lesson has clear objectives designed to achieve results quickly. Classes are structured to maximize the contact time between students and the instructor. All CISL Global Success teaching staff are highly qualified instructors with extensive business experience who are committed to making sure that students achieve their goals.
Gain confidence in speaking for meetings and presentations
Improve writing skills for business reports, emails, and business letters Increase general and industry-specific vocabulary
Increase comprehension and speed of reaction
Learn effective communication in everyday situations
The Global Success program is based on a balanced practice of various language skills in groups of up to 4 participants: building vocabulary and spoken language skills, improving analysis of written texts, coaching in writing letters, emails, and reports, and giving presentations.
Daily mini-presentations
Group lessons to increase command of grammar structures, idioms, vocabulary, and spoken and written expression
Group projects for real-life practice in presentations
Group performance activities to help develop confidence in group communication
