English Business Negotiation (Fall 2011)
Course Description and Objective

The course will give you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate in English in a business environment. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to improve your English language speaking, listening, and writing skills.



You Will Be Able To:

  • Negotiate in business (bargaining)
  • Deal with complaints (quality control)
  • Understand the importance of the market place
  • Discuss price, quantity, and add-ons
  • Make and respond to proposals
  • Manage conflict in negotiations
  • Discuss freight, insurance, and payments
  • Handle contracts and concluding negotiations
  • Understand how an agency works
  • Discuss current events with a broader, more natural vocabulary.


Textbooks

English for Business Negotiation, Dr. Liyu Zhang
Business English, Justin Palmer (supplemental)


Course Grading

  • Attendance: 20%
  • In-class participation: 20%
  • Homework: 10%
  • Mid-term Test: 10%
  • Final exam: 40%


Final Exam Format

  • Matching: 15 questions, 15%
  • Fill in the Blank: 10 questions, 20%
  • Reading Comrehension: 3 questions, 30%
  • Cloze: 15 questions, 15%
  • Writing: 1 question, 20%


Extra Credit

  • Sing the UPS logistics song (see "materials")

Homework Assignments
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class following the class they were assigned.

Assignment 1 - Week 6
(Due 10/19 - 10/24)
Chapter 3, Section C, Number 4 (page 45)
As a manager, think about how you would respond to this fairly demanding request on such short notice. Your letter should be around 100 words.

Assignment 2 - Week 8
(Due 11/2 - 11/7)
DOWNLOAD: Starbucks here tops Starbucks there
Respond to the article in about 200 words by answering one of the discussion questions. Include at least two points to support your opinion.

Assignment 3 - Week 12
(Due 11/28 - 12/2)
DOWNLOAD: The US is falling asleep on the job
Respond to the article in about 200 words by answering one of the discussion questions. Include at least two points to support your opinion.

Assignment 4 - Week 14
(Due 12/12 - 12/16)
DOWNLOAD: The French love McDonald's
Respond to the article in about 200 words by answering one of the discussion questions. Include at least two points to support your opinion.

Assignment 5 - Week 16
(Due 12/26 - 12/30)
DOWNLOAD: Smelling of Lemons
Respond to the article in about 200 words by answering one of the discussion questions. Include at least two points to support your opinion.


Materials


Chapter 4 - On Logistics

Starbucks here tops Starbucks there

Chapter 7 - Complaint and Claims

Mid-term Movie