The A.A. in English for Business Communication is designed for those who wish to work in an organizational environment where English is a first or second language. Graduates may work in a variety of contexts, including private business, government, regional and international organizations, development partners, and NGOs.

Graduates of the A.A. degree in English for Business Communication will be well prepared with practical English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with applications to organizational contexts, as well as the essential skills required to succeed as professionals, including adaptability; analysis; conflict management; creativity; decision-making; problem-solving; teamwork; and written and oral communication.

The program is comprised of 20 courses that are taught over two academic years. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to automatically enter PUC’s B.A. degree in English for Business Communication.

A.A. in English for Business Communication 

Course Descriptions

ENBC 101       University Study Skills

This course will provide students with the foundational skills required for success in university-level coursework. Topics include academic ethics, note-taking, outlining, reading skills, stress management, test-taking skills, time management, and work-life balance.

ENBC 110       Practical English Language Development

This course focuses on students’ listening and speaking skills, while supporting reading and writing practice. The reading level of students will be assessed and a customized progression of graded readers assigned to each student. Students will read, summarize in writing, present, and discuss readings. In addition, students will view and discuss video clips to improve comprehension of English as produced by different speakers.

ENGL 110       English I: Reading and Composition

This course is designed to enable students to improve their reading and writing skills at an intermediate level. Students will read a wide range of interesting texts related to real situations. All the texts will enhance students’ reading competence through guided and independent reading activities for both academic work and pleasure In addition to the reading skills, students will develop their writing skills, ranging from writing meaningful paragraphs to composing meaning short essays, which include descriptive essays, narrative essays, cause-effect essays, problem-solving essays, and opinion essays.

MGT 110        Management Principles

This is an introductory course in management. Students will learn basic principles of organizational structure, behavior, and operations, including resource acquisition and management and supervision techniques to achieve organizational goals.

ENGL 120       English II: Reading and Composition

Continuing from ENGL 110, this course aims to further enhance students’ reading and writing skills at an intermediate level. Students will read various texts on different topics and themes related to real situations Students will develop skills in writing longer essays, which include descriptive essays, narrative essays, cause-effect essays, problem-solution essays, compare and contrast essays, opinion essays, persuasive essays, and summary of reading texts. Prerequisite: passing grade in ENGL 110.

ARIL 210        Academic Research: Information Literacy

Information Literacy (IL) is important to support learning in the 21st century. Students will learn effective tools to proactively engage in academic performance and nurture life-long learning. Without IL skills, students will get lost in a world of abundant information resources. IL skills will help students to identify where to find the right resources to meet their specific educational needs, present research findings, and avoid plagiarism. Prerequisites: passing grades in ENGL 110 and ENGL 120.

COM 210        Introduction to Communications and Mass Media

This course is designed to introduce students to communications: the ability to give and receive information quickly and effectively. The art of getting your message across effectively is a vital part of being a successful manager. It is also wise to note that communication is the foundation of leadership. This course provides foundations to improve communication skills.

ENBC 210       English Grammar for Business

This course provides a comprehensive review of English grammar rules and skills. Students develop their ability to identify and correct both written and spoken grammatical errors with teacher feedback and consistent grammar review. Forms of writing and verbal communication that are typically used in business, such as emails, memos, letters, written and verbal reports, and giving verbal instructions will be utilized for grammar practice.

PHIL 210        Logic and Critical Thinking

Students will be introduced to basic principles of logic. Students will study standards of critical thinking, benefits and barriers to critical thinking, and characteristics of critical thinkers.  They will learn to analyze arguments and how to recognize logical fallacies.

ENBC 211       Interactive English Language Skills

This course aims to further improve students’ listening comprehension and language production skills through viewing and discussing a variety of audio-visual media, interactive exercises, and conversational practice. Emphasis will be placed on pronunciation and the development of vocabulary for general and business purposes. Prerequisite: passing grade in ENBC 110.

ENBC 300       English Syntax

This course will examine how English language is accurately formed, including words, phrases, clauses and sentences. It will emphasize subject-verb agreement, clause rules, use of gerunds and infinitives, and the use of markers and transitions to combine sentences.  Prerequisite: ENBC 210.

ENBC 301       Cross-Cultural Literature

Cross-Cultural Literature introduces students to a variety of literary forms including classic short stories, poetry, and song lyrics hailing from a variety of cultures, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The course emphasizes the analysis of English language writing and aims to enhance students’ cultural competence, along with reading and comprehension skills.

ENBC 302       Essential Skills for Business Success

This course develops soft skills that are in demand by employers, including: creativity, decision-making, emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and problem solving.

ENBC 303       Advanced Conversation

Advanced Conversation provides practice in basic communication skills that can be applied in business and social life, for example, active listening, non-verbal communication, and questioning skills. It then provides opportunities for conversation practice, including formal dialogues, on topics that arise in business settings, such as facilitation, negotiation, giving and receiving feedback, and competition. Prerequisites: passing grade in ENBC 110 and ENBC 211.

COM 401        Cross-Cultural Communication

This course deals with aspects of culture as they interact with language, and specific topics such as dialects, language in situations of culture contact, and the implications of cross-cultural communication differences in the workplace.

ENBC 401       Business Literature

This course continues to build upon students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the context of management and leadership. Students will read, view, write summaries, and discuss classic texts authored by writers such as John P. Kotter, and Malcolm Gladwell, and related videos. Prerequisite: passing grade in ENBC 301.

ENBC 403       Strategies for Oral Communication

This course develops public speaking skills for academic and professional purposes. It includes topic selection, introducing and concluding a speech, appropriate transitions between ideas, clarity and completeness of thought, and use of nonverbal communication. It will build students’ vocabulary and confidence in speaking English.

ENBC 404       Technical Writing for Business

This course introduces students to some of the most common forms of writing in the professional world, including informal and formal letters, resumes, CVs, memoranda, proposals, and reports.

ENBC 405       Advanced Essay Writing

The essay form of writing serves as the basis for many written communications in the professional world. This course will strengthen students’ ability to construct a persuasive and interesting essay and expand the form to develop an evidence-based research paper.

COM 413        Business Communication

The course seeks to provide students with English skills to be used in business communication.  Students will learn to speak proper and appropriate English relating to business, including business writing style, business correspondence, and business jargon.

ENBC 289       Final Project