Skip to Main Content

Functional English (FEN-101): Course outline (FEN-101)

Course description

This course is designed to equip students with essential language skills for effective communication in diverse real-world scenarios. It focuses on developing proficiency in English language usage: word choices, grammar and sentence structure. In addition, the course will enable

 

students to grasp nuanced messages and tailor their communication effectively through application of comprehension and analytical skills in listening and reading. Moreover, the course encompasses a range of practical communication aspects including professional writing, public speaking, and everyday conversation, ensuring that students are equipped for both academic and professional spheres. An integral part of the course is fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of language on diverse audience. Students will learn to communicate inclusively and display a strong commitment to cultural awareness in their language use. Additionally, the course will enable them to navigate the globalized world with ease and efficacy, making a positive impact in their functional interaction.

 

Course learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Apply enhanced English communication skills through effective use of words choices, grammar and sentence structure.
  • Comprehend a variety of literary/non-literary written and spoken texts in English.
  • Effectively express information, ideas and opinions in written and spoken English.
  • Recognize inter-cultural variations in the use of English language and to effectively adapt their communication style and content based on diverse cultural and social contexts.

Syllabus

  1. Foundation of Functional English:
    • Vocabulary building (contextual usage, synonyms, antonyms and idiomatic expressions)
    • Communicative grammar (subjective-verb-agreement, verb tenses, fragments, run-ons, modifiers, articles, word classes, etc.)
    • Word formation (affixation, compounding, clipping, back formation etc.)
    • Sentence structure (simple, compound, complex and compound-complex)
    • Sound production and pronunciation
  2. Comprehension and Analysis:
    • Understanding purpose, audience and context
    • Contextual interpretation (tones, biases, stereotypes, assumptions, inferences, etc.)

 
    • Reading strategies (skimming, scanning, SQ4R, critical reading, etc.)
    • Active listening (overcoming listening barriers, focused listening, etc.)
  2. Effective Communication:
    • principles of communication (clarity, coherence, conciseness, courteousness, correctness, etc.)
    • Structuring documents (introduction, body, concision and formatting)
    • Inclusivity in communication (gender-neutral language, stereotypes, cross-cultural communication, etc.)
    • Public speaking (overcoming stage fright, voice modulation and body language)
    • Presentation skills (organization content, visual aids and engaging the audience)
    • Informal communication (small talk, networking and conversational skills)
    • Professional writing (business e-mails, memos, reports, formal letters, etc.)

 

 

Practical requirment

As part of the overall learning requirements, students will also be exposed to relevant simulations, role-plays and real-life scenarios and will be required to apply skills acquired throughout the course in the form of a final project.

Suggested instructional reading material