Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

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BCPW205

Advanced Study in Writing for Business and the Professions

Do you want to be faster and more effective at writing memos, reports, letters, proposals and other business documents? This course can help by introducing you to each stage of the experienced writer’s process—inventing, drafting and revising—and teaching you to overcome procrastination, generate ideas, draft quickly, revise effectively and communicate clearly.

Prerequisites: You should have an excellent command of spoken and written English. Please note that this is not an EAL course.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Online - Thursday, Sep 06, 2018
Schedule details
  • Thu, Sep 06, ---
  • Thu, Sep 13, ---
  • Thu, Sep 20, ---
  • Thu, Sep 27, ---
  • Thu, Oct 04, ---
  • Thu, Oct 11, ---
  • Thu, Oct 18, ---
  • Thu, Oct 25, ---
  • Thu, Nov 01, ---
  • Wed, Nov 07, ---
 Vlad Konieczny $882.00 11 Register
Online - Thursday, Oct 04, 2018
Schedule details
  • Thu, Oct 04, ---
  • Thu, Oct 11, ---
  • Thu, Oct 18, ---
  • Thu, Oct 25, ---
  • Thu, Nov 01, ---
  • Wed, Nov 07, ---
  • Wed, Nov 14, ---
  • Wed, Nov 21, ---
  • Wed, Nov 28, ---
  • Wed, Dec 05, ---
 Vlad Konieczny $882.00 17 Register

Instructional hours: 30

For online offerings, registration may close up to two business days before the course begins. Your course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. The interim dates/times are not your actual online class times.

What will you learn?

You will learn how to do the following:

  • Write efficiently
  • Overcome procrastination and writer’s block
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with your readers
  • Identify and fulfill the purposes of different business documents
  • Apply genre conventions to your business documents
  • Create documents that follow North American conventions of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Write with confidence, energy and enjoyment

How will you learn?

  • Readings
  • Videos
  • Class discussion
  • Workshopping your writing with other students

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who would like to improve the efficiency and clarity of their writing and business communications.

How will you be evaluated?

Your grade will be based on the following:

  • Revisions of your writing
  • Participation in the writing workshop

This is an experiential course, and although everyone can improve their communication abilities, only those who demonstrate an above-satisfactory level of understanding of the concepts presented throughout the course will earn a passing grade. You need a minimum grade of 70% or a B- to pass this course, which is graded Pass/Fail.

Textbooks and learning materials

You are responsible for purchasing the required course text, available in print or e-book format. We will provide all other course materials online.

Required text:

Elbow, Peter; Writing With Power, 2nd ed: 1998. Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-019-5120189

Hardware and software requirements

We deliver this course using SFU's online course management system, Canvas. You will receive course details and Canvas access instructions on the first day of the course. You can check if your browser is compatible with Canvas here.

English language skill

To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:

  • Overall band score minimum 6.5
  • No band below 6.0
  • Writing band score minimum 8.0

Please note we can't refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.

If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.

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