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.

You should have a strong command of spoken and written English. 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 24, 2020
Schedule details
  • Thu, Sep 24, ---
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 Vlad Konieczny $930.00 0 Join Waitlist
Online - Thursday, Oct 08, 2020
Schedule details
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 Vlad Konieczny $930.00 4 Register
Online - Thursday, Jan 07, 2021
Schedule details
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  • Thu, Mar 11, ---
 - TBD $930.00 15 Register
Online - Thursday, Feb 18, 2021
Schedule details
  • Thu, Feb 18, ---
  • Thu, Feb 25, ---
  • Thu, Mar 04, ---
  • Thu, Mar 11, ---
  • Thu, Mar 18, ---
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  • Thu, Apr 01, ---
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 - TBD $930.00 19 Register

Instructional hours: 30

Schedule clarification: This course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. Between those times, you work at your own pace within the timelines set by the instructor.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following:

  • Describe the stages of the process approach to writing
  • Use the tools of invention (i.e., free-writing and brainstorming) to focus your writing effectively
  • Develop heuristics for your writing projects that will help you generate content
  • Identify your own drafting process
  • Use your drafting process to develop effective writing skills
  • Identify the target audience for each writing task and revise your writing to communicate effectively with that audience
  • Analyze writing for purpose and occasion
  • Revise and edit your writing with confidence

How will you learn?

Prepare to spend six to 10 hours per week on coursework, including:

  • Weekly course modules accessed through Canvas
  • Readings
  • Online discussion
  • Workshopping your writing with other students

Course materials will be available 24/7, and assignment deadlines will be posted well in advance, allowing you to set your own pace for learning.

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.

New to online learning? See About Online Learning for helpful videos and additional information.

English language requirements

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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