The Communicative English course was launched at St. Xavier’s College in July 2009, as a 60 hour extra curricular skills-development programme but later extended to a full academic year as a result of positive feedback from students and the administration. The decision to formalize the programme into a regular subject and department was taken with the institution of the Board of Studies on April 30, 2010.

The purpose of the course is to meet the needs of the students in the work place and in real life and teach communicative/language skills in interpersonal relations. The course gives basic expertise in problem solving and decision making. Therefore, the course is not ‘theory oriented’ but ‘industry friendly’.

Syllabus

The syllabus is fully integrated, inclusive of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, with a structure of eight modules.

Objectives
The course teaches-

1. The role of communication in business and related professions.

2. The role of body language in interaction – non-verbal cues in communication.

3. Active Listening and Speaking skills.

4. The procedure of perceptions about actions and behaviour.

5. Inter-Personal Skills and Emotional Intelligence.

6. Business vocabulary and business writing.

7. Panel discussions and debates.

8. Teamwork Strategies.

9. Making Presentations, Mock Interviews and Situational Role Play.

10. Personal Grooming and Etiquette.

Syllabus Synopsis

Module 1
Definition and features of communication as a medium of transference and the functions of effective communication.

Module 2
Phonetics and Phonology.
Elements of Phonology – pitch, intonation, stress, accent.

Module 3
Active Listening and Speaking –definition and characteristics.
Building up interpersonal skills and relations through case studies.
Confidence Building Measures through speaking exercises. Grammar for effective speaking.

Module 4
Effective Reading – techniques of critical reading. Extensive and Intensive Reading.

Module 5
Business Writing – reports, Cvs and resumes, letters, job applications, memos, notices, minutes.
Grammar for effective writing.

Module 6
Corporate Communication – Role Play, Presentation, Group Discussion. Interpersonal behaviour and Emotional Intelligence.
Definition and elements of body language.

Module 7
English for Specific Purposes – Vocabulary related to various professions.

Module 8
Etiquette and Attitude.
Correct use of speech codes and customs.
Dress Code. Categories of Attitude. Motivation.


Course Structure and Department

The course is offered at two levels. Semester 1 is offered a condensed syllabus of 4 modules. Semesters 5 and 6 are offered the full syllabus of 8 modules. Assessment is done through 3 stages – internal assessment, written and oral examinations. 

Syllabus

SEMESTER II (JANUARY - MAY 2012) [PDF]

SEMESTER V (JULY – NOVEMBER 2011) [PDF]