Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.661.613

Professional Writing and Communication for International Students: Financial Math

1.5

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.31)

This course will prepare you to be competitive in the world of business by offering you some of the oral and written communication techniques you need to be successful. While working to enhance pronunciation, grammar, idiomatic expressions, and business vocabulary, you will work to speak comfortably in business social settings and meetings and to write effectively in a variety of modes not limited to e-mails, memoranda, resumes, and summary reports. The overall goal for all assignments is to speak and to write in clear, effective English. Moreover, improving oral and written communications will give you confidence, help you to make a good impression, and just maybe give you that “edge” you need to get the job you want or the project you desire once employed. Finally, individual pronunciation conferences will be scheduled with each of you throughout the semester. Financial Math students, either Undergrad or Grad, only. P/F only.

Fall 2013

(3.81)

Fall 2014

(4.6)

Spring 2013

(4.54)

Spring 2014

(4.29)

Spring 2015

(4.31)

Fall 2013

Professor: Denise Link-Farajali

(3.81)

The best aspects of this course included the lack of homework and the interesting variety of topics covered in the lecture. Due to the class’ massive size, students believed that it was impossible to respond to the topics discussed, and that this could make the lectures long and somewhat tedious. Suggestions for improvement included providing the lecture notes online to help students prepare for the exams. Students also wanted smaller class sizes to increase interactivity and add interest to the lectures. Prospective students should be aware that the exams cover information exclusive to the lectures, so attendance is mandatory.

Fall 2014

Professor: Denise Link-Farajali

(4.6)

Students attending this course appreciated the effective communication style of the teacher and the light workload. Students felt the course’s greatest drawbacks were the large class size and the examinations that were the main source of evaluation for the class. Students thought the course could be improved with additional homework assignments or quizzes. Students want potential participants to know that attending lectures for the class is important because material for lectures is featured prominently in exam questions.

Spring 2013

Professor: Denise Link-Farajali

(4.54)

The best aspects of this course included the guest speakers, panel discussions, and useful lessons on dissertation writing. The course topic covered lots of issues that were particular to graduate students. The worst aspect of the course was the lack of attendance during periods of the semester. The course 244would improve if there were perhaps writing workshops and in-class exercises. Prospective students should know that the course covers not only dissertation writing, but other topics that all graduate students wil find useful.

Spring 2014

Professor: Denise Link-Farajali

(4.29)

Students enrol ed in this course improved upon their English communication skills. The negotiation and mock interview segments seemed to be highlights of the course, and the instructor was friendly. But the boring articles read during class made it even more difficult for students to pay attention and want to attend the late Friday afternoon meeting time. It was suggested that the class time be rescheduled, that there be a smal er class size, and that American songs be covered. Prospective students do not need previous background or experience.

Spring 2015

Professor: Denise Link-Farajali

(4.31)

The best part about this course was the engaging and thought provoking lectures provided by a thoughtful and enthusiastic professor. Students who went to class were rewarded on exams. This course tried to present unbiased research, as well as new developments in the field. Some students found the tests confusing. This course could be improved by making the lecture notes available online after class, and providing more feedback on assignments. Prospective students should be deeply motivated to learn about the origins of human thought. No background in psychology is needed to do well in this course.