Faculty of Economics and Finance

Department of Auditing
STUDENT
Advanced Communication in English

COURSE GUIDE
ADC115D
Course Guide
Page 1 of 15
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH

NQF
NQF QUALIFICATION &
LEVE COURSE CODE
CREDITS SAQA ID
L

Public Finance ADVANCED

6 12 COMMUNICATION
IN ENGLISH
ADC115D

COMPILED BY
Dr Ndukwani
June 2023

Page 2 of 15
 COPYRIGHT © 2014: Tshwane University of Technology
Private Bag X680
PRETORIA
0001

All rights reserved. Apart from any reasonable quotations for the purposes of
research criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of
this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy and recording, without
permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed and distributed by:

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED
LANGUAGES
Tshwane University of Technology
Private Bag X680
Pretoria

Page 3 of 15
 GUIDE CONTENT
Page
A ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT 6
1 Welcome 6
2 Staff 6
2.1 Contact Details 6
2.2 Staff Availability 7
2.3 Departmental Rules 7
3 Work Schedule 7
3.1 Module Structure and Schedule of 8
Tests And Assignments
3.2 Requirements For The Module 9
3.2.1 Prescribed Resources 9
3.2.2 Recommended Resources 9
3.2.2.1 Library and MyTUTor 10
4 Code of Conduct 10
4.1 Attendance 10
B LEARNING COMPONENT 10
1 Overview of the Module 10
1.1 Purpose 10
1.2 Links to Other Subjects 11
1.3 Module Outcomes 11
1.3.1 Professional Problem Solving 11
1.3.2 Application of Oral and Written 11
Communication Skills and Methods
2 Assessment 12
2.1 Assessment Methods and Criteria 12
2.2 Assessment Rules 12
2.3 Marking System 12
2.4 Assignments 12
2.5 Moderation 13
2.6 Rules Pertaining to Attendance, Tests 13
and Assignments
2.7 Supplementary Examination 13
Requirements
2.8 Promotion Requirements 13
3 Module Content 13

Page 4 of 15
SECTION A ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT

1. Welcome
Welcome to the subject Communication 1. This is a semester subject offered via compulsory
lectures over approximately 15 weeks. The subject is structured to complement the major
subjects in the National Higher Certificate: Accountancy and the National Diploma in
Financial Information Systems. We trust you will enjoy the course and find it interesting and
informative.
2. Staff
2.1 Contact Details

ROOM TEL NO ACADEMIC

NAME CAMPUS E-MAIL
NO FUNCTION
Ms Moroaswi Polokwane [email protected] Lecturer
Ms Semono Mbombela [email protected] Lecturer
Ms Mathye GaRankuwa [email protected] Lecturer
Dr Ndukwani GaRankuwa [email protected] Coordinator

Page 5 of 15
2.2 Staff Availability:

If, after attending class and making every effort from your side to master the content, you still
have problems with understanding key concepts or principles or their application, lecturers
are available for consultation (during consultation hours).

2.3 Departmental Rules

1. Time tables will be strictly followed – PLEASE BE ON TIME FOR LECTURES.

2. Mobile phones must be switched off during lectures. You may be sent out of the
class if your phone rings during the lecture.
3. No eating or drinking will be allowed in class.
4. Orderly behaviour is expected from all – the lecturer is instructed to deny
attendance of lectures by students disrupting classes.
5. No results will be given telephonically by any personnel.
6. As this department is proud to uphold the principle of academic freedom,
grievances and problems must be discussed with the lecturer first. If the problem
cannot be resolved satisfactorily, the complaint must be submitted to the Head of
Department of Applied Languages in writing, in the presence of the lecturer in
question. The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities may be approached at this
stage if this is deemed necessary. No grievance or complaint regarding the
lecturer may be taken to higher authority without his/her knowledge.

3. Work Schedule (Subject to Change)

3.1 Module Structure and Schedule of Tests and Assignments
This module comprises a theory component only. Your mastery of the theory is assessed at
regular intervals by means of tests and an assignment.

The following outline provides an overview of the content to be covered in this course and
the ways in which your progress will be assessed.

Page 6 of 15
 ADC115D 2023: Module Structure and Schedule of Tests
(*PLEASE, NOTE THAT ALL DATES GIVEN ARE PROVISIONAL, AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.)

Work Schedule for 10 July – 8 December 2023

WEEK TOPIC TEST DATE
1 UNIT 1: Writing skills for occupational purposes. Memos
and email
Cleary Chapter 7 & 8

2 UNIT 2: Meeting procedures

Cleary chapter 16

3 UNIT 3: Report writing: reports for decision-making Test 1

Cleary chapter 15

4 UNIT 4:Report writing: language and technical editing

Cleary chapter 15

5 UNIT 5: Oral communication: debating, discussing point of Assignment 1

view, oral conflict management
Cleary chapter 6, 2
6 UNIT 6 : Interpretation of complex verbal communication
Case studies

7 UNIT 7: Presentation skills for complex and sensitive

topics and issues: disciplinary processes & ethical
dilemmas: Case studies
Erasmus-Kritzinger
8 UNIT 8: Conveying alternative viewpoints:
Persuasive language, debates, discussions, interviews,
body language: Case studies
Cleary chapter 8
9 Predicate day TBA (to be
REVISION announced)

10-13 MAIN EXAM TBA

14-15 SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM TBA

(*Please take particular note of the rules regarding tests and assignments in section
B, number 2.6.)

Page 7 of 15
3.2 Requirements for the Module

3.2.1 Prescribed Resources

The following tables indicate what literature and other resources are essential for successful
completion of this module. You are strongly advised to acquire all the prescribed resources.

PRESCRIBED LITERATURE
CATEGOR AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NO
Y
BOOK
1. CLEARY, S (Ed.) Communication: A Lansdowne: 978-0-7021-
2014 hands-on approach. Juta 97970
2nd ed.

3.2.2 Recommended Resources

The following recommended resources will enhance your understanding and knowledge of
this subject, and you are encouraged to use them:

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
CATEGOR AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NO
Y
BOOK
1. ERASMUS- Effective Pretoria: Van 9781874940456
KRITZINGER, Communication: Schaik
L.E., BOWLER, A. Getting the message
& GOLIATH, D. across in business
2002. Revised ed.

2. Taylor, S. 2005 Communication for Pearson

Business. 3rd ed. Education Ltd

3. Houpt, K.W. & Reporting Technical Macmillan

Pearsall, T.E. Information. 7th ed.

Page 8 of 15
3.2.2.1 Library and MyTutor

Students are encouraged to consult a variety of resources located in the library on their
respective campuses in order to enrich their understanding of various topics covered in the
syllabus. Learning materials will also be uploaded onto the university’s electronic learning
system known as MyTutor. Registered students will have automatic access to this system.

4. Code of conduct
Please take note of the following regulations. These regulations are in addition to the
standard rules and regulations as determined by the TUT. Please familiarise yourself with
the TUT rules and regulations as set out in the student diaries received on registration.

4.1 Attendance
Regular attendance of the lectures is of primary importance. It is the learner’s responsibility
to sign the register during every session. A minimum attendance of 75% is mandatory for all
modules.

SECTION B LEARNING COMPONENT

1. Overview of the module

The module intends to introduce the learner to basic communication skills necessary for the
public service environment.

1.1 Purpose of the course

 The students should be competent to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing,
with colleagues in the public service and the community at large, using appropriate
structure, style and graphical support.
 The students should be competent to apply knowledge of English and use
communication skills to respond to professional problems and solve them through
communicating effectively, creatively and correctly.
 The student should be competent to conduct professional affairs with colleagues,
subordinates, supervisors and other professionals by applying advanced oral and written
Page 9 of 15
 communication skills.
1.2 Links to other subjects
This module contributes to the professional completion and presentation of oral and written
assignments and reports in all other subjects.

1.3 Module outcomes

1.3.1 Professional problem solving
o The student is competent to apply language and communication skills to
identify, assess, formulate and solve convergent and divergent professional
problems creatively and innovatively.
1.3.2 Application of oral and written communication skills and methods
o The student is competent to:
 communicate concepts, ideas and theories correctly and precisely
 reason about and conceptualise professional components, systems
and processes in suitable, correct and clear language,
 deal with problems by communicating effectively and clearly.
o The student is competent to:
 apply oral and written skills to work effectively as an individual, in a
team and in multi-disciplinary environments showing leadership and
performing critical functions.
o The student is competent to:
 understand the requirements to maintain continued competence while
keeping abreast of changing communication techniques and trends,
and to engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning
skills.
o The student is critically aware of:
 the need to act professionally and ethically, and to take responsibility
for his own actions.
o The student is competent to:
 exercise judgment commensurate with his limits of competence, his
knowledge and his experience.

Page 10 of 15
2. Assessment

2.1 Assessment methods and criteria

The student will write two assessments of equal weighting (50%). This means that the
predicate will be the average of the two assessments. The pass mark for the assessments is
50%.

2.2 Assessment rules

The general rules of TUT regarding assessment apply. You are advised to familiarise
yourself with these rules, as they are applied stringently.

Test dates are contained in the study guide. If a student is absent for a test, a valid medical
certificate or letter from a parent or someone in authority, has to be presented within five
working days of the test being written. If a student has handed in a medical certificate
timeously, that student will be allowed to write a special circumstances test as a replacement
for the test the student missed.

Special circumstances tests will be written at a date determined by the examiner. Under no
circumstances will additional special circumstances tests be granted for missed special
tests, whatever the reason. The department does not offer optional or supplementary tests
for students to improve their marks for the tests in which they did not perform well.

2.3 Marking system

Marking will be based on a memorandum consisting of model answers and/or guidelines.

The student will be tested on how well he/she can apply the theoretical communication
knowledge and applications learned throughout the units of work being tested. The lecturer
will provide feedback by making notes on the student’s scripts or by discussing the
memorandum and problem areas with the whole class upon handing out scripts, or by using
both methods.

2.4 Assignments
Assignments must be handed to lecturers IN CLASS. No assignments are to be deposited
in lecturers’ pigeon-holes, handed in by fellow students or to other lecturers.

Page 11 of 15
2.5 Moderation
All test and examination papers are moderated by the appointed moderator.

2.6 Rules pertaining to attendance, tests and assignments

Students have to attend at least 75% of lectures. Attendance will be checked regularly.
Class attendance will be taken into consideration in borderline cases. To ensure success,
students have to attend lectures and do homework.

2.7 Supplementary examination requirements

A student is eligible to write a supplementary examination if they obtain between 45% and
49% for the examination.

2.8 Promotion requirements

Examination admission is 40%, which percentage is known as the Predicate. However, a
final mark of 50% is needed to pass the semester, for example, a Predicate mark of 45% +
an Examination mark of 55% will earn an average of 50%. To calculate the Predicate, add
the percentage scores for both your tests and divide the total by 2. The final mark at the end
of the semester is the average of the predicate and the examination mark. However, to pass
this subject, a sub-minimum of 40% must be obtained in the examination.

3. Module content
The following table clearly indicates what you have to achieve (the learning outcomes) and
how you will be assessed (assessment criteria) to determine whether you have achieved the
required knowledge and competences.

Page 12 of 15
3.1 Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

UNIT 1: Written communication in general

Primary Resource: Cleary, chapters 7 & 8

By the end of this unit you should be able to use given information to
 Organize and structure documents required by your field of study by using
information supplied
 Communicate by memorandum and email

Assessment Method
Demonstrate an ability to construct an TEST
inter-office memorandum and email to
communicate within an organization and
with clients

UNIT 2: Meeting procedures

Primary Resource: Cleary, chapter 16

By the end of this unit you should be able to:

 Write effective documentation on meetings, e.g. agenda and minutes
 Conduct a meeting
 Have a working knowledge of meeting terminology

Assessment Criteria Assessment Method

Demonstrate the ability to write effective TEST
meeting documents as well as conduct a
meeting

UNIT 3: Report Writing

Primary Resource: Cleary, Chapter 15

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 Structure information in a useful format
 Write reports of a high standard
 Prepare reports for decision-making purposes

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate an ability to structure a TEST

report using given, unstructured
information

Page 13 of 15
UNIT 4: Editing of reports

Primary Resource: Cleary, Chapter 15, 17, 7

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

 Translate/interpret data into report format
 Edit a report technically
 Edit the language in a report

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate the ability to interpret TEST

information for inclusion in a report, edit
the report technically and linguistically.

UNIT 5: Oral Communication

Primary Resource: Cleary, chapt. 6

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 Discuss different points of view,

 Handle conflict verbally

 Debate issues

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate the ability to discuss different points Case study

of view, debate issues and handle conflict

UNIT 6: Interpretation of complex verbal communication

Primary Resource: Case studies

After completion of this unit, you should be able to:

 Interpret information given through different mediums and communicate an opinion
based on financial performance
 Communicate professionally with managers

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate the ability to formulate messages to Case study

express your professional opinion on financial
performance.

Page 14 of 15
UNIT 7: Presentation of complex and sensitive topics and issues

Primary Resource: Case studies

After completion of this unit, you should be able to:

 Present ethical topics as well as participate in disciplinary processes
 Identify and debate ethical dilemmas

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate the ability to debate ethical Case study

issues during a meeting
Prepare minutes of a disciplinary hearing
addressing sensitive topics

UNIT 8: Conveying alternative viewpoints

Primary Resource: Case studies

After completion of this unit, you should be able to use persuasive language to convey
alternative viewpoints in:
 Debates
 Discussions to resolve ethical and potential conflict of interest
 Interviews to resolve ethical and potential conflict of interest
You should also be able to read body language.

Assessment criteria Assessment method

Demonstrate an understanding of the use Case studies

of digital media in the business
environment

Page 15 of 15