English for Media Literacy Syllabus

Summer/Fall 2021: May 3 – December 27, 2021

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor Email
Jessamyn Embry elamooc@fhi360.org

COURSE OVERVIEW
Description
This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and
knowledge of business and entrepreneurship at the same time. From identifying an opportunity to planning a
persuasive pitch, this course will guide you step-by-step through the basic elements of starting up a new business.
Through case studies, selected readings, and video lectures, you will learn how to use market research to identify
risks and opportunities. You will learn how to read and develop a business plan and how to find investors and
financial support. Finally, you will learn strategies for making a pitch to present your business concept.

Learning Objectives and Learner Outcomes

• Build your English vocabulary and improve your reading skills
• Review basic concepts about media and media literacy
• Investigate the evolution of mass media and weigh the pros and cons of social media
• Explore the world of advertising and identify targeted marketing strategies
• Analyze sources and detect bias
• Explore diversity representation in media messages
• Practice your English with classmates around the world

Expectations and Grading

The course runs from May 3 to December 27, 2021. There are six modules in this course. In order to complete the
modules, participants should work on and offline for 3-5 hours a week. Most participants complete this course in 12
weeks or less. This is a self-paced course and assignments can be completed at any time before the close date
on December 27, 2021.

© 2021 by FHI 360. English for Media Literacy MOOC Syllabus for the Online Professional English
Network (OPEN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S.
government and administered by FHI 360. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons
1
Attribution 4.0 License, except where noted. To view a copy of this license, visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
DIGITAL BADGE AND CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
There are six modules in the English for Business and Entrepreneurship MOOC:
1. Orientation: Welcome to the Online Professional English Network
2. Becoming an Entrepreneur
3. Identifying an Opportunity
4. Creating a Business Plan, Part 1: Product Description and Marketing Section
5. Creating a Business Plan, Part 2: Financials and the Executive Summary
6. Attracting Investors and Obtaining Financial Support.

To receive a digital badge and certificate of participation, you must:

• Complete all modules by the course close date, December 27, 2021
• Achieve a minimum score of 70% on all quizzes

Course Policies
Online Discussion Boards
This course includes opportunities to participate in online discussion boards. In an online discussion board, you can:
• practice communicating in English,
• experiment with new words and grammar,
• get feedback from other participants,
• share your ideas and learn from others.

When communicating on the discussion boards, it is important to follow a set of core principles.
 
1. Level: High beginner / Low intermediate
This course is intended for English language learners at or approaching level B1 on the Common European
Framework (CEFR).

2. Respond to posts and comments in an encouraging and supportive tone.

Think before you write or respond. Be helpful and supportive. Any criticism should be constructive and given
in a friendly, polite way. If in doubt, think about how you would feel reading the post.

2. Be clear and direct.

Make sure that your content title reflects the content of your post and that your post is short and direct.

Put a blank space at the beginning of a message and between paragraphs. Be brief and specific. Limit your
post to 50 – 100 words. This is especially important in Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which have
thousands of participants.

3. Post relevant content.

Only post content relevant to the “English for Business and Entrepreneurship” Course. Any other content
which is found to be unsuitable or irrelevant will be deleted.

4. Be open to differences in opinion.

Be open to other people’s opinions and try not to get emotional if someone disagrees with you. Make your
learning experience a constructive and positive one by avoiding “flaming”. For example, CAPITAL LETTERS
can be interpreted as shouting. Words are powerful and can hurt; avoid anything which could be
misinterpreted in any way. Think before you push the “send” button.

5. Accept others’ differences.

You are part of a global community which means caring about your own progress and that of your
colleagues.
 6. Cite other people’s work.
In this course, you are expected to use your own words and ideas, and to acknowledge any sources you use
to gather ideas. Plagiarism is not allowed in OPEN courses.

If you use a quote or reference in your post; make sure that you cite it or provide a link to it.

7.  No spamming.
Please don’t post advertisements in discussion boards or use Canvas inbox in any way other than how they
intend it to be used.

Communicating with the Program

It is your responsibility to communicate with your instructor and the OPEN Program about questions or issues that
prevent you from participating in the course.
• If you have questions about course content, you can post questions in the Content Discussion Board
which is regularly monitored by course facilitators.
• If you have technical issues, please contact opensupport@fhi360.org