Asia Pacific University (APU)

            Asia Pacific University (APU)

Communication & Business Skills

Based on the curriculum structure for Asia Pacific University (APU) programs at Forbes College, the specific English and communications subject taught in the first semester is Communication & Business Skills (sometimes listed as English for Business or Academic Communication depending on the specific cohort entry).

Here is the exact syllabus breakdown, core modules, and evaluation methods for this subject:

Core Syllabus Breakdown

• Module 1: Professional Communication & Mechanics
• Foundations of professional and business English.
• Active listening skills and overcoming barriers to communication.
• Non-verbal communication and intercultural workplace dynamics.
• Module 2: Written Business Communication
• Drafting professional emails, formal memos, and business letters.
• Structuring short business and academic reports.
• Grammar, syntax, mechanics, and maintaining a professional tone.
• Module 3: Oral Presentation & Public Speaking
• Designing effective visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint slides).
• Delivery techniques: body language, voice modulation, and audience engagement.
• Handling Q&A sessions confidently.
• Module 4: Academic Writing & Research Literacy
• Techniques for summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing texts.
• Avoiding plagiarism.
• Introduction to academic referencing styles (Harvard referencing system).

Assessment & Grading Breakdown

APU modules rely heavily on continuous coursework rather than just a single final exam. The typical assessment breakdown for this course consists of:

Assessment Component	Weight	Description
Individual Written Assignment	40%	A formal business report or case study analysis applying academic writing standards.
Oral Presentation	30%	An individual or group presentation pitching an idea or analyzing an industry issue.
Final Class Test / Examination	30%	A sit-down exam testing grammar, reading comprehension, and professional writing mechanics.