Write Professional Emails in English Course Syllabus

Overview: This course is designed to help beginners master the essentials of writing professional business emails in English. Through practical templates, real-world examples, and culturally aware writing strategies, you'll learn to compose clear, effective, and appropriate emails for global workplace communication. The course spans four weeks with approximately 2-3 hours of content per week, combining reading, writing practice, and peer review. Lifetime access ensures you can revisit materials anytime. By the end, you’ll complete a final project to demonstrate your skills and earn a certificate from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Module 1: Email Fundamentals

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Understanding essential email components (subject line, greeting, body, closing)
• Distinguishing formal vs. informal registers in business contexts
• Applying professional formatting and structure
• Analyzing real business email examples for tone and clarity

Module 2: Common Business Email Types

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Writing effective request emails using templates
• Drafting professional inquiry and response emails
• Composing complaint emails with appropriate tone
• Evaluating case studies of effective vs. ineffective emails

Module 3: Advanced Email Techniques

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Writing persuasive business messages
• Handling delicate or sensitive communications
• Applying cross-cultural considerations in email tone and style
• Practicing rewriting problematic emails for clarity and professionalism

Module 4: Polishing Your Emails

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Proofreading strategies for grammar and tone
• Editing for clarity, conciseness, and professionalism
• Adjusting tone based on audience and purpose

Module 5: Final Project

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Write three professional emails using templates (request, inquiry, response)
• Apply cultural sensitivity and appropriate tone
• Submit for peer review and final feedback

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of English grammar and vocabulary
• Ability to read and write in English at an intermediate level
• No prior business writing experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Structure formal and semi-formal business emails effectively
• Apply appropriate email etiquette and tone in professional contexts
• Write clear subject lines and openings/closings
• Organize information logically in email bodies
• Adapt email style for different purposes and cultural contexts