Teaching written communication for academic and professional purposes (basic level)

The author describes the course ‘Written Communication in Academic and Professional Sphere (Basic Level)’ aimed at teaching first - year Master students of non-linguistic faculties. The importance of the course is connected with the general task of developing one’s writing competence. To be successful in academic and professional career university graduates are to master the main genres of written communication. To communicate with their foreign colleagues effectively, they should be able to fill in various forms (e.g. Presenter’s Submission Form, Visa Application Form, Application for Admission as an International Student, Hotel Guest Form, Job Application Form); write official letters - both traditional and email; write a resume and a CV. The main tasks of the course’s teacher are discussed, such as comparative analysis of Russian and English communicative cultures; demonstrating the main differences between Russian and English punctuation rules; creation of motivating situations and tasks for writing. Changing norms of email etiquette are touched upon in reference to authentic sources. Some recommendations on the choice of teaching materials are given.