The functional definition of literacy is the ability to read and write. This definition, however, can be considered too simplistic in the complex world in which we live. In order to engage fully, people need to read and interpret visual and digital stimuli and read printed material with comprehension and discernment. Just being able to read and write does not automatically mean that a person is socially engaged. To be a socially engaged person means having the ability to keep abreast of current events, communicate intentionally and effectively, and understand the complexities of our world. The English Literacy Skills course has been developed to enhance skills beyond mere reading and writing of words. To be able to read with insight, people need to make assessments of newspapers, novels, comics, magazines, films, reference material, and even websites. Having the ability of discernment means engaging with printed and digital material at both an intellectual and an emotional level – evaluating and appraising the information that is being presented.
When a person is fully engaged both socially and emotionally, it means the person understands the material that is being presented, can make connections between ideas and can evaluate effectively and with discernment. The person can contribute meaningfully to discussions, can write with purpose and can sift through information to identify what is valid and what is invalid. Business Literacy can be completed as an introduction to the Business Language course to enable students to refine their understanding and awareness of basic concepts and grammatical structures before continuing with the more advanced Business Language.
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