Syllabus

Title
1882 Business Communication and Language
Instructors
Dr. Susanne Kopf, Assoz.Prof Priv.Doz.Dr. Ursula Lutzky
Type
VUE
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
09/02/24 to 10/04/24
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
This class is only offered in winter semesters.
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 11/05/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 11/12/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 11/19/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 11/26/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 12/03/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 12/10/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 12/17/24 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 01/07/25 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Tuesday 01/21/25 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM TC.5.02
Contents

This course provides an introduction to the study of business communication and language. It introduces students to key concepts in the field and equips them with basic knowledge regarding essential theories. Furthermore, it offers students the opportunity to develop methodological skills that they will need in subsequent courses. After laying the ground by delineating the core functions of language and discussing prominent communication models, this course focuses on the different levels of communicative and linguistic choice making and their application in areas such as politeness, power and persuasion. Throughout the course, students will develop a self-reflexive attitude that allows them to assess their own but also others’ use of language and communication.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to

  1. recognize the importance of linguistic and communicative choices for organizational discourse.
  2. describe the different levels of linguistic and communicative choice relevant to the study of business communication.
  3. analyze business texts for the specific language functions and communicative strategies used.
  4. critically assess and make well-reasoned decisions regarding these different layers of choice in a range of business texts.
Attendance requirements

As with all VUE courses, attendance is a requirement to pass this course. As a special concession, you may miss up to 30%, that is, three sessions, of the course. However, if you miss a fourth, you will automatically fail the course. This condition applies whatever the reasons for your absences may have been.

Teaching/learning method(s)

Business Communication & Language is taught over nine sessions in which seven main subject areas are discussed: key concepts, elements of choice, language as action, politeness, power, persuasion, and identity.

Assessment

Business Communication & Language is a VUE class, which means that you need to satisfy the attendance requirement mentioned above (see 'Regelung zur Anwesenheit'). Assessment and your final score are made up of two elements: 

  • Presentation of case study analysis (60%); in groups
  • Written work - reflective worksheet (40%); individually

Please note that the work you submit must be your own work, it has to comply with WU policies regarding plagiarism, cheating and collusion, and it may be subject to potential plagiarism checks. Using ChatGPT, Bard, or other AI-generated content is prohibited.

Grade scale:

Less than 60 percent: 5
60 and above: 4
70 and above: 3
80 and above: 2
90 and above: 1

Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

There are no formal requirements with regard to attendance of the class Business Communication & Language.

Readings

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Recommended previous knowledge and skills

Students are not expected to have previous knowledge of the subject matter.

Availability of lecturer(s)

You can talk to your instructors Dr Susanne Kopf and PD Dr Ursula Lutzky immediately before or after class, contact them by email (susanne.kopf@wu.ac.at; ursula.lutzky@wu.ac.at), and consult them during their office hours (see https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ebc/contact).

Last edited: 2024-09-20



Back