Syllabus

Title
2234 Theories and Methods in Business Discourse
Instructors
Univ.Prof. Almut Köster, M.A.,Ph.D.
Contact details
almut.koester@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
10/04/16 to 10/10/16
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Doctoral/PhD Programs
Research Methods
Methodology and Theory
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 10/11/16 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM D2.3.245
Tuesday 10/18/16 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 11/29/16 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 12/06/16 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 12/13/16 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 01/10/17 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 01/17/17 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 01/24/17 03:30 PM - 06:30 PM D2.2.228
Tuesday 01/31/17 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM D2.2.228

On this page:

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Contents

This course will provide an overview of theories and methods for analysing business discourse. It will deal with the main approaches to analysing written and spoken business texts and interactions, including discourse analysis, conversation analysis, genre analysis and sociolinguistic and critical approaches. Participants will be encouraged to apply the theories and methods covered to their own research and data.

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Learning outcomes

After attending this course, students will:

  • be familiar with the main approaches to analysing business discourse;
  • be familiar with key literature in the field;
  • be able to use a range of analytical methods for analysing different types of business discourse;
  • be able to discuss the main theories and methods for researching business discourse critically and analytically;
  • be able to apply the theories and methods covered to their own research.
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Teaching/learning method(s)
The sessions will consist of a combination of lecture-style input, practical analysis activities and seminar-style discussions. 
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Assessment

1) Critical literature review in one area of business discourse: 20%

2) Individual project analysing a set of business texts or recordings: 60%

3) Presentation of individual project: 20%

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Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists
  • Excellent written and spoken command of English equivalent to C2 on the Common European Framework
  • Participants are expected to have very good knowledge of English grammar
  • A degree in English would be an advantage
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Readings
1 Author: Bargiela-Chiappini F., Nickerson, C. and Planken, B.
Title: Business Discourse

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Edition: 2. Auflage (2007/2013)
Year: 2013
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Strongly recommended (but no absolute necessity for purchase)
Type: Book
2 Author: Koester, Almut
Title: Workplace Discourse

Publisher: Continuum
Year: 2010
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Strongly recommended (but no absolute necessity for purchase)
Type: Book
3 Author: Holmes, J. and Stubbe, M.
Title: Power and Politeness in the Workplace

Publisher: Longman
Year: 2003
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Strongly recommended (but no absolute necessity for purchase)
Type: Book
4
Title: Students will be expected to read more widely from a Reading List to be distributed in class.

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Availability of lecturer(s)
Please refer to the homepage of the Institute for English Business Communication: http://www.wu.ac.at/ebc/About_us/Contact_Information
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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 1

Introduction:

Approaches to analysing written and spoken business discourse

2 2 Written business discourse
3 3 Genre analysis
4 4 Spoken business discourse
5 5 Sociolinguistic approaches
6 6 Critical approaches
7 7 Politeness, evaluation and appraisal
8 8 Student presentations
Last edited: 2016-08-09



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