Syllabus

Title
6119 Fremdsprachliche Wirtschaftskommunikation IV - Englisch / The Language of Work
Instructors
Univ.Prof. Almut Köster, M.A.,Ph.D.
Contact details
almut.koester@wu.ac.at
Type
LVP
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
03/02/18 to 03/07/18
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Foreign Language Business Communication IV - English
Subject(s) Master Programs
Introductory Course 2 in Foreign Language Business Communication (Specialist Areas) - English
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 03/13/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03
Tuesday 03/20/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03
Tuesday 04/10/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03
Tuesday 04/17/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03
Tuesday 04/24/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03
Tuesday 05/08/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.5.03
Tuesday 05/15/18 03:15 PM - 05:15 PM TC.4.03
Tuesday 05/22/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.4.03
Tuesday 05/29/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.3.05
Tuesday 06/05/18 03:00 PM - 05:30 PM TC.3.01
Tuesday 06/19/18 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM TC.2.03

On this page:

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Contents

This course offers a comprehensive study of language used in professional and workplace settings. It will explore the distinctive features of a range of written and spoken workplace communication, such as email, meetings, negotiating and giving instructions. The language of work is also viewed in its social context by looking at topics such as language and power, and how language is used to build and maintain relationships with co-workers and customers. Real examples from workplace interactions will be used to explore these issues throughout the course.

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Learning outcomes

THIS COURSE IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 'ENGLISH BUSINESS COMMUNICATION 4' (EBC4). After attending this course, students will be able to:

  • to demonstrate a level of general English competence equivalent to C1 (lower) on the Common European Framework ( Common European Framework ) with respect to aural and oral skills;
  • to understand and apply general, intermediate-level business and economic concepts, and to use the terminology and other language features associated with them appropriately and accurately;
  • to understand and apply essential concepts related to the language of work and to use the terminology and other language features associated with it appropriately and accurately;
  • to combine these abilities in order to enter effectively into oral discussion about selected issues in this field.

In addition, this course fosters improved reading & writing skills.

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Teaching/learning method(s)

Up front lecture, combined with class discussion and group work.

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Assessment

A.) WU students: Written exam

NOTE: Registration for the course is required to register for the exam, which can be taken at the end of the semester at the earliest. For the material covered and the structure of the exam, please see information on the homepage of the Institute for English Business Communication: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ebc/student-platform/bachelor/ebc4/

B.) For exchange students who want / need to take an exam the requirements are: class attendance and an exam (oral or written) at the end of the semester

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Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists
Registration required during the period of registration. Please visit the website of the Institute for English Business Communication for details on procedure and deadlines: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ebc/student-platform/bachelor/ebc4/
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Readings
1 Author: Koester, Almut
Title: The Language of Work

Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2004
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Strongly recommended (but no absolute necessity for purchase)
Type: Book
2
Title: Further readings will be distributed in class

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Availability of lecturer(s)

Please refer to the homepage of the Institute for English Business Communication: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ebc/about-us/contact-information

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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 Introduction to the language of work
2 Values and attitudes of professional 'discourse communities'
3 Written Workplace communication 1: Emails and letters
4 Written Workplace communication 2: Sales promotion letters
5 Spoken Workplace communication 1: Meetings
6 Spoken Workplace communication 2: Negotiating and problem-solving
7 Advice, instructions and procedures
8 Relationships at work: bosses and employees
9 Relationships with customers: the importance of 'politeness' 
10 Entering the world of work: job advertisements
11 Review of the course
12 Exam
Last edited: 2018-10-31



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