• Introduction to social constructionism: a discourse approach
• The role of language, and why it matters, within management
• Language and identity
• Language and power
• Language and persuasion
• Critical thinking and academic writing skills

We interact with language and communication everyday, both for professional purposes and at home. Language is used to represent and reinforce the world around us, and it can be used strategically to navigate complex issues. This course aims to explore, from a linguistic perspective, how language works in practice, thereby allowing students to fully appreciate how their linguistic choices are meaningful.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, unlimited access to the WU is not possible throughout SS21 and so this class will be held in rotation mode. This means that students registered for this course will be divided into two groups of equal size, as will the lecture time of each session. One group will be taught during the first half of each session, and the second group during the second half of each session. Given this reduction in face-to-face teaching, students will be required to undertake preparatory work outside of class (e.g. reading academic papers, preparing presentations, online activities, etc.).

After taking this course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the crucial role that language plays in and for management, both on the individual and organizational levels
• Identify ways in which language not only reflects but also shapes social reality
• Approach language through a critical lens, uncovering the many ways in which language creates and maintains power relations
• Perceive the links between language and the construction of identity
• Identify and apply rhetorical resources that increase persuasive impact
• Orally summarize journal articles and facilitate group discussions
• Engage in critical discussion about research in the field

80% of the contact hours.

Due to capacity restrictions this course will be held in a rotation mode, meaning that you may miss up to 2.5 hours of the course. These conditions apply whatever the reasons for your absences may be. If you are going to be absent, please email in advance to let me know.

The course combines lectures with student presentations, critical thinking exercises, and hands-on analyses. During each class, you will actively participate in discussion and critically reflect on the concepts introduced.

• Participation in class (20%)
• Group presentation on a journal article (40%)
• Short piece of writing (40%)

Each form of assessment will be graded 1-5. This will be converted from percentages as follows:

• Below 50% - 5
• 60-69% - 4
• 70-79% - 3
• 80-89% - 2
• 90-100% - 1

Appointments can be made via email: mathew.gillings@wu.ac.at.