The course examines the complex relationship between language, communication and culture and equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how the cultural backgrounds of communication partners influence communication and interaction processes in business settings.
The course covers several topic areas. In the introductory part of the course, different concepts of culture and communication and their interdependence are discussed. Students are also introduced to various communication theories and models as well as to some important issues in intercultural business communication, such as rapport management, linguistic and cultural diversity, impression management, multilingualism and language management. By drawing on authentic examples of communicative events and texts (e.g. advertisements, job interviews, job application documents), various aspects of cross-cultural advertising and recruitment practices will be examined from a linguistic and communicative point of view. In addition, a special emphasis is placed on multilingualism and multiculturalism in organizations. In particular, students will discuss a range of diverse measures within a specific language management strategy (e.g. lingua franca, intercomprehension and receptive multilingualism, the use of interpreting and translation services). There is also a session devoted to intercultural trainings where students will gain valuable insights into theoretical foundations of intercultural training and learn to evaluate the quality of various intercultural training offers.
After successful completion of the course, participants will be able to assess the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on business communication. Additionally, students will acquire the skills needed to make informed decisions about language management strategies in various international business contexts. As a result, students will be better prepared for today’s increasingly diverse and complex globalized business communication environment.
Students are expected to attend all timetabled classes (max. 2 absence)
- input (lecture style)
- discussion of case studies in groups
- home readings
- diverse activities & interactive tasks (simulations etc.)
- work on a group project
In case of a shift to online-teaching - our virtual classroom is here!
Assessment is based on the following components (the Reader includes information about the assigments and instructions) - deadlines specified in the syllabus:
o In-class participation (writing assignment 1 & 2 (see also Reader)) 20%
o Response paper (1500-2000 words) 40 %
The course reader includes more information about the the genre!
o Group project (see Reader for more information) (developing a research question and a suitable interview guide 15 % - interviewing & transcription & qualitative analysis 10 % oral presentation & short written summary/executive summary - 15 %)
A group of 4-6 students will collaboratively work on a small research project (all group members will receive the same grade) on a topic related to the course (cf. part II in the Reader).
100-90 % - "sehr gut", 89-80 % - "gut", 79-70 % - "befriedigend", 69-60 & - "genügend". Less than 60 % - "nicht genügend".
