Syllabus

Title
5055 ExInt II: English Business Negotiations (Group 2 with Filzmoser)
Instructors
Mag. Barbara Filzmoser, ao.Univ.Prof. Dr. Alexander Beer
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/21/24 to 02/28/24
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 03/20/24 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM TC.4.12
Wednesday 04/10/24 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM TC.4.12
Wednesday 04/17/24 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM TC.4.12
Wednesday 04/24/24 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM TC.4.12
Wednesday 05/15/24 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM TC.4.12
Contents

Each session of the course includes a theoretical and a practical skills part

In an interactive approach, the theoretical part focuses on the structure of a negotiation, the language devices that can be used to direct a negotiation in the desired direction (questioning techniques, persuading, handling break-downs etc.) as well as on strategies which are commonly employed in negotiations e.g. good cop-bad cop, slice the salami.

In the practical part, students apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in simulated negotiation settings to be held one-on-one or in teams. As a follow-up assignment, students will be asked to watch recordings of their negotiations on learn@wu and analyze their performance to benefit further.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students will have increased their awareness of the key strategic role that language and communication play in business negotiations and better understand the mechanisms underlying the linguistic techniques employed in negotiations.

On the basis of study-related simulations, students learn to apply strategic language (phrases and terminology) effectively by progressing from handling negotiations focusing on one issue only to complex ones.

Also based on an analysis of their own negotiations, students will have improved their negotiation skills .

By evaluating one of their fellow students' negotiations, they are provided with the opportunity to reflect on the various negotiation elements discussed in class.

Students will have reached a level of C1 according to the Common European Framework.

Attendance requirements

In general, students are required to attend all classes; one absence will be tolerated, but the instructor should ideally be informed in advance to make any necessary arrangements.

Teaching/learning method(s)

Theoretical part: interactive approach

Practical skills part: case-studies based role-plays and simulations; video analysis of model negotiations and students´ own performance, with discussion

Assessment

Attendance of all sessions is required (formal records of attendance will be kept).

  • active and continuous classroom participation (20%)
  • written assessment/evaluation of another group's presentation (20%)
  • overall performance in role plays throughout the course (60%)

 

Readings

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Availability of lecturer(s)
Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 20.03.2024

08.30-13.00h

The Basics
General genre profile
Preparing to negotiate
Relationship building
Establishing a procedure

2 10.04.2024

08.30-13.00h

Power
Different sources of power
Impact of power on language use
Intercultural issues
The impact of culture on negotiation styles
Addressing potential sources of intercultural conflict
The proposal stage
Questioning techniques

3 17.04.2024

08.30-13.00h

Persuasion
Linguistic techniques for increasing rhetorical impact and persuasive forces
Powers of persuasion
Exploring interests
The bargaining zone

4 24.04.2024

08.30-13.00h

Disagreement and conflict
The role of language in escalating and de-escalating disagreement/conflict
Words with negative vs positive semantic load, politeness strategies
Handling breakdowns

5 15.05.2024

08.30-13.00h

Closing the deal
Conclusion and agreement
Revision

Final negotiations

Last edited: 2023-12-06



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