This course sets the scene for the Specialization “International Business Communication”. Thus, it introduces students to key concepts and theories associated with the study of international business communication. Grounded firmly in linguistics and discourse studies, the course addresses the importance and benefits of making conscious decisions regarding language use in general, in academic settings, and in business contexts specifically. Beyond raising critical awareness in this regard, it equips students with an in-depth understanding of various levels and areas of linguistic and communicative choice making. This ranges from macro-level considerations regarding argumentative strategies to the micro-level of word choice. Against this backdrop, the course then focuses on three core concepts and areas of application in particular: identity, persuasion, and power. That is, throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to observe how linguistic and communicative choice making ties in with these three focal areas in the context of business settings.

Overall, students will learn how language and communication may be used to achieve particular effects and identify alternative choices that could have been made. They will also gain a first insight into methods and tools used to analyse language and communication.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to

1. recognise the key role played by language and communication in academia, management, and organisational life;
2. describe and critically discuss the relevance of linguistic choice making for attaining communicative goals in international settings;
3. apply basic linguistic and discourse-analytical tools to cast light on argumentative fallacies, language use, and communicative practices;
4. summarise and communicate key elements of published research clearly, succinctly, and professionally.

As with all PI courses, attendance is a requirement to pass this course. As a special concession, you may miss up to 2 sessions. However, if you miss a third, you will automatically fail the course. This condition applies whatever the reasons for your absences may be.

Key Concepts in International Business Communication is taught over nine sessions. First, we explore various areas of linguistic and communicative choice making . Against this backdrop, we discuss three broad subject areas in depth: identity, power, and persuasion.

The course combines input-oriented lectures with critical thinking exercises and hands-on analysis. During input sessions on linguistic devices, as well as critical and academic thinking, students will actively participate and critically reflect on the concepts introduced. Furthermore, in the course of an ‘in-class clinic’, the lecturer will support students in two regards. On the one hand, students will have the opportunity to ask questions about their analysis of specific instances of linguistic choice making. On the other hand, students, in groups of three to four, will be able to get the lecturer’s input on their reading of a journal article, paraphrasing its key aspects, and preparing a presentation about it. Thus, students can apply what they have learnt about linguistic and communicative choices, as well as academic and critical thinking, and they will become experts in one of the “focus” topics of the course (identity, persuasion, and power).

Key Concepts in International Business Communication is a PI class, which means that you need to satisfy the attendance requirement mentioned above (see 'Regelung zur Anwesenheit'). Assessment and your final score are made up of three elements: 

1) Presentation of a journal article on one expert topic (in groups of three to four students) (40%)

2) Writing task (individually) (40%)

3) Participation points: worksheet (20%)

Grade scale:

Less than 60 percent: 5
60 and above: 4
70 and above: 3
80 and above: 2
90 and above: 1

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You can talk to your instructor Dr Susanne Kopf immediately before or after class, contact her by email (susanne.kopf@wu.ac.at), and set up appointments to meet individually or in groups  (see https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ebc/contact).