040301 UE Business Communication III - English (2025S)

This course aims to give students an introduction to the field of business communication from a primarily linguistic perspective. In particular, it has two main aims: 1) offer an insight into the nuts-and-bolts of the English language and demonstrate how this knowledge can be used to our advantage; and 2) allow students to improve their writing and presentation skills in English. The underlying principle behind this course is that by understanding the small details of how the English language works within context, students should develop a better understanding and appreciation for their own language skills too.

In particular, this course will enable students to:
- Understand how language both reflects and reinforces the world around us;
- Understand how minor linguistic details can have major knock-on effects on how someone or something is perceived;
- Think critically about the linguistic and social repercussions of using AI;
- Use appropriate politeness and small talk strategies to create effective relationships in business settings;
- Plan and write effective, reader-friendly English texts, using appropriate structuring and cohesive devices
- Give effective, well-structured and audience-friendly presentations in English;
- Understand the basic principles of both rhetoric and argumentation, and apply them in written paragraphs and presentations;
- Critically assess their own and others’ texts

The course combines linguistic theory and research with more skills-based exercises and tutoring. This is NOT a traditional language-learning course.