Learning outcomes / skills:
This module is an advanced-level Business English communication course intended to strengthen and refine students’ proficiency for professional and academic purposes. Throughout this task-based module, students will further develop appropriate terminology, phraseology and effective communication skills to handle interactive situations in an international business context. With guided independent study and practice, students will build confidence in English communication and foster research and comprehension skills for contemporary business discourse. They will be familiarized with regional, organisational and formal communication specifics in Business English to contribute, lead and innovate appropriately. After successful completion of this course, students will have the skills and practice required to present themselves and/or their organizations in challenging communication settings for business, work or academic studies in an international context.

Professional competences:
After successful completion of this module, students will have:
•    the ability to understand and evaluate high-level international business-related discourse
•    the tools and best practices to research and present business-related topics with a focus on qualitative methods
•    the proficiency to initiate and respond quickly and professionally to business-related communication
•    the spoken language skills to present themselves and/or business-related content professionally in real-life situations


Technical competences:
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
•    evaluate their own English-language communication skills for continued development of business-related communication
•    research appropriate sources to further their knowledge of contemporary business-related content in English
•    demonstrate practical experience in advanced Business English research and communication for work, leadership and Business Studies

Personal competences:
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
•    reflect on and contribute to international discourse at an advanced level
•    understand and analyse different English communication styles
•    express themselves confidently and professionally in international settings

Social competences:
After successful completion of this module, students will have the resources to:
•    negotiate different communication styles in English
•    anticipate and foster synergies and teamwork across linguistic differences in English
•    share their knowledge, research and experience to foster professional communication among peers and teams

Contents:
•    Style, nuance and register for professional Business English
•    Organizational culture and communication in Business English
•    Purpose-driven business communication (face-to-face and online)
•    Business talks and presentations
•    Interviews and qualitative research methods
•    Academic citations and referencing


Methods of Teaching and Learning:
•    Interactive seminar
•    Self-awareness, active listening, exchange and group participation are key skills for developing confidence, fluency and communicative effectiveness.
•    Independent research and practice assignments
•    Group work
•    Constructive discussion and application
•    Peer review
•    Presentations and Q&A
•    In order to reach the level of proficiency and confidence required, students are also expected to work independently and continually develop their professional English proficiency through research and intensive exposure to appropriate business content.
 
Literature:

    Reinhardt, S. (2013). "Giving Academic Presentations." Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. 2nd. ed.
    Wallwork, A. (2022). "Giving an Academic Presentation: intermediate level." Cham: Springer.

Further resources will be provided at the beginning of the semester.