SFB51009 Professional Communication I (Autumn 2009)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Obligatory in the bachelor's degree programme International Communication (1^st semester). Specialisation course in the degree programme Business Administration (specialisation: International Communication) (5^th semester). 

Optional in the degree programme Information Systems and IT Management (5^th semester).

Prerequisites

General requirements for entry to higher education or equivalent qualifications in English.

Lecture Semester

Autumn 2009

Content

The oral part of the course introduces different forms of oral business communication, such as informative and persuasive presentations. Business communication is placed in a cultural context, thus the course also includes examples of modern English-language fiction. Student presentations take place in seminars. There are also discussions of the fiction reading and of case studies, focusing on argumentation and problem solving.

The written part of the course teaches various forms of English business correspondence and relevant terminology. The students are introduced to text production and linguistic structures, including basic syntactic analysis. Keywords are: text structure, coherence, style and level, and loyalty to the reader. Reference technique and critical use of sources are important elements of the course.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures and group work. The course is taught in English.

Practical training/internship

None.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Two oral presentations.

A minimum of 80% attendance is required in the oral part of the course. For exemption to be granted from this requirement, a written application must be submitted stating the reasons for failure of attendance. 

Examination

Portfolio assessment combined with an oral examination. The exam portfolio must contain three texts. The oral examination lasts approx. 25 minutes and may adjust the final result one step up or down on the grading scale A-F. Both the portfolio and the oral examination must be passed for a pass result to be given. If the portfolio is not accepted, the student will be allowed to submit an improved version for a new examination. No aids are permitted during the oral examination.

Literature

• Locker, K & S Kaczmarek (2007). Business Communication: Building Critical Skills. 3^rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill
• Elton, B (2002). Dead Famous. London: Black Swan.
• Compendium
• Lecture notes