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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL20629: German written and oral communication in the business context

Click here for further information Credits: 12
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Click here for further information Period: Academic Year
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 30%, EX 50%, OR 20%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The unit pursues a dual aim.
1. To improve students' communicative and listening skills and to expand their vocabulary, especially in economic, business and professional contexts. To enable them to converse accurately, fluently and in an appropriate register.
2. To develop more advanced skills in contemporary written communication with specific reference to material used in the core and interface courses; to focus on the business dimension of written communication in order to prepare students for industrial placements in a German company during their third year abroad.

Learning Outcomes:
The unit will familiarise students with written communication tasks appropriate to the world of business and management in Germany.

Skills:
Skills in precision and creativity in the use of written and spoken language, effective communication in the target language and translation are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning, CIT and adaptation to life in the target countries are developed in this unit.

Content:
Oral communication classes may consist of aural comprehension exercises by using videos of current (business) affairs, usually taped from German/Austrian television. This may include summarisation, answering of questions and discussion of the topics presented to them. Also office skills simulations, such as answering the telephone, form a part of these classes. There are also free discussions which involve either a larger group or smaller sub-groups.
Written communication materials consist primarily of socio-political and business texts. Exploitation of these texts is aimed at familiarising students with specific issues from the German business context. Specific exercises include: comparative/text analysis, acquisition of business terminology, business communication: correspondence, reports, CVs, surveys, statistics, summarisations.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL20629 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UXXX-AYB04 : BSc (hons) International Management and Modern Languages (German) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.