Business Communication

The course “Current Topics” focuses on recent developments in politics and business in the United States and Great Britain.  Trends in society, business and the economy are examined and news stories are analysed:

What are the headlines in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Fox News or the Guardian, the Financial Times and the Telegraph? How do journalists report the current  news? How do media companies adapt to digitalization and the decline in print circulation? Which socio-economic trends help to explain the recent developments in politics? Which facts about the strategies of multinational companies are reported in the business news? How do start-ups successfully win investors and drive innovation in the economy?

With the exponential growth of globalization, it is not surprising that the communication between companies and business partners alike is becoming just as important as the business itself. For young professionals preparing to embark on their respective career paths, it is of vital importance to be able to adapt to, and to flourish in this very dynamic and new environment. In addition to becoming proficient in more than one language, it is crucial to be able to communicate effectively across the business world's wide spectrum of national and corporate cultures. International Business Communication provides a hands-on approach to exploring the communication styles of various cultures and offers insights and practical tips on how to effectively communicate in these multicultural settings, all while improving business-centric English skills.

Develops the following skills:

• Refresh dormant English abilities
• Understand business communication scenarios in the real world
• Develop communication strategies for common interactions
• Intercultural understanding
• Gain self-confidence in using a secondary language