Business Communication
Courses offered for students of Culture and Economy
Bachelor
Current UK/
US Topics 
Credit: Antje ClasenThe 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?
Business Translation
Credit: Antje ClasenIn “Business Translation” students learn to translate advanced business texts from English into German.
Texts from the Financial Times, the New Yok Times, Business Insider and Wired Magazine for example are translated. Typical topics include “The Strategy of Apple”, “Silicon Valley Start-ups”, “The Financial Results of Disney”, “The Annual Reports in the Luxury Goods Industry – Hermes, LVMH and Prada” as well as “Multinational Companies in China.” Texts about the economy focus on macroeconomic data and GDP growth forecasts for advanced economies.
In addition, videos explaining the role of lexicographers in compiling dictionaries are shown and the use of English words in German business language is explored and discussed.
The ability to translate English business texts into German well can be a key skill in an internship or job focussing on communication at a company in Germany.
Business Communication I/
IBC 
Credit: Lara WörnerWith 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. Business Communication I/
IBC 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
Business Communication II/
Career Skills 
Credit: Lara WörnerSuccessful business communication involves much more than just being able to write business letters well. One of the most important communication scenarios one will ever face is effectively communicating one’s own qualifications to a prospective employer. Business communication ll initially focuses on helping each student to formulate a possible career direction which is tailored to their unique combination of interests, skills and expertise. It then shifts to an examination of various aspects of the hiring process; formulating the CV in English, preparing for the interview, what to expect from assessment centers and carrying out successful salary negotiations. Other business-centric skills, such as effective teamwork and leadership are also developed further. This course offers practical, hands-on experience which will help each student to begin preparing for a successful career path with confidence.
Outcomes:
- Developing a clear vision for what comes after the Bachelor degree
- Establishing a strategy for achieving long-term goals
- Acquiring valuable career-related skills
- Developing self-confidence for the interview process
- Further enhancing communication skills in many business scenarios
Master
Business Communication III
Credit: Theresa SchmahlThis course concentrates on one of the most important and challenging areas of business communication – persuasion. It explores various, practical aspects of marketing products, institutions and ideas. At the beginning of the semester, students select a mission-centric institution which appeals to them. Over the course of the semester, a market analysis is carried out and a marketing strategy is developed for this institution. Ideas are generated to further develop the brand and achieve specific marketing goals.
Outcomes:
- Developing an understanding of how branding works
- Applying marketing theory and linguistics acquired in other courses to real-world scenarios.
- Developing creative writing skills
- Understanding project management processes and communication needs
- Building communication confidence
Topics:
- Carrying out a real market/
marketing analysis - Identifying opportunities
- Developing a brand
- Formulating slogans, press releases and direct mail pieces
- Marketing and media
- Project management