Oral business communication techniques in German (Part 2)

Teacher(s)

Hermann Manon;

Language

Deutsch

Prerequisites

B2 level of listening and reading, B2 level of speaking (Common European Framework of Reference)

Main themes

This course introduces the general principles of communication particularly the linguistic, sociolinguistic, pragmatic and cultural aspects of interaction. Special attention will be paid to specific characteristics of communication in the German-speaking world. This general introduction will be followed by a detailed presentation of techniques which should be implemented in communication activities specific to a company. These techniques will be analysed on the basis of conversation analysis: typology, conversation situations, conversation structure (macro- and micro-strucutres), phonology, 'Exercises accompanying the course will allow students to simulate active participation in a variety of situations. The students' simulations will be recorded and subsequently analysed in detail.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, students should be able to master the general principles of communication in a German-speaking business environment and they should at least have reached a B2+ oral level (Common European Framework of Reference) in German.

Content

The following topics will be covered:
- Theoretical introduction to intercultural communication
- Analysis of cultural specificities of the German-speaking world
Students will also be required to give an oral presentation (+ summary) on a chapter from the book "Die Deutschen - Wir Deutsche. Fremdwahrnehmung und Selbstsicht im Berufsleben" (Schroll-Machl 2016). 
Speech exercises. Role-playing, discussions, speech presentation, ...

Teaching methods

Students presentations and group discussions. Homework.

Evaluation methods

The theoretical part (volume 1) and the practical part (volume 2) are each worth 50% of the final mark.
In the theory part (10/20), the oral presentation is worth 30% and the oral examination 70%. The oral presentation (+ summary) is based on a chapter from the book "Die Deutschen - Wir Deutsche. Fremdwahrnehmung und Selbstsicht im Berufsleben" (Schroll-Machl 2016). The oral exam covers the topics discussed in the course and the chapters from Schroll-Machl's book. See instructions given at the beginning of the course.
In the practical part (10/20), 50% will be attributed to the presentation during the semester and 50% will focus on an oral test in week 13 on the students' presentations.
In case of participation in the August session, the student will retake all evaluation activities (e.g. oral exam, presentation) for which he/she did not obtain 10/20.
NB: If artificial intelligence (AI) is used in the preparation of oral presentations, it must be used responsibly and in accordance with academic and scientific integrity practices.

Other information

The exercise sessions (15 hours) are given by the Institut des Langues Vivantes (ILV).

Bibliography

• Heringer, H-J. (2010) Interkulturelle Kommunikation: Grundlagen und Konzepte. Tübingen: Narr Francke Attempto Verlag
• Jahn, J. (2006)  Kulturstandards im deutsch-französischen Management.Wiesbaden: Deutscher Universitäts-Verlag.
• Kumbier, D. & Schulz von Thun, F. (2021) Interkulturelle Kommunikation: Mehtoden, Modelle, Beispiele. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag.
• Lüsebrink, H-J. (2008) Interkulturelle Kommunikation. Interaktion, Fremdwahrnehmung, Kulturtransfer. Weimar: Verlag j.B. Metzler Stuttgart.
• Schroll-Machl, S. (2016) Die Deutschen - Wir Deutsche. Fremdwahrnehmung und Selbstsicht im Berufsleben.Göttigen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.

Faculty or entity

ELAL