This module provides a practical introduction to the world of business in a German language country. It focuses on key organisations, company structures and the wider economy. It also offers valuable training in the preparation of business correspondence and CVs in the German language.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the workings of companies, of the wider economy and of issues such as marketing and advertising in German speaking countries;
•  Apply basic linguistic competence and powers of analysis with which to deal competently with most communication in German within the business organisation;
• Work independently and in cooperation with other students;
• Participate and contribute in discussion of key aspects of the business world in German speaking countries;
• Apply business vocabulary in business situations; and

•  Demonstrate communication/ presentation skills in German.

There will be online lectures and online seminars totalling at least 20 hours, all of which are obligatory. 

Lectures will provide the background knowledge of the business world in Germany. This material will feed into seminars where students will probe more deeply into lecture topics and practical communicative skills.

This can include any of the following:

Negotiating skills, problem solving and comprehension exercises, business correspondence, group presentations and job applications. You will develop considerably your knowledge of business vocabulary in German. Students are expected to complete homework and guided study ahead of seminar classes. 

• Lectures will develop the student’s capacity to absorb information, including through note-taking;
• Seminars will develop the capacity to deploy this information and apply it to texts drawn from the world of business in the target language country as well as regularly practising the German language;
• Seminars and coursework will enable students to develop their vocabulary, improve their writing skills in a range of areas (letters, emails, reports, CVs etc.), improve their listening, speaking, and, in some cases, presentation skills in German;
• Through coursework and examination students will demonstrate their knowledge of the world of business in German speaking countries; and
• Other academic and key skills developed include research and organisational skills, communication and basic word-processing skills, intercultural awareness as well as interpersonal, negotiation and team-working skills.

The coursework element will count for 100% of the total mark and will include summative assessments which may take the form of correspondence, essays, summaries and/ or projects in the target language. Formative assessments will also be undertaken but will not count towards the module mark.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

In the event of failing this module, students will have the option of re-submitting an essay during the resit period. 

The syllabus content will vary

Introduction

The German labour market, job applications etc.

The structure and workings of companies in Germany

The workings of the economy in German speaking countries: Globalisation

Hidden Champions, Der deutsche Mittelstand

Marketing & Advertising

Detailed reading lists will be provided on Learning Central