Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Understanding Language in the Global Workplace
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: IBC11103
Module leader: Sibylle Ratz
School The Business School
Subject area group: Tourism and Intercultural Business Communication
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module content will provide you with an understanding of a number of theories of language. We will consider how language can affect thought; how language can be represented (for instance how it plays the role of a game); how we create meaning in dialogues and conversations; and how different ‘formal levels' of language are used in different media and text types, or genres. The module content also considers the role of language in culture, different cultures (or ethnographies) of communication, and theories of globalisation and multilingualism. We will discuss these aspects and how they apply to written and spoken texts taken from professional contexts in three hour seminars. Examples will draw from professional communications, LinkedIn posts, professional interviews etc. We will reflect on and critically evaluate how language is used, focusing on the impact and influence language has. You will learn how to analyse a professional text, and create a professional poster to represent your findings. You will have a session with the careers and employability team who will support you in creating a LinkedIn profile and writing impactful posts. This will give you an insight into how language is currently used in professional networking. You will then analyse your own posts as you apply different theories of language.Both the theory and practice will help you to be aware of the effect of language usage choices you hear and read, and also the language usage choices you make when you speak and write yourself. This will help you to be more effective in your professional career.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate a range of theories of language at a lexical, sentence and extended discourse level.

LO2: Assess and apply theories of framing and theories of genre to a range of professional texts.

LO3: Consider and critically discuss how Critical Discourse Analysis can be used as a method of exploring power relations in the business context.

LO4: Create a professional poster which analyses a professional text using different theories of language.

LO5: Evaluate LinkedIn posts which you have created yourself by considering different theories of language.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sibylle Ratz
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 36 The seminars are a mixture of lectures and workshops. The workshops will contain interactive activities, and reflections on the contents of the lectures. Guest lectures will enhance the taught element of the course.
Online Guided independent study 164 You will have set readings to work through, and will complete prepatory as well as reflective tasks on the contents of the module.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Poster 50 1~2~3~4 Week 7 , WORDS= 20 mins You will work in groups to prepare a poster analysing a business text and using theories covered in class. This is followed by a 15 minute question and answer session.
Project - Written 30 1~2~3~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 2000words You will be asked to create at least 3 posts on LinkedIn (or equivalent - you may also write posts onto a document and submit to the lecturer). You will then write a 2000 word reflection on your posts, where you discuss your posts in relation to theories of language covered in class.
Project - Practical 20 1~2~3~5 Week 13 HOURS= 15 mins Once you have submitted your essay explaining how and why you created your LinkedIn posts you will be invited to a panel discussion, where you will give practical tips on writing LinkedIn posts, based on your experiences and linked to theory. While the panel discussion will be carried out in small groups, students will be individually assessed on their contributions. The module leader will moderate the discussion to ensure that all participants will have equal opportunities to contribute.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Understanding Language in the Global Workplace
 

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