Introductory description

How is language used to negotiate professional identity? What is the crucial role of communication in teamwork and leadership? How do we manage our interactional goals - face-to-face or online, one-to-one or in groups? In this module you’ll explore different genres of professional communication in sectors such as sport, health, and politics as well as in core business/industry settings. You’ll apply theories and concepts that can illuminate how people relate to their colleagues and clients, maintain rapport and handle conflict in various contexts such as meetings, interviews and emails. The module provides critical interdisciplinary insights to promote a deeper appreciation of the way language is used at work and applies contemporary analytical approaches (e.g. to gender and leadership) to understand the complex nature of professional communication and enhance your employability as a global graduate.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

An indicative syllabus for this module includes the following (or similar) topics that illustrate the key issues the module aims to cover and ways to approach and analyse professional communication:
Genres of Professional Communication;
Workplace Culture;
Leadership and Teamwork;
Gender and Professional Identity;
Relating at Work - Conflict, Rapport and Politeness;
Meetings and online communication;
Job interviews and media interviews

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the various aspects of professional discourse/ communication introduced in the course. Understand the crucial role of discourse and communication in professional contexts. Understand the applications of research in professional discourse/communication Understand key challenges relating to professional communication faced by graduates in entering the global workplace Be familiar with different approaches to professional discourse /communication. Be familiar with communication issues emerging from differences in workplace culture.

Research element

Students conduct an individual research project on professional communication, giving a presentation of their data and analytical framework before writing up the project to include a critical review and discussion of the relevant literature.

Interdisciplinary

The module is designed around empirical studies of professional communication and workplace culture, drawing on theories and concepts from linguistics, managerial psychology, human resources, gender studies and intercultural pragmatics.

International

Readings and other learning resources across the module cover diverse international and intercultural contexts that reflect the diversity of the student cohort and are supported by group activities providing students with opportunities to reflect on the implications for communication in the global workplace.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the various aspects of professional discourse/ communication introduced in the course.
Understand the crucial role of discourse and communication in professional contexts.
Understand the applications of research in professional discourse/communication
Understand key challenges relating to professional communication faced by graduates in entering the global workplace
Be familiar with different approaches to professional discourse /communication.
Be familiar with communication issues emerging from differences in workplace culture.
Critically evaluate different approaches, concepts and research findings and draw informed conclusions.
Relate theoretical concepts to different contexts of professional discourse /communication and apply them to interactional data.

Transferable skills

Communicate clearly and contribute effectively in discussions
Work collaboratively in teams
Work autonomously on research tasks
Read academic papers effectively
Communicate ideas effectively in writing, using appropriate wording and structure
Conduct analyses of professional discourse/ communication in different contexts using different conceptual frameworks
Develop skills in important career-related contexts (e.g. recruitment interviews, self-presentation, demonstration of intercultural competencies, appreciation of equality and diversity issues).