BE_PH_BE2 Business English and Global Communication Skills 2

NEWTON University
summer 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/2. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: graded credit.
Teacher(s)
BcA. Robert Michael Westbrook, LL.M., MBA (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
BcA. Robert Michael Westbrook, LL.M., MBA
Centre for International Programmes – NEWTON University
Timetable of Seminar Groups
BE_PH_BE2/01: Mon 15:10–16:40 PH Učebna 04, except Mon 10. 3. ; and Mon 5. 5. 9:40–11:10 PH Učebna 03, Tue 6. 5. 15:10–16:40 PH Učebna 03, R. Westbrook
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
The course aims to strengthen the student ́s language self-confidence necessary for successful operation in a competitive international business environment. Based on user feedback, research into business English studies, and employers ́ ever- evolving needs, the course focuses on "intangible" business skills - emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. The student is prepared for business language and language skills, and a comprehensive and receptive approach to professional dealings with others. Specially formulated spoken assignments and case studies help students build their confidence in communicating and developing interpersonal skills. Case studies provide authentic situations and allow students to apply all acquired language skills to apply in a real business environment.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking in Business Focus: Define critical thinking and explore its essential role in business leadership and communication. Activities: Discuss case studies where critical thinking altered outcomes; set expectations for applying analytical skills throughout the course. Week 2: Cognitive Biases and Their Impact on Decision-Making Focus: Identify common cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias, anchoring) that can distort business judgments. Activities: Analyze real-world business examples; engage in exercises to recognize and mitigate biases in decision-making. Week 3: Constructing Logical Arguments in Business Contexts Focus: Understand the structure of logical arguments and learn techniques for constructing and deconstructing business proposals. Activities: Practice building arguments and critique sample business pitches for logical consistency. Week 4: Evaluative Listening and Analytical Communication Focus: Develop skills in active and evaluative listening to better assess and respond to complex business communications. Activities: Role-play business meetings; analyze recorded dialogues to identify strengths and areas for improvement in communication. Week 5: Spotting Logical Fallacies in Business Discourse Focus: Learn about common logical fallacies that can undermine effective persuasion and leadership. Activities: Examine business debates or marketing messages for fallacies; group exercises to reframe flawed arguments. Week 6: Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making in Leadership Focus: Integrate ethical considerations with critical thinking to handle moral dilemmas in business settings. Activities: Discuss ethical case studies; simulate decision-making scenarios where ethical trade-offs are examined. Week 7: Creative Problem Solving and Innovation Focus: Balance analytical rigor with creative ideation to tackle complex business problems. Activities: Brainstorm innovative solutions for real or hypothetical business challenges; apply lateral thinking techniques. Week 8: Critical Media Literacy for Business Leaders Focus: Analyze and evaluate the quality of information from media and digital sources used in business contexts. Activities: Assess marketing campaigns, news articles, or social media trends; discuss strategies for filtering misinformation. Week 9: Negotiation and Persuasion: A Critical Approach Focus: Apply critical thinking to improve negotiation tactics and persuasive communication. Activities: Role-play negotiation scenarios; dissect successful and unsuccessful negotiation strategies from case studies. Week 10: Cross-Cultural Communication and Critical Reflection Focus: Examine how cultural differences influence communication styles and decision-making processes. Activities: Compare communication case studies from different regions; discuss strategies for bridging cultural divides using critical analysis. Week 11: Data-Driven Decision Making Focus: Enhance critical analysis by interpreting and communicating data effectively in business decisions. Activities: Work with real data sets or business reports; practice translating analytical findings into compelling business narratives. Week 12: Synthesis and Capstone: Designing a Strategic Communication Plan Focus: Integrate critical thinking, communication skills, and leadership principles to create a comprehensive business strategy. Activities: Students develop and present a capstone project—a strategic communication plan addressing a multifaceted business issue.
Assessment methods
Graded credit: final written test
Language of instruction
Czech
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