German 314/001 3.0 Term 1 Business German I
Microeconomic Orientation
Prerequisite: German 210 or equivalent
Course description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the German corporate environment as it operates in an internationally defined market. Students will learn the terminology of the workplace while examining real-life situations. We will explore an integrative approach to microeconomic issues, i.e. one that takes into account many different aspects of a company. This includes topics such as corporate profile and organizational structure, economic sectors and types of enterprises, trade show planning and preparation, logistics and business communication, trade terms and forms of payment, company culture and cross-cultural awareness, as well as many of the everyday skills needed at the workplace. The course will conclude with a look at the German employment scene and job application process.
Our textbook will serve as the primary resource. It is supported by a strong audio component to reinforce listening comprehension skills. In addition, we will employ online publications, video and other authentic materials from the German-speaking media. This course is most appropriate for students who have completed their second year of post-secondary study in the German language. No prior business knowledge is required. Instruction will be in German and students are expected to actively engage in class and group discussions in order to build strong communication and team working skills. The course is not intended to teach grammar which is reinforced through regular workbook activities.
Grades will be based on exams, assignments, the workbook, class/group participation and an end-of-term project. Students can also take the optional exam BULATS (Business Language Testing Service) which is being offered by Goethe-Instituts worldwide. It rewards those who pass with an internationally recognized assessment of proficiency in the language of Business German.
