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2014/2015  BA-BEOKV1001U  Language and culture in organisations

English Title
Language and culture in organisations

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course period Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 35
Study board
Study Board for BA in English and Organisational Communication
Course coordinator
  • Dorte Lønsmann - MSC
Main academic disciplines
  • Language and Intercultural Studies
Last updated on 01-07-2014
Learning objectives
The student must demonstrate ability to use the theories and methods of anthropological linguistics to investigate topics related to language and culture in organisations, including the ability to
  • Formulate a relevant research question
  • Select and explain relevant theories
  • Perform an analysis by applying theoretical models and concepts to the empirical case or critically examine, compare and contrast theoretical models and concepts
  • Communicate results in a scientifically valid manner, including: proper and consistent use of academic English, coherent and well-argued presentation of all parts of the assignment and correct and comprehensive use of references
Examination
Language and culture in organisations:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual
Students begin work on the assignment during the course. The students select a topic. The research question has to be approved by the teacher.
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period December/January
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content and structure
The course introduces students to anthropological linguistics, a field which focusses on the importance of language for an understanding of culture and society. The course covers key theoretical concepts and issues of the field such as language contact, cross-language miscommunication, language and power, language ideologies and language and identity.
 
The course focusses specifically on the use of anthropological linguistics in an organisational context, covering topics such as language choice (when do Danish companies use English and when do they use Danish and why?), language and power in organisations (what are the consequences of implementing English as a corporate language in terms of status loss for employees?) and language socialisation (why is it important for international employees to learn the local language?).
 
After taking the course, students should be able to understand the role of language in relation to culture(s) and the concept of language as social action. This introduction will provide students with an angle to understand and explain language and culture related topics in companies and other organisations using the theories and methods of anthropological linguistics.
Teaching methods
Lectures, student presentations, home assignments, group work, class discussion.
Student workload
Lectures 24 hours
Preparation for lectures 92 hours
Assignments 30 hours
Exam paper 79 hours
Further Information
Monday 11.40-13.20  week 36-41,43-49
Expected literature

Laura M. Ahern. 2012. Living Language. An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Malden: Blackwell.

Additional reading materials (in the form of research articles focussing on the role of language and culture in organisations) will be uploaded to Learn.
Last updated on 01-07-2014