Course descriptions
Courses offered in fall or spring semester
Business Development
The underlying assumption and the starting point of the course, is that you are a decision maker and some time has elapsed since the inception of the business. The firm has survived the early traumas of starting. A certain stability has been reached however without development the company is likely to be extinct.
Thus you need take the shoes of a CEO or a strategist of a global firm or to take the role of an entrepreneur blessed with strategic acumen and insight, pause for breath, and ask yourself a challenging question: Where do I go from here and how will I make the journey happen?
Business Presentation and Correspondence
The course deals with developing and improving presentation skills and techniques in a business context by focusing on how to organise points, build up the logical structure of a message, and deliver presentation in an engaging way.
At the same time it teaches the basic rules, styles and language usage of business letters in English covering the most important types and topics of letters and business situations from cover letters and e-mails through notes, complaints to orders and inquires etc.
The course also highlights how to improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills and what visual aids may be used for an effective presentation. During the course audio and video presentations are used to analyse various presentation techniques.
Business Negotiation
The course focuses on developing and improving negotiation skills and techniques in business context by helping to organise and build up a logical structure in the negotiation process.
Global Political Economy
The course examines the relationship between economic and political power and wealth in the development and functioning of the modern world economy. We focus on the ways in which economic, political and social forces affect the policy choices of states, firms and atomized individuals in international trade, investment, and monetary affairs. However, following the tradition of international political economy, we will also explore how international economic forces influence national policy-decisions, how the globalised world economy may alter the national competitiveness of individual states. The main premise of this course is that neither international politics nor international economics can be understood in isolation from one another. It is essential that we see how power, money and markets are intertwined. To this end, students must possess at least a rudimentary understanding of economics.
International Economics and Management:
The International Economics and Management course is addressed to the students at BA level. Hence, the basic idea is to give a general overview of the „state of the art of modern international economics and management” from a rather practical perspective.
The course will provide an introduction to international issues in the area of the timeliest problems such as long-run and short-run economic concerns (growth, productivity, unemployment and inflation), labour market concerns, as well as current and future economic and managerial challenges.
- Understanding the complex relationships between global macroeconomic environment and the microeconomic behaviour;
- Understanding risk in the economic environment;
- Application of skills in economics and management influencing on business organizations and households’ decision problems.
International Economics
The objective of the course is to equip the students with the ability to understand the theory and concept of global economy like the global and regional paradox, the international specialization and trade. The course provides background to identify the phenomena of international capital flow, international migration. Students will also get an introduction into international finance.
Principles of Marketing
The overall aim of the course-unit is to make the prospective employees-managers of Hungarian companies understand and do marketing at a European standard/level. Therefore the topics of the lectures embrace all the important fields of marketing and rely on the corresponding approaches of relevant sciences such as psychology, sociology and economics. At the same time the course-unit serves as a foundation for other marketing-related course-units such as advertisement planning, marketing communication and market research.
Organizational Behaviour
OB draws on psychology, anthropology and sociology to gain insight into the behaviour of individuals in organizational settings. Topics studied include: perception, cognition, learning; personality and motivation; leadership, power, conformity, communication; decision-making.
In short, Organizational Behaviour (OB) is the study of individuals and groups in organizations. We aim at providing our students with a foundation discipline rich with insights for career and life skills since understanding OB makes quite a bit of difference in someone’s probability of success.
Japanese Business and Culture
As Japanese companies increasingly internationalize, businessmen everywhere are becoming more involved in and challenged by negotiations with the Japanese. The module aims to examine all the background factors that might influence negotiation, and tries to give an inside look how the Japanese people negotiate, revealing the hidden dynamics of Japanese business communication. The module also gives an overview about Japanese business environment and sets out guidelines for more effective negotiations with the Japanese.
International Media
The aim of this 12-week course is to provide an overview of current trends characterizing international media. Topics include: the role of independent media; international media standards; the impact of new technologies on reporting; media development and democratization; the potential of citizen journalism for communities; the importance of investigative reporting; and issues related to reporting diversity and covering international affairs.
Conflict Management
Conflict is really a natural part of our every day, although many conflicts disappear without us having to deal with them. To understand conflict in the tourism industry, attention needs to be paid to the differences in ways individuals approach it. As we develop our ability to understand conflict in a deeper and more powerful way, we enhance our ability to handle it effectively and in accordance with our deepest values about building peace. However, in order to simplify the task of handling complex conflicts, we need to complicate our thinking about conflict itself!
This subject introduce the theories of conflicts, the conflicts within the individual: the different roles we play, the conflicts between the individuals: focusing on the different cultures, social backgrounds, etc.; the meaning of the formal and informal groups, and the roles of groups in the organizations; the conflicts between individuals and groups, the intergroup conflicts and relations, the different conflict outcomes. The course also gives some advice how to manage conflicts, and stress in the tourism industry.
Cultural and Political Anthropology
This course introduces the students to the principles of Cultural and Political Anthropology, with illustrative materials from a variety of cultures. The nature of culture, social, political and economic systems; religion, aesthetics, ethics and language will be discussed. The main focus of the course, however, is the scientific understanding of human nature.
In addition, the course provides an introduction to the study of human culture as well as the origin and development of political systems. The goals are to provide students with an understanding of the evolution of human societies, the evolution and use of power in various political systems, and to broaden their understanding of their own culture.
Intercultural Communication through Central European Film, 1957-2010*
The aim of this course is awareness raising, identifying sensitive issues, observing and interpreting body language, comparing your culture with others – through discussing Central European films, 1957-2010. We will survey major directors and their key films mostly from Hungary but also from Poland, Romania, the former Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. (For further information see the Crossroads in Hungary programme below)
Between East and West*
The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the concept, ideas and realities of Central Europe as a distinct region between Eastern and Western Europe through milestones in Hungarian social and political history. The course focuses on the distinctive mediatory role of Hungary at the crossroads of cultures as well as on key actors and events representing meeting points between various histories, languages, discourses and societies. The main aim of the course is to discuss above mentioned issues from a multidisciplinary approach in order to raise intercultural awareness thus facilitating the smooth integration of foreign students in the local environment. In addition, students shall acquire an academic vocabulary that enables them to converse about social, political and cultural issues and processes. (For further information see the Crossroads in Hungary programme below)
Contrastive Cultures I. - II.
The term consists of two main parts: based on Contrastive Culture I, a general, theoretical organization of definitions relating to what is to be examined, assessed, handled and controlled in a given culture and civilisation.
The second part will deal with the English speaking countries all over the world among others: the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, South Africa, India as well as countries where English is a foreign language for both sides. The course provides the basics to geography, history, political situation, social conditions that determine the cultural life of these countries, and applying a contrastive approach, it considers their present status, role and integration possibilities in a global world.
Cultural Studies and the Media
The course is organized around two major topics. During the first half of the course (in the first four weeks) we will try to map the boundaries and single out the main characteristics of contemporary culture(s) (including media culture as well). After the fall break (in another four-week block) we will narrow down our focus of interest to the elusive phenomena usually called “alternative,“ “non-mainstream,“ etc. culture(s).
The Modern Media Word
Course description: The major aim of the course is to introduce students to the workings of today’s media through larger scale and smaller case studies, podcasts, etc. Framed in three thematic blocs (general issues, US related issues, and the East-Central European scenario), students will have the chance to learn more about the most pressing issues related to contemporary media. Not insignificantly, students will have the opportunity to better their English language competence since all readings, listening and class discussions will be in English (with classes occasionally co-taught by an American professor).
Economic communication
This course is tailored to give insight into economic communication, and it provides the students with the basic concepts and practices of the subject Students are expected to analyze text and answer the questions referring to the direct issues arising from the topics. The course is interactive and helps students learn the vocabulary and techniques necessary for a correct and fluent business communication.
Career Management
By acquiring grounding in career management, students will learn how to plan their professional career. During the course they get acquainted with the company methods of recruitment, selection and development. They study the key elements of career development from writing CVs and motivation letters through acquiring the techniques of job seeking and the methods of preparing for assessment centres to the successful appearance and performance at job interviews.
According to employers, the professional knowledge of young graduates without any doubt meets the demands of their chosen profession. However, they visibly lack those practical skills (namely the ‘tricks of the job-seeking trade’) that mean a distinct competitive advantage during the selection process of the labour force.
The objective of the course is to resolve this contradiction by helping students find the answers to the following questions: What tasks are waiting for them in their chosen professional field? What is the current situation of the given profession like in the labour market? Which companies might be looking forward to employ them? What kind of progress and potential promotion might be ahead of them? The answers to these questions cover the knowledge necessary to bring a thoughtful, premeditated decision on selecting the right job.
By acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge during the course, students will learn how to plan their professional career: step-by-step they are introduced to the key elements of career development from writing CVs and motivation letters through acquiring the techniques of job seeking and the methods of preparing for assessment centres to the successful appearance and performance at job interviews.
European Advertising Law
In the past, the law on advertising and marketing was regulated differently in each Member State of the European Union (EU). Since December 2007 this situation has changed. The “Unfair Commercial Practices Directive” (UCPD) has fully harmonised the rules on commercial practices, including advertising and marketing. Now, commercial practices across Europe are assessed through the same criteria. In the seminar, we will explore the new Directive and analyse various marketing campaigns with regard to the question, whether or not they are in accordance with European Law.
Gender and Media
The course will examine the construction of both feminine and masculine gender identities in different genres of the media. Female and male gender roles and images will be looked at as they appear in advertising, films, soap operas and glossy magazines. To help analysis we shall examine the concept of discourse and look at methods of discourse analysis. We shall also focus on the way women are talked/written about in the media. Thus the question of sexist language use and the related issue of political correctness will also be touched upon.
Hungarian as a second language*
A beginner Hungarian language course for foreigners staying in Hungary for a longer period. It introduces basic communication skills, sounds, pronunciation and basic language structures in order to provide students with an immediate survival kit useful in common everyday situations.
In addition to basic grammar and language use it also covers topics such as introduction, shopping, parties, food and drinks, numbers etc. The course also presents the most important aspects of Hungarian culture and civilization to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable stay in Hungary. (For further information see the Crossroads in Hungary programme below)
Public Affairs:
This course offers a basic English terminology in public affairs. The lessons from general principles of the modern public institutions go over the development process of the public sector served the citizens and the emerging of interest group society. The course provides understanding of differences in British and American use of basic political science terms, also the vocabulary of the Central Eastern European political development. Finally, the students learn about the lobbying, the government relations of businesses and corporate social responsibility.
EU economics:
The primary aim of this course is to introduce the students to the European economy during 12 hours of seminars. The basic idea is to give a general overview of the „state of the art of modern macroeconomics of the Union” from a rather practical perspective. The special emphasis will be paid on the current and future economic challenges of EU. The economic issues of the internal market will be compared with those of the United States. The course will also provide an introduction to policy issues of the European Union in the area of the most timely economic problems. I recommend this course for those of you who want to familiarise with economic vocabulary and open minded enough to survive discussing questions ranging from economic problems such as monetary system, knowledge-based economy, labour market, ending with financial crises of banking systems and housing markets in the very same course.
Classes:
Although the classes are in a form of a seminar, there will begin with an introduction of the topic, where the most important issues will be summarized, which is then followed by the discussion. Preparing to the seminars in advance is inevitable as there is a strong emphasis on class participation. Those who repeatedly come to class unprepared or submit poor assignments or not submit assignments get extra work to be arranged later.
Corporate Governance:
This course will examine the governmental structure of corporations. Two sessions are devoted to elaborating on the field of Corporate Social Responsibility. The course will introduce the main academic theories and the main models that divide the countries into two groups: Anglo- American and Continental. The course will focus on the regulation of Corporate Governance. It will consider the codes of German and English speaking countries, Japan and Hungary and draw on comparative perspectives. It will also present other recommendations as well as the OECD Principles in details.
Gender and Language:
The course is designed to introduce students to the field of language and gender research. The relationship between language use and the social construction of gender is addressed. We shall study characteristics of communication in all female, all male and mixed groups both in family contexts and in work situations.
EU Terminology:
The aim of the course is to introduce the main developments of the European integration process from the end of World War II to the present. The main focus is on the special phrases and expressions needed to describe the institutions of the Community to enable students to use the most common EU phrases and key words in writing and speech when they want to express their own ideas on problems relating to the EU.
The course also discusses international organisations and their mission, their founding treaties together with some of the original documents in English to deal with the vocabulary of international relations.
In addition to the geography, history, institutional framework, enlargement, the single market and the four freedoms of the EU, another objective is to highlight everyday problems related to mobility students face now and will face in the future while travelling, working and studying within the EU.
Students are encouraged throughout the course to find out how such a large multilingual and culturally diverse community work.
Press Analysis
The course introduces the distinctive vocabulary and genres of the Anglo-Saxon press, including its most important papers and magazines: The Guardian, The International Herald Tribune, New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist etc.. Students should learn how to analyze their particular features, the methods of making news, the distinctive vocabulary and language of certain papers in use, the headlines, the cover pages and compare them to Hungarian or local papers.
In addition to the general academic vocabulary of the press and the media, and the distinct vocabulary and style of editorial and op-ed articles, the course also highlights the special role of cartoons and photographs conveying various messages regarding certain news topics. Students should also learn the right techniques to analyze media coverage.
The weekly topic is always the latest news and the main focus of the course in that regard is how the international media portrays the countries of participating students.
Political Communication
This course is tailored to give insight into political communication, and it provides the students with the basic concepts and practices of the subject. Students are expected to analyze texts, political speeches and answer the questions related to the issues arising from the topics.
In addition to defining what politics and political communication mean, the main focus is on the USA including political and presidential campaigns, their rhetorical aspect and impact on public opinion, the relationship between governments and the press, political advertising etc.
The course heavily relies on audio-visual material using authentic examples of successful and less successful campaigns highlighting certain historical and cultural factors.
Politische Kommunikation
Die Vorlesung „Politische Kommunikation“ soll einen Überblick über das vermitteln, was unter Politik und Kommunikation zu verstehen ist. Die Inhalte sind so aufgebaut, dass sie auch für diejenige nützlich sein können, die sich davor noch nicht mit Politik befasst haben. Sie sollen ein Verständnis von politischer Kommunikation vermitteln. Politische Kommunikation ist die Zusammenfassung aller irgendwie mit Politik und Kommunikation im weitesten Sinn befassten Disziplinen. Politische Kommunikation ist als eine Kommunikationsform zu sehen, die sich mit dem Phänomen des Politischen beschäftigt. Inhalte im Überblick: Rhetorik, Politikwissenschaft, Internationale Beziehungen, Kommunikation von Parteien und Politikern, Wahlen, Integration, Bundeskanzler. Ziel der Vorlesungen ist Scheinwissen zu entlarven und durch gesichertes Wissen zu ersetzen.
Wirtschaftliche Kommunikation
Die Vorlesung „Wirtschaftliche Kommunikation” richtet sich an Studierende, die sich gezielt auf ihre Kontakte mit und in deutschsprachigen Unternehmen vorbereiten wollen. Die Vorlesungsreihe behandelt jeweils eine spezifische berufliche Anforderung sowohl in mündlichen als auch in schriftlichen Bereichen. Die Themen sind einzeln oder komplementär zu anderen einsetzbar. Sie enthalten theoretische Einführungen, praxisnahe Situationen und Beispiele sowie Tipps. Inhalte im Überblick: Professioneller Schriftverkehr, Briefeschreiben, E-Mails, SMS, Telefonieren, Präsentieren, Unternehmen, Manager, Verhandlung, Besprechung, Vorstellungsgespräch, Schriftliche und mündliche Bewerbung. Eindeutiges Ziel ist berufliche Aufgaben in deutscher Sprache mit Erfolg meistern zu können. Ein kompakter und anschaulicher Ratgeber für zukünftige Arbeitnehmer.
*Crossroads in Hungary
Intercultural study programme for Erasmus students
If you want to make the most of your stay here by having a closer look at the local community and learn some Hungarian to be able to find your way around easily, join our multidisciplinary study programme focusing on Central European and Hungarian culture, political and social history.
The aim of the programme is to enhance smoother communication between foreign and Hungarian students, to satisfy your possible linguistic needs and to foster integration into the local community.
The Crossroads in Hungary programme was designed to introduce students to the Central European region with presenting milestones in its political and social history and culture with the aim of raising intercultural awareness based on a multidisciplinary approach and content-based language learning.
The programme contains the following courses:
1) Between East and West (3 credits; 2 classes/week)
2) Intercultural Communication through Central European Film (1957-2010) (4 credits; 4 classes/week)
3) Hungarian as a Second Language (4 credits; 4 classes/week)
Depending on the number of students interested, we also plan to organize several short visits to places of interest to discover the city and its past and present.
To complete the programme, you are required to sign up for all the three classes above, but you can also attend any of these classes separately if you are interested in only one or two of them.
Upon the successful completion of the programme you are granted a certificate issued by Budapest College of Communication and Business declaring you a young expert on Hungarian and Central European studies.
To sign up for the programme you only need to register for the classes above the same way you sign up for any other classes.
Language courses
TOEIC
The aim of the course is to prepare students for the international Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). This language test is the most common tool for multinational companies to assess the English language skills that job seekers need in business life and common work situations.
In addition to the wide business vocabulary, the course focuses on improving the four main language skills to enable students to successfully take the exam at the end of the term granting a useful business language examination accepted around the world. While focusing on useful strategies for taking the exam itself, the course covers a wide range of business topics from contracts, marketing, business planning through recruiting, and salaries and benefits to banking, accounting, taxation etc with a lot of listening material throughout the course.
Hungarian as a second language*
A beginner Hungarian language course for foreigners staying in Hungary for a longer period. It introduces basic communication skills, sounds, pronunciation and basic language structures in order to provide students with an immediate survival kit useful in common everyday situations.
In addition to basic grammar and language use it also covers topics such as introduction, shopping, parties, food and drinks, numbers etc. The course also presents the most important aspects of Hungarian culture and civilization to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable stay in Hungary. (For further information see the Crossroads in Hungary programme below)
English language courses
The general English language courses are designed to improve the language skills of students improving the four basic language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. In addition to the overall development language skills, the aim is to enable students to study other professional subjects in English, to use the language in business and work situations, to understand foreign media and to individually find and understand information on various topics on the Internet and in the media.
Depending on the level of the group, students will reach B1/B2/C1 level according to the European Framework.
EuroPro
EuroPro is a British business language course preparing students for the EuroPro business examination. It primarily focuses on the skills necessary for passing the exam successfully. The students get the know-how of the tricks for the exam especially the importance of the time limits.
Besides the overview of B2 level grammar, the main topics and skills include presentation, taking notes, mediation, group discussions, team work in English, interviews, listening, dictation, paraphrasing and transactional writing.
Upon completing the course, students should be able to use the for basic skills in a smooth way conveying clear and sophisticated messages.
