This course will help students enhance their understanding of the strategic role that communication plays in the business world, and how effective communication can make or break a deal, an idea, a proposal, etc. The course will analyze how communication is used to inform, motivate, facilitate change and create value in today’s rapidly evolving organizations, and how the means of communication are changing constantly.

Topical issues relating to the business world --both in the US and abroad-- will be analyzed and will be the focus of projects and discussion. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with what's happening in the world of business and make intelligent contributions in class. To this end, they will have to read about and be able to discuss current business news. Free media subscriptions are provided to the class.

A key focus of this course is ESG, how it impacts society and the idea of sustainable capitalism.  Readings, lectures, projects relating to ESG will represent an important part of the class.   

Students will learn what makes written and oral business communication effective, how to think strategically about communication and achieve their aims by communicating successfully. Routine, bad news and persuasive communication will be covered in depth, both in writing and speaking.

Students will understand what makes a good story and how to craft one.

Students will use persuasion to understand how to promote themselves through resumes, cover letters and Linkedin profiles, and how to pitch their ideas in 60 seconds. 

Students will be knowledgeable of the increasing importance of ESG in business and in society and will be educated in the challenges revolving around sustainable capitalism.

Because so much of the course material is discussed in class, absences are a serious setback for the students who are absent and for the rest of the group. After two absences, students may be asked to leave the class.  Absences directly affect the participation grade.