If you want to change the world, you will need to learn how to communicate messages accurately, correctly, and persuasively. However, how do we change the dominant narrative on a particular issue? How can we convince someone to change their opinion? How can societal organizations ensure that their voices are heard?

To answer the questions above, this course offers an introduction to the techniques and types of non-academic writing. Students first discuss the necessary conditions under which they can change narratives or convince others, and subsequently examine how specific types of non-academic writing can help to accomplish the task. Specifically, students will be introduced to different kinds of memos and public relations communications, as well as several types of official reports. Importantly, communicators in the public realm must focus on purpose, audience, and style - foci that are different than typical academic writing that students may be familiar with.

For more information about the course, see the course catalog: For Course 5668 and for Course 5669.

Sustainable Economics and Business II - Investment and Social Development

Why do some countries receive more foreign direct investment (FDI) than others? Why do workers in some countries welcome foreign investors with open arms, while protests erupt in others? Why does FDI sometimes have positive effects on economic development, while it seems exploitative in other contexts?

This course seeks to answer such questions. In particular, students examine how policy influences foreign direct investment and how that investment in turn influences policy. In the course of addressing these issues, students also look at larger questions of sustainable development, such as foreign investment and inequality, multinational corporations and food security as well as power relations between corporations and workers.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

Sustainable Economics and Business II - Financial Systems and Government Regulation

Why do some governments bail out banks in a crisis while others do not? Why can popular movements and elections affect stock market prices? Why might financial technologies (FinTech) increase financial inclusion and reduce economic inequality?

This course seeks to answer such questions by analysing three issue areas: Banks, Stock Markets, and FinTech.

In particular, students in this course examine how politics affects finance and how finance shapes politics. In the course of addressing these topics, students also look at larger questions of sustainable development, such as how financial development affects inequality and inclusive economic growth and how government regulation impacts fairness and innovation.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

Modern Societies I: Genesis, Dynamics, Cybernetics

What holds societies together? Who controls the actions of democratic states? Whose preferences are enforced?

This course offers you the opportunity to learn more about how public policies in other countries differ from those in Austria. At the same time, it challenges you to think about why they differ the way they do.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

Modern Societies II: Functions, Performances, Problems

Why do policies in areas such as social welfare, education, and immigration vary so much from country to country? The course focuses on specific policies and why they differ across countries.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

"Alternative Facts," "Fake News." Derogatory labels like these are meant to call into question the validity of one's empirical evidence. This course provides an overview of the philosophical questions of how we can know what we know (or don't know).

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

Governments enact laws to regulate the domestic banking sector or to supervise securities markets. In other words, the process for negotiating and implementing legal rules is closely linked to politics. This course provides an opportunity to learn how policymakers shape legal rules for banking, equity markets, debt, trade, and investment.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

Modern Societies I: Genesis, Dynamics, Cybernetics

What holds societies together? Who controls the actions of democratic states? Whose preferences are enforced?

This course offers you the opportunity to learn more about how public policies in other countries differ from those in Austria. At the same time, it challenges you to think about why they differ the way they do.

You can find more information about this course in the course catalog.

Modern Societies II: Functions, Performances, Problems

Why do policies in areas such as social welfare, education, and immigration vary so much from country to country? The course focuses on specific policies and why they differ across countries.

For more information on the course, see the course catalog.

If you want to change the world, you must learn how to communicate your messages accurately, correctly, and persuasively. If you want to advance professionally, you must learn how to write effectively, clearly, and concisely. This course provides a practical introduction to various types of professional writing.

For more information about the course, see the course catalog: For Course 5877 and for Course 5878.