Module Information

Module Identifier
FR20310
Module Title
Language of Business 1
Academic Year
2023/2024
Co-ordinator
Dr Sarah Gubbins
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
(Normally) Eligibility for entry to Level 2 French.
Co-Requisite
FR20130
Reading List
View on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Assigment  Translation 300 Words  30%
Semester Assessment Oral Presentation  (1 x 10-minute oral presentation in French to show knowledge of a chosen theme taught in the module. The content of the oral presentation must show new material and not repeat material covered in the lectures and seminars. The mark of the essay will be based on content and language @ 50% each) 15 Minutes  40%
Semester Assessment Written Assessment 2  (1 X 1,000-word essay in French to show knowledge of a chosen theme taught in the module. Written communication, organisation, research, knowledge of field.  30%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation/Written assessment 1 and 2  Resubmit or re-sit failed elements and/or make good any missing elements.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Acquire a basic stock of commercial and business French terminology and know the equivalents in English

Analyse in a critical manner French issues in the field of business and economics

Develop sophisticated oral structures and the skills for making oral presentations in French

Translate business and commercial texts from French into English with a high degree of fluency recognising the special requirements of such translations

Feel more comfortable in commercial and business situations in French, whether dealing with them orally or in writing

Have a grasp of the French business environment and the skills which are required to be competitive in the French employment market via the study of particular themes, translations, writing a CV and a covering letter in French

Brief description

This module which is delivered through the medium of French is designed as an introduction to an area of language which has obvious practical application. It does not, however, lead to the award of any kind of diploma. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with various aspects of the economic and business life of France and some francophone countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec. The material covers a variety of important commercial areas such as the wine industry, the French cinema industry, what makes France the first destination in the world for tourists, employment and banking.
The main emphasis will fall on writing and speaking in sophisticated French and the acquisition of the ability to translate from French into English. The course will provide the students with a broad linguistic basis on which to build any future study of a more commercial nature.
The continuous assessment will be in the target language. Content and language in the continuous assessment (oral and written) will be equally weighted 50% each.

Aims

This module should enable students to have a grasp of the French business environment and the skills which are required to be competitive in the French employment market via the study of particular themes, translations, writing a CV and a covering letter in French and being prepared towards the Year Abroad. This module is open to all students but it is of particular relevance to students of Management and Business, Tourism, Law and International Politics. In addition this module will help students greatly in preparing their Year Abroad and finding a suitable Year Abroad dissertation title.

Content

The material covers a variety of perspectives on business and commercial issues. The following list is indicative of some of the areas to be covered:
LECTURES:
1. General lecture on the various French industry sectors
2. Why is France an attractive country for businessmen and investors?
3. What makes France the number-one tourist destination in the world?
4. The wine industry
5. The film industry
6. Travelling and TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse)
7. Intercultural awareness
8. Export and international business
9. Understanding the labour market in France: applying for jobs (job adverts, CVs, covering letters)
10. Professional life in France, Belgium and Quebec
SEMINARS:
1. Appraisal on the first 4 topics
2. Presentation of research work by students
3. Oral presentations of particular topics arising from previous study
4. Revision and feedback

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students will be taught the differences between writing numbers in French and English, to analyse statistical data and produce research findings which contain numbers, figures, etc.
Communication Students will be expected to communicate in seminars and to present group findings, as well as to write at an appropriate level in assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be able to observe the improvement in their own competence in handling high-level information and data.
Information Technology Some data which will be discussed is available on-line. Students will be taught how to select suitable and reliable on-line sources of information.
Personal Development and Career planning Through this module, students are encouraged to plan for their Year Abroad (how to look for a job in France, write a CV and a covering letter in French, have a job interview in French). These skills also help students to plan ahead for their future careers.
Problem solving Students will be expected to address and resolve various problems posed by the comparative study of statistical and economic data.
Research skills Students will be required to find, analyse and use source materials (primary and secondary).
Subject Specific Skills Studetns will be taught properly how to approach and understand the French world of business.
Team work Students will be expected to work in groups, to present (jointly) group findings to seminars, and to develop team skills in dividing up work and organising it.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5