French for Business 2 (LL251)
(Equivalent to level 6)
Summary
Level: Advanced.
Prerequisite: prior knowledge of French:
- Successful completion of Language Centre level 5 equivalent module
- A B2.2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- A good A level or equivalent + 1 year of further study
- Or equivalent
Main Objectives
- More advanced study of language structures and syntax to analyse and discuss business, social & economic topics
- Prepare students to work, study and interact in a variety of professional and social contexts in French-speaking countries
- To achieve C1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Weighting
30 CREDITS, also available as a 24 CREDITS.
Teaching and Learning
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, organised as:
- Two-hour face-to-face class on campus
- Some independent study will also be set.
Students will take part in an online exchange with the Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1 - one interim test (10%)
Term 2 - one independent project (25%) + one speaking test (40%)
Term 3 - one reading/writing test (25%)
Tutor
Claude Trégoat
Course Text (must be bought by student)
Penfornis, Jean-Luc (2017), Affaires.com - Français professionnel - Niveau B2/C1, Clé International, ISBN: 978-2-09-038682-0
Selected texts and resources will be provided by the tutor.
Course Description
The emphasis of the module will be on improving the following skills:
- Communicating more effectively in French in a business context, in situations ranging from informal conversation to formal interviews, meetings or presentations
- Developing competence in reading a variety of texts dealing with business/economic/financial issues
- Gaining practice in producing clear, well-structured, detailed written and oral texts through the on-going analysis of business topics
Successful completion of French for Business 2 qualifies students to progress to French language through Translation, French Language for Contemporary France and French Language for Enterprise.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
- Interact on a wide range of topics with a high level of language proficiency in French
- Identify, synthesise and present complex arguments and points of view effectively in French
- Use a wide variety of business-related terminology, complex grammatical and syntactical structures in French
- Read and understand a variety of complex articles and business-related texts in French
- Demonstrate a higher degree of intercultural awareness re: the French economy and business environment
- Use strategies to work independently on an open-ended project
- Use strategies to communicate some information coherently and effectively to a specific audience within an open-ended project
By the end of the module, students should be able to perform at Level C1 Proficient user (operational proficiency) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus
The module is delivered in French and the syllabus will include the following:
Themes
- Issues affecting the economy and businesses
- Applying for a job: writing a curriculum vitae & a cover letter, and preparing for interviews
- Revenue and taxes
- Organisation of French companies
- Management and leadership
- Marketing & advertising
- Industrial relations
Grammar
Consolidation and extension of existing language skills.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in French
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award:
