ML6083: The World & Language of Business (French)
| School | French |
| Department Code | MLANG |
| Module Code | ML6083 |
| External Subject Code | 100321 |
| Number of Credits | 15 |
| Level | L5 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Gordon Cumming |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2020/1 |
Outline Description of Module
This module provides a practical introduction to the world of business in a French language-speaking country. It focuses on key organisations such as banks and companies as well as important issues such as Brexit and business ethics. It also offers valuable training in the preparation of business correspondence and job applications in the French language.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
* display a sound knowledge and understanding of the organisation and workings of companies and banks, and the implications of ‘Brexit’, particularly for the French business world
* demonstrate the linguistic competence and powers of analysis with which to deal competently with most communication within the French business organisation
* show a capacity to work independently and in cooperation with other students
* show an ability to participate fully in discussion of key aspects of the French business world
How the module will be delivered
The module will be taught through a blend of live online classes and guided, interactive online tasks and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Online lectures will develop the student’s capacity to absorb information, including through note-taking;
- Online seminars, coupled with discussion boards, will develop the capacity to deploy this information and apply it to texts drawn from the world of business in the target language country as well as regularly practising the target language;
- Online seminars and coursework will enable students to develop their vocabulary, improve their writing skills in a range of areas (letters, emails, reports, CVs, essays, language portfolios etc.), improve their listening and speaking in the target language;
- Through a range of summative coursework, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the world of business in France; and
- Students will also hone other academic and key skills including research and organisational skills, communication and basic word-processing skills, intercultural awareness as well as interpersonal, negotiation and team-working skills.
How the module will be assessed
The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Essay-Led Target Language Portfolio | N/A |
Syllabus content
The World and Language of Business French will seek cover the following topics:
Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Les banques françaises
Week 3: Les banques françaises et la crise économique
Week 4: Correspondance
Week 5: Correspondance
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Les avantages du « Brexit »
Week 8: Les inconvénients du « Brexit »
Week 9: Les entreprises (classification, forme juridique)
Week 10: Les entreprises (croissance et éthique des affaires)
Week 11: Révisions
Background Reading and Resource List
Detailed reading lists will be provided in each of the different target language course-kits. A select bibliography is given below:
Business French Dictionaries
M. Chalmers & M. Pierquin Oxford Business French Dictionary (Oxford Uni. Press, 2012 on line version of 2002 print dictionary: ISBN 9780191727283; electronic resource: http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191739491.001.0001/acref-9780191739491)