FR3LMB-French Language for Management & Business II

Module Provider: Modern Languages
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Placement opportunity: Mini placement
Current from: 2019/0

Email: V.Heath@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to develop and expand on the language and knowledge which students have acquired after two years of undergraduate study. Students will expand their knowledge of French/German/Italian/Spanish business lexis and of the principles of business practice and its socioeconomic context. They will reinforce their ability to summarise documents and to write on business topics in French and they will be able to present in oral and written form syntheses and analysis of different types of information.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to read and write at an advanced level in French on management and business topics related to the French-speaking world. It also aims to develop students' skills in elaborating on and evaluating sets of statistics and diagrams in French.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

- understand advanced texts on financial, business and management topics from the French -speaking world;

- demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary knowledge of the concepts, terminology and institutional structures relating to the French-speaking business world; 

- recognise the common stylistic and syntactical features of technical texts in French ; 

- write French at an advanced level on management/business topics in the form of summaries, responses to written texts, or letters; 

- elaborate on and evaluate in French under exam conditions sets of statistics and diagrams. 

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to enable students to:

• develop reading and oral communication skills in French ;


• express themselves clearly in writing on French business-related topics;


• develop their IT skills by using the internet as a source for material relating to the French-speaking business world;


• make good use of appropriate reference materials (dictionaries, grammars, etc.);


• increase their business awareness, particularly as regards the French-speaking business world;


• acquire an awareness and some experience of business working practices and environments where French is used, and an acquaintance with current developments in the commercial and economic life of French-speaking countries and the UK.

Outline content:

Students are introduced to a variety of texts of advanced difficulty covering different areas of commercial activity with a focus on, but not limited to French-speaking countries. The contact hours will be devoted to the development of written, reading and speaking skills in business-related areas: banking and finance, management and marketing, etc. In each area an introduction is provided to important concepts and institutional structures, as well as to the relevant terminology and vocabulary in French.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a variety of exercises in class. 

Students may also undertake an academic placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Students will take a two-hour written examination, worth 30% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of the final mark for this module. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over two terms through a class test and a coursework project. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 50% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback will be given on homework tasks and assignments and there will be opportunities for class-based discussions.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 2-hour written exam, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in the degree as a whole. Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 11 June 2019