Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20624 French written and oral communication in the business context |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment: CW 30%, EX 50%, OR 20% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims:
* To develop more advanced skills in contemporary written communication with regard to techniques of summarisation, abstraction of argumentation and comparative text analysis and with reference to the subjects covered in the core and interface courses whilst maintaining a focus on the business dimension of written communication. * To develop receptive aural and communicative oral skills in business contexts. Learning Outcomes: The unit will familiarise students with written and oral/aural communication tasks appropriate to the world of business and management in France. Skills: Skills in precision and creativity in the use of written and spoken language, effective communication in the target language and translation are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning, CIT and adaptation to life in the target countries are developed in this unit. Content: Materials used in the course are drawn from across a range of socio-economic and legal texts drawn from the French press, with reference also to English press material, and European Community and other documents. Exploitation of these texts is aimed at increasing student awareness of presentational differences of the same material, soundness and elaboration of arguments etc. Students are instructed in the drafting of commercial correspondence in addition to work on CVs and accompanying documentation. Specific exercises include: commercial correspondence; terminology and its application; language, style, development/elaboration of argumentation; specific grammatical problems. Students are given specific assignments aimed at improving aural comprehension of spoken language, based on video and audio material relevant to the world of business and to the European business environment in particular. Oral and interpersonal communication skills are practised in various situations commonly experienced in the world of business, especially telephone skills, job interview techniques and presentation exercises. Classes are conducted in French. Key text: M. Jubb & A. Rouxeville, 2003, Grammar in Context, Arnold. |