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BUSINESS - FRENCH |
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instruction French 109 - Nicole Dufresne Language and Communication in Business French Objective: The course provides students with the linguistic and practical skills necessary to function in the Francophone business world. We will study the economic idiom related to banking, work, taxes, transactions, correspondence, and the operation of a business enterprise. Economic geography, urban infrastructures, and transportation are examined in connection with commercial viability. In addition to two textbooks, we will use recent articles from French business publications, audio and video documents, and the Internet for web-based tasks. The course web page contains numerous links to help students with their research. This course is taught in French and will require significant oral participation from the students. Attendance is therefore essential. Texts: Berg, R.-J. Parlons Affaires. Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1999. Danilo & Penformis. Le francis de la communication professionnelle. CLE International, 1993. Danilo. Audio-cassettes pour le franciis de la communication professionnelle (optional) Class Reader: recent articles from French business publications Evaluation: 3 quizzes (30 %) Personal dossier (CV and letters) (20%) Oral reports/participation (25%) Final project/oral presentation (25%) The final work for the course consists of a team project, and requires extensive Internet research as well as pertinent use of the material studied during the quarter. Each team creates a portfolio for the "virtual" purchase, profile and operation of a French business. In lieu of a final exam, there is a formal oral presentation of each team's research and work. General syllabus: Week 1 - types and organization of enterprises; viability (Berg, modules 1, 2, 3) Week 2 - banking, means of payment, postal services (Berg 5, Internet) Week 3 - transportation, international commerce, customs, la Bourse (Berg 6, 7) Week 4 - leasing and buying commercial real estate, choosing a location (Internet, reader) Week 5 - working in France, labor laws, salaries, benefits and taxes (Internet, reader) Week 6 - job search, business schools and diplomas (Berg 10, Internet, reader, video) Week 7 - CV, cover letter, job interview (reader, video) Week 8 - commercial correspondence (Berg 11) Week 9 - telephone, bureautique et tatique(Berg 12, Internet, video) Week 10 - office communication, hierarchy and etiquette (reader, video) Content-based instruction New course - Nicole Dufresne French 110: The Culture of Business in France Objective: The course studies how culture informs commercial activities and systems of production, distribution and consumption in France. It will focus on social and economic structures, and on current events impacting business in the Francophone world. We will:
Evaluation: 2 exams (40%) oral participation and reports (25%) final research project and oral presentation (marketing strategy to launch a new product or service) (35%). General syllabus: Week 1 - French mentalities: transactions in daily life, separation public/private life. Week 2 - attitudes toward work/vacation, role of money in French society. Week 3 - American and French business practices: assumptions, preconceptions, reality. Week 4 - techniques of distribution: small shops, hypermarché, catalogue sales. Week 5 - analysis of print advertisements. Week 6 radio and television commercials. Week 7 - case studies, marketing strategies: Michelin, FNAC, Nouvelles fronties, Peugeot, Renault, Yves Rocher, Brasseries Kronenbourg. Week 8 - case studies, marketing strategies: LVMH, Pinault-Printemps, Les trois Suisses, Amora-Maille, Carrefour, Auchan, Evian, Danone, Kronenbourg, Hachette, etc. Week 9 - France and the European Community, impact of the euro. Week 10 - new European regulations and standards, ex.: cheese, chocolate, wines. Back |
