French for business (A0-A2)

FRA21 French for business (A0-A2)

Spring 2026

Autumn 2025
  • Topics

    French for Business is the first course in the French elective sequence.The objective of FRA21 is to establish a foundation for students' ability to communicate in French in professional contexts, both in writing and orally.

    The course is designed for beginners and requires no prior knowledge of French.

    Upon completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to take an officially recognized certification exam in professional French. The diploma is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris. It is recognized by CEMS and by many European countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Lithuania. A course fee is required to take the certification exam. Participation in the certification exam is voluntary and not a prerequisite for completing the course.

    Level (CEFR): A0-A2

  • Learning outcome

    Upon successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following:

    Knowledge

    • Has basic knowledge of the French language system in order to produce short written documents commonly used in business contexts.
    • Has a fundamental understanding of French grammar and vocabulary sufficient to communicate in typical work-related situations.
    • Has basic knowledge of the French educational system in order to talk about one’s own and others’ academic background, studies, and professional experience..

    Skills

    • Can understand the essential elements of simple written documents commonly used in the workplace (e.g. notes, calendar appointments, forms, etc.).
    • Can understand the main ideas of short and predictable messages related to professional contexts.
    • Can write short emails related to professional activities.
    • Can, using simple language, establish social contact, describe their experiences and activities, exchange information, express opinions and preferences, ask questions, etc., in a limited number of practical situations (e.g. introducing oneself or a colleague, stating one’s job position, receiving information by phone, etc.).

    General Competence

    • Can communicate with French speakers in professional contexts, in a limited number of practical situations involving familiar and everyday topics.

  • Teaching

    This is a course that emphasizes interactive learning.The course adopts the "flipped classroom" model, where students are expected to prepare for a given topic before class. The sessions are organized as interactive and adapted group instruction, incorporating a mix of group-based activities, discussions, writing exercises, task reviews, and student presentations. Active participation throughout the course is required.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    The course is intended for beginners and requires no prior knowledge.

  • Compulsory Activity

    A set of online language exercises on Canvas

    Mandatory attendance in 75% of the classes

    Mandatory assignments:

    • 3 oral tasks: group and individual assignments submitted as video on Canvas
    • 1 written task: individual assignment submitted on Canvas

  • Assessment

    • Written digital school exam (2 hours): 50%
    • Individual oral exam (20 minutes preparation time, 15 minutes exam): 50%

    Both components must be passed in the same semester. In the case of a retake, both parts must be retaken.

  • Grading Scale

    A-F

  • Literature

    Recommended literature

    Jégou, D, Paz Rosillo, M.P. (2017) Quartier d'affaires A1.Clé International

    Jégou, D, Rosillo, M. P.(2017) Quartier d'affaires Cahier d'activités A1.Clé International

    Rosillo, M.P, Maccota, P, Demaret, M (2013) Quartier d'affaires A2. Clé International

    Rosillo, M.P, Maccota, P, Demaret, M (2013) Quartier d'affaires A2. Clé International

  • Permitted Support Material

    Ordnett.no and one bilingual dictionary (Category 1). A French-French dictionary or a French - another language dictionary.

    All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4, Permitted support material https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/ and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/

  • Retake

    Retake in FRA21 will not be offered during the non-teaching semester (autumn). Only mandatory bachelor courses with an individual assessment will have a retake assessment in the non-teaching semester. 

    For detailed information regarding the retake policy, please visit our website: https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/retake-of-exams (copy URL)

Overview

ECTS Credits
7.5
Teaching language
English/French. The course can be taught in Norwegian if all students master a Scandinavian language.
Teaching Semester

Spring. Offered spring 2026