FRA21 French for business (A1-A2)

• 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.

  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): A1-A2

• Learning outcome

  Upon completion of the course, the student can:

  Knowledge

  • Explain the basic features of the French language system in short written documents used in business.
  • Recognise basic French grammar and vocabulary related to common work situations.
  • Describe the main features of the French education system.

  Skills

  • Interpret the main content of simple written documents from working life (calendar appointments, forms, CVs, etc.).
  • Grasp the key points of short and predictable oral messages related to professional situations.
  • Write short emails related to professional activities.
  • Take part in simple conversations in a limited number of practical work situations, such as introducing oneself and colleagues, one's position, education and work experience, as well as exchanging information, opinions and preferences.

  General competence

  • Communicate with French speakers in professional contexts on familiar, 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

  French level 1 (Norwegian school system)

• 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. (2025) Quartier d'affaires A1 - 2ème édition.Clé International

  Jégou, D, Rosillo, M. P.(2025) Quartier d'affaires. Cahier d'activités A1- 2ème édition.Clé International

  Rosillo, M.P, Maccota, P, Demaret, M (2025) Quartier d'affaires A2- 2ème édition . Clé International

  Rosillo, M.P, Maccota, P, Demaret, M (2025) Quartier d'affaires. Cahier d'activités A2-2ème édition. Clé International

  (The complete list will be available in Leganto.)

• 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 and Examination support material.

• Retake

  Retake in FRA21 will not be offered during the non-teaching semester (autumn).

  For further information about NHH's retake policy, please see Retake of exams.