Faculty
BLC

Course Coordinator
Birgit Stöber (German), Maribel Blasco (Spanish) and Magali Gravier (French)

NOTE: Only open to exchange students who are enrolled in this class from Autumn 2009. (exchange students are awarded a maximum of 3.75 ECTS credits, which are Pass/Fail)

The course is built up around two dimensions: content and language.

The content dimension provides a general introduction to the modern German/French/Spanish-speaking areas from a historical perspective. It also presents basic knowledge of politics, economics and culture in the students’ chosen region. The course broadly follows the thematic organisation of the parallel CSC lecture series and draws on theories and concepts dealt with. These conceptual approaches are presented in conjunction with perspectives and concepts rooted in the specific language area, so students develop an understanding of different theoretical traditions, and enhance their nationally specific knowledge as well as their cultural sensitivity.

The language dimension is aimed at improving students’ basic grammar skills, pronunciation and fluency; and their reading and aural comprehension. Emphasis will also be placed on learning and exercising phrases, which is needed in order to make presentations and participate in class discussions.

CSC French studies The aim of the course is to develop students’ understanding of globalisation and internationalisation processes and their manifestations in and impact upon French speaking national and regional contexts. In the first module, particular attention will be paid to organisational cultures, entrepreneurship, and sociological characteristics of French business leaders in a comparative perspective. The second module raises the question of how political, economic and social institutions evolve in order to seek to understand changes and continuities in French social and economic model undergoes these years. The third/fourth module goes into how processes of internationalisation and globalisation are perceived from within French speaking countries and the role that France wishes to play on the international scene. The fourth/third module explores the political and economic role of France within the EU.

CSC Spanish/Spanish American studies focuses on firm internationalisation challenges and strategies in Spain and Spanish America. The course is divided into two modules. The first module addresses issues and challenges associated with Spanish firms’ internationalisation, with a particular focus on organisational culture, entrepreneurship, diversity management and human resource practices. The second module looks at issues and challenges associated with Latin America firms’ internationalisation, with topics including entrepreneurship, corporate governance, expansion strategies, social entrepreneurship, and organisational culture.

The course broadly follows the thematic organisation of the parallel CSC lecture series. These themes are presented in conjunction with perspectives and concepts rooted in the specific language area, so that students develop an understanding of different theoretical traditions, and enhance their nationally specific knowledge as well as their cultural sensitivity.

CSC German studies German area studies (3. Year) deals with Germany and Europe. The general focus is on the characteristics of the European integration and European diversity in a global perspective, and on Germany’s role in international institutions. The point of gravity focus of effort, however, is on Germany’ role in Europe and the importance of Europe to Germany, German foreign politics policy and its economic interests, but also on the implications of European integration and institutionalisation to other countries, including East- and Central Europe.

At the end of each course the students should be able to: Content Identify a relevant topic based on the themes and concepts in the curriculum, and to construct links between their chosen topic and the other concepts and themes learned. Show a clear understanding of the relationship between business and the surrounding society in the region in question, based on the concepts and themes in the curriculum. Language Fully comprehend the questions posed during the examination, and communicate in coherent French/German/Spanish so that their responses flow and are fully intelligible. Present and discuss the exam topic in French/German/Spanish using an appropriate and varied vocabulary. Speak grammatically correct and well-pronounced French/Spanish/German, avoiding major grammatical, lexical, idiomatic or pronunciation errors that inhibit communication. At this stage, students should be able to show their linguistic awareness by correcting errors in the exam situation.

The examination for all three languages is oral and based on the material from the entire 5th semester. Students will write a synopsis on a topic of their choosing, and this is used as the point of departure for a presentation and discussion. Two grades are given: one for content, one for language. The exam is held at the end of the 5th semester.

All teaching will take place in French, Spanish or German, and all reading will also be in the foreign language. A combination of lectures, class discussions and student presentations will develop the students’ knowledge and abilities to analyse and understand current cultural and social processes in the chosen region.

The course is evaluated orally in class discussions and regular mutual feedback between teacher and students. At the end of the course, an evaluation is carried out by the students via an electronic questionnaire.

to be announced on Sitescape for enrolled students in August/September 2009