Only the original curriculum in Danish language has legal validity in matters of discrepancy

CURRICULUM Only the original curriculum in Danish language has legal validity in matters of discrepancy CURRICULUM OF 1 SEPTEMBER 2007 FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (BA IN ONE LANGUAGE) AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES PROGRAMME AT AARHUS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF AARHUS The curriculum has been prepared according to the Danish Ministerial Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 on bachelor and master s programmes (candidatus) at universities. It has been approved by the Vice Dean, Director of Education. 1

Contents: Part 1: PURPOSE Part 2: STRUCTURE Part 3: CONTENTS Part 4: EXAMS Part 5: COMMENCEMENT 2

Part 1 PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in International Business Communication (BA in One Language: English, French, Spanish or German) and Communication study programme is to provide students with a number of general and specific competencies. GENERAL COMPETENCIES The study programme is to enable students to identify, formulate and analyse problems relevant to their course of study take an impartial and critical approach to problems within the relevant subject areas gather relevant information and familiarise themselves with comprehensive specialist literature to illustrate a problem and consider, gain an overview over, analyse and structure the data found apply relevant theories, methods and tools to problems within the relevant subject areas and make logical arguments for and communicate the chosen solution(s) use relevant information, communication and language technological tools work independently as well as collaborate with others SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES The purpose of the study programme is also, within the framework of private and public-sector enterprises, organisations and institutions, to enable students to independently handle communication tasks in foreign languages work as language consultants in connection with the solving of communication assignments in the foreign language perform information searches and specifically to include foreign language sources act as intermediaries between Danish culture and foreign cultures perform personal, internal and external communication tasks in Danish work with communication planning, taking into account recipient, context, choice of media and type of message 3

work with the production, analysis and reception of verbal and visual texts analyse and incorporate the interaction between communication, the organisational context and the societal and cultural contexts when performing communication tasks And generally to apply the academic and scientific methodologies that form the basis of further studies in language and international business communication 1.2 For this purpose, students must, in the course of the study programme, acquire: - With regard to ENGLISH (a) Knowledge of the structure and functions of the English language the structures and functions of English texts and discourses cultural theory and cultural practice of relevance to appropriate communication in English social, political and cultural conditions in several English-speaking countries business and economic conditions in one or more English-speaking countries (b) Skills in understanding spoken and written English expressing themselves correctly in English, both orally and in writing analysing and describing linguistic phenomena in English solving different oral and written communication assignments in English, taking into account any relevant parameters carrying out quality assurance of the communication in English of companies, organisations and institutions - With regard to FRENCH (a) Knowledge of the structure and function of the language the structure and function of texts social, political and cultural conditions in France 4

business and economic conditions in France (b) Skills in understanding spoken and written French expressing themselves in French both orally and in writing within business-related subjects solving oral and written communication assignments in French, taking into account the situation and the target group carrying out quality assurance of the communication in French of companies - With regard to SPANISH (a) Knowledge of the structure and function of the language the structure and function of texts social, political and cultural conditions particularly in Spain, but also in other Spanish-speaking countries functions within Spanish businesses financial and economic conditions and aspects of business law in Spain and possibly also in other Spanish-speaking countries (b) Skills in understanding spoken and written Spanish expressing themselves in Spanish and Danish both orally and in writing, the primary focus being on business-related communication making the linguistic choices that make communication work in specific contexts performing different kinds of text editing assignments in the foreign language, including language revision and summaries of Spanish texts 5

- With regard to GERMAN (a) Knowledge of the structure and function of the language the structure and function of texts social, political and cultural conditions particularly in Germany, but also in Austria and Switzerland communicative functions within German businesses financial and economic conditions and aspects of business law in Germany (b) Skills in understanding spoken and written German expressing themselves in German both orally and in writing adapting oral and written texts to specific situations and target groups solving different written and oral communication assignments involving German, including translation to and from German and summaries of German texts carrying out quality assurance of the communication in German of companies, organisations and institutions, e.g. in the form of language revision of German texts - With regard to COMMUNICATION STUDIES (a) Knowledge of production, analysis and reception of verbal/visual texts personal communication internal communication external communication communication planning media theory organisational theory cultural and social theories (b) Skills in performing internal and external communication tasks in oral and written Danish analysing texts and images 6

analysing internal and external communication issues and needs planning internal and external communication tasks from concept to execution producing the texts in Danish required to perform the above-mentioned communication tasks analysing the reception of these texts mastering the principles of personal communication in Danish using relevant parts of the programs and techniques used within graphic production - With regard to COMMON COURSES Propaedeutics (a) Knowledge of language and communication theories cultural and social theories (b) Skills in applying the above theories in connection with the consideration of specific issues drawing up reports, observing relevant academic norms selecting and using appropriate study techniques Theories of Scientific Method Knowledge of various current views on theories of scientific method as well as basic concepts and theories of scientific method that are particularly relevant to language and business communication critical thinking: argumentation analysis and discussion scientific and valid argumentation (b) Skills in identifying and applying theories of scientific method and valid argumentation techniques within language and business communication producing and communicating relevant scientific knowledge 7

Information Technology Knowledge of and skills in applying information, communication and language technological tools. 1.3 In the 4th to 6th semesters, a number of electives are offered. The choice of electives is determined each year by the study committee. 1.4 The Bachelor of Arts in International Business Communication (BA in One Language) and Communications Studies programme concludes with a bachelor project. The purpose of the bachelor project is to: develop students ability to search for information and to independently acquire as well as systematically and methodically process academic knowledge develop students ability to independently and critically analyse academic issues develop students ability to produce written communication in a clear and easily comprehensible form in the foreign language develop students oral presentation skills and ability to discuss academic issues in the foreign language Part 2 STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME The BA in One Language and Communication study programme corresponds to 180 ECTS credits and consists of compulsory courses, electives and a bachelor project. 2.1 Compulsory courses The compulsory courses include One foreign language (40-45 ECTS) The following foreign languages are offered: English, French, Spanish and German. Communication studies (65 ECTS) 8

The compulsory courses also include the following common courses: Propaedeutics (5 ECTS) Theories of Scientific Method (5 ECTS) The common courses also include information technology in which students are examined in connection with other exams. 2.2 Electives The electives correspond to 40-45 ECTS. The student is required to choose courses corresponding to at least 20 ECTS credits within French or Spanish and at least 25 ECTS credits within English or German. A maximum of 10 ECTS credits can be earned for electives outside the relevant foreign language or communication studies. A minimum number of students must sign up for the individual electives to be taught. 2.3 Bachelor project The bachelor project corresponds to 20 ECTS. Part 3 CONTENT 3.1 Compulsory courses English The course in English provides students with an academic primarily linguistic basis for using the English language professionally in connection with written and oral communication in business and job-related contexts. The acquisition and application of academic methods and theories form the basis of the course with a view to developing students knowledge of the English language and skills in using the English language professionally in both written and oral language production. The course includes language description, language production, knowledge of 9

cultural theory and cultural practice, knowledge of selected English-speaking countries social, political and cultural conditions and of business and economic conditions in one or more English-speaking countries. Please see the Student s Handbook. French The course in French focuses on knowledge of the French language, French culture, French society and the French market and on the development of communication skills in French. Knowledge and skills are integrated in such a way that the acquired knowledge is used to target communication both orally and in writing. The courses aimed at providing knowledge of the French language focus on French syntax and morphology, analysing communicative situations and identifying significant characteristics of texts. Emphasis is on contrastive analyses of areas in which the French language presents particular problems. Included is also the application of the rules governing the phonetics of the French language. The courses aimed at providing knowledge of French culture, French society and the French market are centred on significant aspects of the social, political, cultural, business and economic conditions in France, taking the international relations of the country into account. Communicative skills are trained by means of written and oral text production and reception. The written part includes presentations of optional topics and translations, based on process writing as well as other types of text editing. The oral part includes both one-way communication (e.g. summaries and presentations) as well as two-way communication (e.g. informal conversations and discussions). Please see the Student s Handbook. Spanish The course in Spanish contains the following elements: grammar, oral communication, cultural and societal conditions, conditions for businesses and written text production. The grammar course focuses on general grammatical concepts and systematic 10

grammatical analyses. The course in oral communication comprises knowledge of conversation techniques, discussion techniques, negotiation techniques and presentation techniques. The application of these techniques is trained with a particular view to complying with Spanish norms for oral communicative behaviour. The course in culture and society is centred on significant aspects of the social, political and cultural conditions in Spain and in Latin America. The course in conditions for businesses includes factual aspects and current themes significant to business relations between Denmark and Spanishspeaking countries. The course in written text production is based, in particular, on businessrelated conditions and includes presentations of optional topics, translation and different types of text editing. Please see the Student s Handbook. German The course in German aims to provide students with both basic and complex knowledge and skills. At the basic level, students will work on grammatical concepts and grammatical analyses. Emphasis is on systematic differences between Danish and German. Listening and reading comprehension, particularly in academic areas (lectures, technical books), is developed throughout the course both via special assignments and through the choice of communication form in connection with the study programme (e.g. lectures or reading of extensive texts as preparation for practical exercises). Orally, conversation and presentations in German are trained, and in terms of the written work, students get to work with the production of texts that are correct both syntactically and semantically. At a more complex level, communicative situations are analysed to enable students to professionally use German both orally and in writing, ensuring that the resulting texts match the relevant situations. In this context, students work specifically with translations, but also with other types of text production and text and language revision. Finally, knowledge of social, political, cultural, business and economic conditions, particularly in Germany, is communicated through this course. Conditions in other German-speaking countries are included to some extent. At the same time, communication of knowledge at 11

this level supports the development of reading and listening comprehension as well as oral proficiency. Please see the Student s Handbook. Communication Studies The communication studies module of the study programme progresses from the simple to the complex: From personal communication involving two or more people communicating with each other, through internal communication involving managers and employees communicating with each other within the framework of an organisational context, to external communication involving the company, organisation or institution communicating with selected parts of the outside world (e.g. customers or citizens) within the framework of a societal and cultural context. This part of the study programme consists of the following five types of courses: a) dimensions (personal communication, internal communication and external communication that are the focal point of the study programme), b) production courses (journalistic text production and communication, graphic production), c) analysis courses (text and image analysis, reception analysis), d) planning courses (communication planning) and e) context courses (media theory, organisational theory and theory of culture and society). Please see the Student s Handbook. Common courses a) Propaedeutics The course provides students with a common academic frame of reference within language and communication studies as well as within culture and society. In addition, students are introduced to study techniques, information searching and processing as well as report writing. b) Theories of Scientific Method The course focuses on the components of knowledge, different approaches to knowledge, various current views on theories of scientific method as well as basic concepts and theories of scientific method that are particularly relevant to language and business communication, approaches to language and theories of language, critical thinking, scientific and valid argumentation, science and philosophy of man as well as ethics and values. 12

c) Information Technology The course provides students with knowledge of graphic design, layout and typography in connection with the production of publications for printing or display/web. Students must be able to choose and use relevant programs and tools to support their studies and future job functions and possess knowledge of and understand the possibilities and limitations that various electronic aids present in connection with oral and written communication. Electives The electives take place between the 4th and 6th semester. The electives offered are issued for one year at a time. Descriptions of courses and exams can be found in the course catalogue. Bachelor project The bachelor project is the final project report, and the topic of the project is chosen by the student within one or more of the fields of study covered by the study programme. The topic must be approved by a supervisor. Please see the Student s Handbook. Part 4 EXAMS Exams are internal or external. Internal exams are assessed by the lecturer(s) or by the lecturer(s) and an internal examiner. External exams are assessed by the lecturer(s) and one or more external examiners appointed by the ministry. 4.2 The following exam types are used: Oral exam 1: The exam includes an examination in the syllabus of the course or a translation and/or a discussion of a distributed text. Preparation time allowed is max. 60 minutes. b. Oral exam 2: 13

The exam is an oral exam where the student must be able to answer questions in relation to an assignment. The exam can include the following elements: presentation, abstract/summary, comments on linguistic and/or academic phenomena etc. Preparation time allowed is min. 24 hours. c. Written exam: Translation, free composition, language revision, abstract/summary or a combination of these. Further, the exam may include information searches and comments. The duration of the exam is max. 5 hours. d. Project report: The exam includes the preparation of a written project report. The topic and problem formulation must be approved by the lecturer. e. Oral exam based on written project report: The exam includes the preparation of a written project report. The topic and problem formulation must be approved by the lecturer. The project report is defended at an oral exam. f. Written take-home paper: The exam includes a) Within the foreign language: The exam is a written exam where the student must be able to answer questions in relation to an assignment. The exam can include the following elements: translation, free composition, abstract/summary, comments on linguistic and/or academic phenomena etc. b) Within communication studies Written paper in the form of, e.g., analyses of texts and methodological and theoretical criticism. g. Oral exam based on written take-home assignment: The exam includes a) Within the foreign language: The exam is a written exam where the student must be able to answer questions in relation to an assignment. The exam can include the following elements: translation, free composition, abstract/summary, comments on linguistic and/or academic phenomena etc. 14

b) Within communication studies Written paper in the form of, e.g., analyses of texts and methodological and theoretical criticism. The exam paper is defended at an oral exam. h. Continuous assessment: The exam is in the form of the student s active participation in classes through oral presentations and/or written assignments. It can be combined with a requirement for regular attendance of classes (75%). i. Oral exam based on written presentation/synopsis: Written and oral exam. The written part consists of a synopsis, and the oral part is based on this presentation. The assessment of all written assignments, whether prepared in Danish or in the relevant foreign language, includes an assessment of the student s power of exposition (the student s ability to present material in a precise, balanced and well-structured manner) and linguistic correctness. The requirement for power of exposition and linguistic correctness increases in the course of the study programme. The Student s Handbook/course catalogue describes the rules governing the individual exams as follows: Oral exams: Actual preparation time and exam time Written exams: Actual duration For project reports and written take-home papers: Whether to be written in Danish or in a foreign language, possibly length expressed in standard pages of 2,200 characters, excl. spaces, and the production time and deadline, respectively. For oral exams based on a project or a take-home paper: Exam duration. 4.4 The study programme involves compulsory exams, elective exams and a bachelor project. The choice of exam form is determined each year by the study committee. The student cannot be sure that the exam form is the same in connection with re-exams. The Student s Handbook includes a recommendation on when to take the exam for the first time. 4.5 The study programme includes the following exams in the compulsory courses: 15

Common courses Exam 2: Propaedeutics (5 ECTS) Exam type d: Project report Exam 3: Theories of Scientific Method (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment English Exam 1a (5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 1b First-year exam (7.5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 1c First-year exam (7.5 ECTS) Exam type i: Oral exam based on written presentation/synopsis Exam 1d First-year exam (2.5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 4 (5 ECTS) Exam type i: Oral exam based on written presentation/synopsis Exam 5 (7.5 ECTS) Exam type f: Written take-home exam Exam 7 (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. The exam type is stated in the Student s Handbook/course catalogue. French 16

Exam 1a (5 ECTS) Exam type a: Oral exam 1 Exam 1b (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment Exam 1c First-year exam (10 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 4 (5 ECTS) Exam type b: Oral exam 2 Exam 5 (10 ECTS) Exam type f: Written take-home exam Exam 7 (10 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. The exam type is stated in the Student s Handbook/course catalogue. Spanish Exam 1a (5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 1b (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment Exam 1c First-year exam (5 ECTS) Exam type a: Oral exam 1 Exam 1d First-year exam (5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam 17

Exam 4 (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment Exam 5 (10 ECTS) Exam type f: Written take-home exam Exam 7 (10 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. The exam type is stated in the Student s Handbook/course catalogue. German Exam 1a (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type c: Written exam Exam 1b First-year exam (5 ECTS) Exam type c: Written exam Exam 1c First-year exam (10 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment Exam 4 (5 ECTS) Exam type a: Oral exam 1 Exam 5 (10 ECTS) Exam type f: Written take-home exam Exam 7 (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. The exam type is stated in the Student s Handbook/course catalogue. Communication Studies Exam 20 (10 ECTS) 18

The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. Exam type b: Oral exam 2 Exam 21 First-year exam (15 ECTS) Exam type f: Written take-home exam Exam 22 (20 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. Exam type e: Oral exam based on project report Exam 24 (5 ECTS) The exam is assessed internally as Pass/Fail Exam type h: Continuous assessment Exam 25 (15 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. Exam type e: Oral exam based on project report 4.6 The study programme involves a number of elective exams corresponding to at least 20 ECTS credits within French or Spanish and at least 25 ECTS credits within English or German, as well as at least 10 ECTS credits within the relevant foreign language or communication studies. The electives correspond to a maximum of 10 ECTS credits. The individual elective exams are described in the course catalogue. If elective exams are taken at other institutions, their descriptions of the exams apply. 4.7 In addition, the study programme includes a bachelor project: Exam 13 Bachelor project (20 ECTS) The exam is assessed externally according to the 7-point scale. Exam type e: Oral exam based on project report The bachelor project must contain an abstract in English which will be included in the assessment of the project as a whole. 4.8 Exam rules and passing requirements Passing requires the grade of 02 or higher or the grade of Pass in the individual exams. Each exam must be passed, and exams can be taken twice a year in December/January and in May/June. The recommended exam period is indicated in the descriptions of the exams. 19

First-year exams must, however, be taken in the first May/June exam period after starting in the study programme. First-year exams must be passed within two years of having been admitted to the study programme in order for the student to continue the study programme. The study programme is regarded as having been completed when all of the exams have been passed. 20

Part 5 COMMENCEMENT 5.1 The present curriculum is valid for students commencing the study programme on 1 September 2007. Aarhus School of Business may lay down rules governing the extent to which the curriculum applies also to students who have started the study programme earlier. 21