French for Professional Purposes

Course description/educational objectives and outcomes

French  for Professional Purposes with French in Logistics specialisation, is a first-cycle, practical course of six semesters. The studies are offered in full-time (starting in the 2024/25 academic year) and part-time (starting in the 2023/24 academic year) mode.

French language learning begins at the beginner level (A1 CEFR), English language skills are expanded in the field of logistics whereas marketing, legal and financial issues are presented first in Polish and then developed in French.

This course of study was created in response to the demand observed in today’s labour market for employees with not only knowledge of English, but also fluency in French, including the specialised language of business.

French for Professional Purposes with French in Logistics specialisation is interdisciplinary in nature. The program combines:

– general content related to broadly understood linguistics and cultural studies,

– specialised content in the field of logistics (selected issues in the area of economics, finance, marketing, law and information technology),

– content in French and English languages for specific purposes, preparing graduates for employment in enterprises, allowing them to move freely in the international business world

– multilingual communicative competence.

The curriculum encompasses the knowledge of:

– the French language (teaching from the beginner’s level), including specialised language (language for specific purposed); methods of analysis and interpretation of discourse, creating documentation and correspondence in French,

– the relationships between linguistic and cultural facts and phenomena, which allows us to understand the basic dilemmas of contemporary civilisation in the context of globalisation,

– selected facts and phenomena in the field of management and quality sciences, economic, legal and ethical conditions of enterprises and institutions,

– the rules for the creation and development of selected forms of entrepreneurship, concepts and principles in the field of protection of industrial and intellectual property and copyright.

The studies develop practical skills such as:

– foreign languages proficiency: French (C1 CEFR) and English (B2 CEFR), which enables effective communication in a professional context, using various styles and registers of language and specialist terminology,

– mediation in specialised oral interlingual communication (French/English/Polish), expressing complex judgments and opinions, participating in debates, providing written and oral (interpreting) translations on professional issues,

– selection and application of available methods, tools and technologies to carry out the undertaken tasks, including advanced information and communication techniques used in modern business,

– critical evaluation and application of knowledge sources operating in the economic market to improve one’s own qualifications and the efficient functioning of the place work,

The curriculum enables the development of interpersonal skills and intercultural competencies, essential in a multilingual and multicultural professional context. It develops the following social competencies:

• development of creative thinking and economic activities as well as responsible and ethical conduct within the framework of the professional role,
• preparation for independent planning of one’s own lifelong learning,
• implementation of responsible fulfillment of social obligations, participation in promoting a culture of cooperation and principles of professional ethics, and initiating and co-organising activities for the benefit of the social environment and the public interest.

In addition, the French for Professional Purposes with French in Logistics studies provide with a chance to:

• study in modern multimedia, simulation and IT rooms and in language and translation/interpreting laboratories,
• develop interests and co-create events and activities within the framework of the French Language Scientific Club,
• participate in interesting cultural events, such as the annual Francophonie Days,
• take part in meetings with representatives of companies searching for employees with good French language proficiency,
• apply language skills during work placements and professional training in Poland or abroad,
• receive a scholarship and study at a foreign university (usually for one semester) under the Erasmus + Programme.

The graduates of the French for Professional Purposes with French in Logistics may be employed in Polish and international companies as language assistants (French and English) with basic knowledge of logistics. These positions include:

• Customer Service Specialist (with French);
• French-speaking Sales Specialist;
• French-speaking Order Fulfillment Specialist;
• French-speaking Office Assistant;
• French-Polish Translations Assistant.

The graduates may continue their education in second-cycle studies and improve their qualifications in postgraduate studies and other forms of professional competence development.