Translation and Intercultural Commnication - French, Bachelor Programme

Aim and objective
The bachelor programme in translation and intercultural communication gives intercultural competence oriented towards solving communicative tasks in the private and public sectors in the form of translations and other types of text production. The programme aims to build competence both in Norwegian and the chosen foreign language(s). Further, it provides knowledge about society, institutions and industry in Norway and the target language areas. Students learn what are necessary conditions for a business or organisation to be able to communicate effectivelywith its employees, customers and suppliers, as well as with the press, NGOs, government agencies, etc.

The programme offers three separate study variants: English, French or German. There is separate enrolment for each study variant.

Professional goal and access to further studies
The study programme gives the necessary qualifications for language work in the private and public sectors, i.e. planning and producing different types of documentation, information and presentation material, and performing a certain type of translations. The study provides basic knowledge and skills for positions such as public relations officer, translator, proof reader, or executive officer; additionally, the course International marketing communication and public relations qualifies for positions such as that of international public relations officer.

Admission requirements
Higher Education Entrance Qualification and French as a B language, 4+4 weekly hours,
or as a C language, 4+4+4 weekly hours, in upper secondary school.

The target group for the programme is students who have an interest in working with language and communication from an international perspective. Students should have an interest in foreign languages as well as Norwegian, and also in acquiring knowledge about society and institutions in Norway and the target country/countries.

Recommended previous knowledge
Norwegian from upper secondary school, 14 weekly hours in the general area of study.
Knowledge of the foreign language above upper secondary school level.
If the student chooses Foreign language 2, the recommended previous knowledge for this language is upper secondary school. In addition at least 25 ECTS credits from the year abroad must be on level 2.

Content
The programme is a three-year degree programme with the first and third years of study in Kristiansand and the second year abroad. The first year gives an introduction to intercultural communication emphasising the theory of culture and the transfer of messages from one cultural or discourse community to another. Further, a theoretical basis to the study is provided through an introduction to linguistics, the theory of science and translation theory. Both Norwegian and the target language are central elements of the courses Norwegian language and text and Target language and text. The perspective is broadened through civilisation studies in the courses Norway and the world and The target language and cultural understanding. These courses form the basis for the study-abroad year in that particular target language area, and for later practical work with the target language in the third year of study.

Students'language knowledge and skills will be improved and consolidated through the study-abroad year, and they will become familiar with society, geography, culture etc. in the target country.

In the third year of study students produce text material in various forms, such as translations into and from the target language and material for internal and external communication in companies and organisations in Norway and abroad. The theory learnt in the first year of study is applied in the practical work with the target language. Students are also trained in using electronic presentation and communication tools as well as technology for distributed cooperation. An introduction to business administration gives a basis for financial control in the future work situation as well as an understanding of financial management in general in businesses and organisations.

The programme gives an opportunity for choice in the third year of study: either business communication and international marketing communication and public relations, or a secondary foreign language. Recommended previous knowledge for this language is upper secondary school or the equivalent. The offer of foreign languages is limited to those that the Faculty is able to offer within this programme at any given time. Students who choose a secondary foreign language take the courses Target language and text, Target language and cultural awareness, and Special-language translation from target language into Norwegian. The aim of the secondary foreign language is to provide students with a working understanding of the foreign language as a basis for translations into Norwegian as well as other text production in Norwegian. Thus, the study meets the need for communication workers who can communicate aptly in more than one language.

Course structure diagram

Organisation, Education and forms of Evaluation
The degree programme is made up of modules of 5, 10 or 15 ECTS credits. A study abroad period is also required at one of the University College¿s partner universities. Information on study possibilities abroad will be given when the programme starts.

Forms of teaching vary between seminars, lectures, group work and language lab work.

Forms of assessment are written school examinations and written home examinations and oral examinations.

Requirements for continuing in the study program
The students must have completed at least 40 ECTS credits before they can start on the study-abroad year or the third year of study. To be allowed to continue with the third year a student must normally have completed the study-abroad year. Still, it is possible to apply for exemption with up to 15 credits from the requirement of 60 ECTS credits from the study-abroad year. In such a case relevant courses can instead be taken in Norway to replace the missing credits from the study-abroad period.
The students¿ choice of courses at the institution abroad must be approved by Agder University College to ensure that the courses are relevant and meet the requirements of the programme.

Published : 31 August 2006 by SP