1

BA (Hons) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND

LANGUAGES

YEAR 4

DT 555 / DT 556 / DT 557 / DT 564

Y EAR HANDBOOK

2019-2020

SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, LAW and SOCIAL SCIENCES

and

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

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Table of contents

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 3

EXAMINATIONS AND VACATION PERIODS ............................................................................... 3

SECTION 2 - PROGRAMME DETAILS ............................................................................................ 4

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................. 4

ASSESSMENT OF MODULES ............................................................................................................ 6

MODULE DESCRIPTORS ................................................................................................................... 8

BUSINESS MODULES ...................................................................................................................................... 8

LANGUAGE MODULES .................................................................................................................................... 9

SECTION 3 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ..................................................................... 10

PLAGIARISM: PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR IBL LANGUAGE MODULES .................... 12

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SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

Examinations and vacation periods

Please note the following:

Attendance at class during the semester is compulsory. You must not arrange holidays or make

travel plans during the semester or inter-semester period in January. Equally during

reading/review week, you should be available to engage in academic activities.

Examinations take place in May. Supplemental (repeat) exams take place in late August/early

September.

Some continuous assessments and assignments are held in January.

The dates for the supplemental examination session are normally available from late June.

It is vital that you do not book holidays or plan to travel during the lecturing and examination

periods. It is equally important that you do not plan such activities for late August/early

September until you are sure you have passed all modules for the year.

It is not possible to reschedule missed exams. Missed exams count as a failed attempt and a mark

of zero is returned. This will also apply to other forms of assessments such as presentations, oral

exams, written tests and submission of assessed work. Rescheduling of continuous assessments

may be granted where a PC form with certified medical evidence of illness has been supplied.

A link to the TU Dublin academic calendar is available here

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SECTION 2 - PROGRAMME DETAILS Programme Structure

French, German, Spanish, Italian (DT 555/6/7/ 564)

Code № Module Title Semester

1/2

Contact

Hours

Self

Dirct.

Lrng.

Total

Learng.

Hours

ECTS

Credits

BUS

4003 International Marketing 1 +2 48 52 100 10

BUS

4005

Review of International Political

Economy 1 48 152 200 5

BUS

4007 International Financial Systems 1 48 52 100 5

IBUS

4000 Regulatory Framework 2 48 52 100 5

IBUS

4001

Current issues in International

Management 2 48 52 100 5

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LANG

4036

(French)

LANG

4037

(German)

LANG

4034

(Spanish)

LANG

4038

(Italian)

Language for Business

French/German/Italian/Spanish

Core Language Module

1+2 96 104 200 10

Students who completed the required second language modules in year 1 and 2 choose two of the

following three modules. Other students must take the Current Affairs and Translation Studies

modules.

FREN/

GERM/

SPAN/IT

LANG

4027/4015

Language Current Affairs

French/German/ Italian/Spanish 1+2 72 128 200 10

LANG

4026

(French)

LANG

4009

(German)

LANG

4014

(Spanish)

LANG

4020

(Italian)

Language Translation Studies

French/German/ Italian/Spanish 1+2 72 128 200 10

LANG

4044

(French)

LANG

4045

(Spanish)

LANG

4046

(German)

Language Literary and Critical

Studies

French/German/ Spanish

1+2 72 128 200 10

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Assessment of Modules

Module Code Module Title Exam Continuous

Assessment ECTS

Credits

BUS 4003 International Marketing Written exam

(summer) 60%

Cont. Assess.

40%

10

IBUS 4001 Current Issues in

International Management

Written exam

(summer) 60%

Cont. Assess.

40%

5

BUS 4007 International Financial

Systems

Written exam

(summer) 70%

Cont. Assess.

30% 5

BUS 4005 Review of International

Political Economy

Written exam

50%

Cont. Assess.

50%

5

IBUS 4000 Regulatory Framework Written exam

(summer) 70%

Cont. Assess.

30% 5

LANG 4036

(French)

LANG 4037

(German)

LANG 4034

(Spanish)

LANG 4038

(Italian)

French/German/Italian/Spanish

Core Language Module:

Language for Business

Written exam

(summer) 40%

Oral

40%

In-class test

20%

10

LANG

4016

(German)

LANG

4011

(Italian)

LANG

4012

(Spanish)

Second Language

German / Italian / Spanish /

1+2 72 128 200 10

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Module Code Module Title Exam Continuous

Assessment ECTS

Credits

LANG 4027

(French)

LANG 4010

(German)

LANG 4015

(Spanish)

LANG 4021

(Italian)

French/German/ Italian/Spanish

Language Current Affairs

Written exam

(summer) 50%

Cont.Asst 50%

10

LANG 4026

(French)

LANG 4009

(German)

LANG 4014

(Spanish)

LANG 4020

(Italian)

French/German/ Italian/Spanish

Language Translation Studies

Written exam

(summer) 50%

Cont.Asst 50%

10

LANG 4026

(French)

LANG 4009

(German)

LANG 4014

(Spanish)

LANG 4020

(Italian)

Language Translation Studies

French/German/ Italian/Spanish

Cont.Asst 30%

Cont.Asst 30%

Cont.Asst 40%

10

LANG 4016

(German)

LANG 4011

(Italian)

LANG 4012

(Spanish)

German / Italian / Spanish

Second Language

Written Exam

(summer) 50%

Oral

Components

30%

Presentation

20%

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Year 4 Coordinators

Year 4 Language coordinator: Michèle Boisbourdin (Office KA3-013, Tel. 01-4024859,

Michele.boisbourdin@dit.ie)

Year 4 Business coordinator: Dr Anthony Buckley (Tel. 01-4027114, anthony.buckley@dit.ie)

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Module Descriptors

Business Modules

International

Marketing

Today, virtually all major firms must compete in a global marketplace.

Participants in this module will be given a framework to understand

the global marketing environment. They will be taught how to analyse

global marketing opportunities. They will develop global marketing

strategies. They will design global marketing programmes and will

develop the skills to manage the global marketing effort.

Review of

International

Political Economy

International Political Economy (IPE) is the rapidly developing social

science field of study that attempts to understand international and

global problems using an eclectic interdisciplinary array of analytical

tools and theoretical perspectives. The growing prominence of IPE as

a field of study is in part a result of the continuing breakdown of

disciplinary boundaries between economics, international relations

and politics in particular and among the social sciences generally.

Increasingly, the most pressing and interesting problems are those that

can best be understood from a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, or

transdisciplinary point of view.

IPE is the study of a problématique, or set of related problems. The

traditional IPE problématique includes analysis of the political

economy of international trade, international finance, North-South

relations, multinational corporations, and hegemony. This

problématique has been broadened in recent years as many scholars

have sought to establish a New IPE that is less centered on

International Politics and the problems of the nation-state and less

focused on economic policy issues.

Current Issues in

International

Management

This module examines in a critical and analytical fashion the

philosophy and practices of International Management. Each topic

provides students with a solid and invigorating analysis of all aspects

of International Management.

International

Financial Systems

This module offers a broad introduction to the workings of the global

financial system, the dynamics of the main financial markets, the

nature and purpose of key financial institutions and the role played by

central banks and regulatory agencies. An important part of the

module focuses on the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, reviewing its

causes and consequences, as well as evaluating the merits of

government intervention schemes in the U.S. and Europe.

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Regulatory

Framework

A legal knowledge is essential in any business environment with the

increasing opportunities and threats posed by liberalisation,

deregulation, cross-border trade and new social and tortuous

legislation. This course will give students a grounding in the basic

concepts of law and some of the particular elements relevant to

international business.

Language modules

Minimum exit level for all major language modules: B2 on the CEFR Minimum exit level for all second language modules: A1+ on the CEFR

Language

for Business

This module enables students to develop and apply their oral and

written linguistic skills adequately to a range of everyday professional

tasks in the commercial sector.

Current Affairs This module builds on the knowledge, experience and linguistic

competence acquired by the students during their year abroad. It

consolidates and further explores political, economic and social topics

and trends of the target countries and their current affairs. The module

also consolidates and builds on language competency by working

further to perfect the students’ level of linguistic accuracy and foster

deeper awareness of target language style, register and tone

Translation

Studies

This module will focus on the theory and practice of translation.

Students will learn to apply theory and use basic terminology relating

to translation techniques. The module will also consolidate and build

on the language competency acquired during the year abroad (or

equivalent) by working to further perfect the student’s reading skills in

the TL and their level of grammatical accuracy and it will seek to

foster a deeper awareness of target language style, register and tone.

Literary and

Critical Studies

The module introduces students to a wide range of literary theories

from the 1930’s to the present. It includes theoretical debates relevant

to the study of contemporary literature.

Building on a broad appreciation and knowledge of literature, culture

and film in the countries of the language they study, learners will

choose an area of specialisation that is innovative, independent and

critical in nature.

The first part of the course will focus on critical readings while the

second part will apply this theory of criticism to specific texts.

Second Language This module consolidates and builds on the language competency

acquired during year 1 and year 2 and introduces the learners to the

professional language needed to interact on a basic level with business

people from the target countries.

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Section 3 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IMPORTANT: The following notes are not intended to represent a definitive

interpretation of the Institute's regulations. In every case students should read the full

regulations, especially TU Dublin's General Assessment Regulations

(https://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-

regulations/general/)

1. Who sets and marks the examinations?

The examination for each module is normally set and marked by the lecturer who teaches it.

Where there are two or more lecturers for a module, the paper is jointly set and corrected by both

lecturers. The external examiner (see question 6) approves the questions set and reviews the marks

awarded. Exam scripts are anonymous.

2. Can I repeat any failed modules?

Any courses you fail can be repeated in the supplemental exams at the end of August /beginning

of September.

You have a maximum of four attempts in total to pass a module. Firstly there are repeat

examinations (called "Supplemental" Exams, starting at the end of August) where failed modules

can be taken again. Modules still not passed can be repeated at the following sitting and finally the

following autumn. Please read the General Assessment Regulations carefully on this point.

It is important to strive towards passing all subjects at the first attempt as students who repeat a

module in the Supplemental Examinations will only be awarded a maximum mark of 40%

for a module passed at a second or subsequent sitting. Individual student results are issued in a

transcript of results. This is an official document frequently sought by employers to establish your

academic record.

Please read section 5 for details on award classification.

3. What exactly is the examination board?

This is a formal meeting of all examiners on a programme, held after the papers have been

marked. At the examination board each candidate's marks are reviewed and recorded. A decision

is made as to whether a student should pass, pass by compensation or repeat.

4. What is a Degree Classification in TU Dublin?

The award of a Degree with Honours may be made with the classifications of First Class Honours,

Second Class Honours or Pass as set out in the table below.

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Average Mark

Band

Nature of

Achievement

Classification

= 70% Excellent Performance First Class Honours

60% - 69% Very Good

Performance

Second Class

Honours,

Upper Division

50% - 59% Good Performance Second Class

Honours

Lower Division

40% - 49% Satisfactory

Performance

Pass

Please be aware of the following:

Students who fail the assessment of one or more of the modules which contribute to their

final award classification may re-sit the assessment once for each of those modules without

prejudice to the award of Honours/Merit or Distinction. The result for repeated modules will

however be capped at 40%.

5. What is an external examiner?

Every course has an external examiner or more. The external examiner is normally a senior

academic from another institution whose role is to monitor the examinations and the evaluation

process to ensure adequate academic standards. The external examiner reads and approves the

examination papers, checks the examination scripts, attends examination board meetings and

formally reports to the examination board on her/his findings.

6. How do I get my examination results?

You receive an email in your TU Dublin email student account once results are released. You are

then able to access your results on EGB.

Results of Supplemental Examinations

These are normally published in the third week of September. The results are available on EGB.

7. What happens if I am unable to take an exam due to illness or other unforeseen

circumstances? You should fill out a PC1 form

https://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-

regulations/general/ This form is for students who were not able to perform on the day and it

must be accompanied by professional opinion. You will have to repeat the missed examination

at the next sitting but you will normally not lose one of your four attempts if you miss an

examination due to certified illness or similar circumstances.

8. Are continuous assessments compulsory?

A module is evaluated through a combination of continuous assessment(s) and / or an

examination. The final mark for a module is an aggregate of the various assessment marks.

Failure to submit or sit any assessment component of a module results in marks lost for that

module.

9. What happens if I am late submitting material for continuous assessments?

Materials for assessment may be subject to a penalty or may not be accepted, unless you have a

valid and documented case.

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Language project deadlines

Any delay in handing in projects after the stated day and time (see Schedule for Submission dates

for Assignments) will result in a 2-mark deduction per 24hr period or part thereof, week-ends and

holidays included. Projects will not be accepted after 7 calendar days.

Changes may occur in the course of the year due to circumstances beyond our control.

Check the notice board and TU Dublin email at least once a week.

Any deviation by a student from the assessment scheme in major or second language will

result in the student being referred to the Head of Department for Languages.

10. Appeal Procedure

Should you feel you have grounds for appeal, contact the Examinations Office and the Head of the

School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences. The appeal must be lodged within 7 working days

after the results are released. Late submissions will not be accepted.

12. Do I have to attend all lectures? It is compulsory to attend lectures and take part in any coursework required by lecturers.

13. What is the Year Co-ordinator’s role?

If you have a problem with a course, you should in the first instance discuss the matter directly

with the lecturer concerned. If this does not solve the problem, you should approach the Year Co-

ordinator. There are also student representatives on the programme Committee who can be

approached for advice.

14. Who is responsible for the programme?

The Head of the School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences (to be appointed) and the

Assistant Head of Languages (Dr Christopher Dixon) have overall responsibility for the

programme. The Head of School works with the Head of School of Marketing, College of

Business and Dr Anthony Buckley (Head of Department in the College of Business). Dr Anthony

Buckley and Odette Gabaudan, School of Languages, Law, Social Sciences, are joint chairs of the

International Business and Languages Programme Committee.

15. Can students contact lecturers or talk to them outside of lecture time?

Students are encouraged to approach their lecturer about any concerns they may have during the

course of the programme. Lecturers’ contact details are available on the TU Dublin website.

16. Who can I talk to about personal problems?

Student counsellors are available for problems of a personal nature. This service is free of charge.

Plagiarism: practical guidelines for IBL language modules

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In accordance with TU Dublin Plagiarism statement which expressly forbids all forms of

plagiarism, it is the policy of the School of Languages to refuse work which is plagiarised.

In simple words: plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of someone else’s work. That ‘work’

may be a published book or article, information downloaded from the Internet, or the work of

another student. Plagiarism can take various forms: copying, paraphrasing (summarising in

one’s own words a passage of someone else’s work), or adopting someone else’s detailed line of

argument, without acknowledging the source.

Plagiarism is a form of ‘unfair practice’ (see General Assessment Regulations, Chap.11), and a

student found guilty by the Panel of Investigation may face serious penalties.

In written essays, projects or presentations students should:

- append a bibliography listing all sources used;

- place any portions of text directly quoted between quotation-marks;

- identify and correctly reference the source of ideas and arguments presented;

In written essays, projects or presentations students should not:

- submit language assessments corrected by a native speaker, as work so corrected and

re-written may not in the end be one’s own, and is therefore a form of plagiarism1;

- resort to translation engines under any circumstances2.

Format of oral examinations

- Students should note that neither reading from notes nor the unbroken presentation of

material evidently learned off by heart will be acceptable.

The examiners may therefore ask the examinee to leave any notes aside, to cover the

same point(s) again or to discuss points further without reference to such notes.

All students must be prepared to take questions from the examiners during their

presentation and demonstrate that they are able to cope with such interruptions. These

are designed to give students a chance to show that they fully understand what they are

presenting and are able to discuss it in a meaningful two-way exchange, such as would

occur in a real life situation. Accordingly, delivery and active participation on the part of

the examinee are just as much under assessment in oral examinations as are content and

linguistic accuracy, and these elements are not to be understood as separate from each

other.

For an information leaflet in relation to what Plagiarism is and how to avoid it, please

check

https://www.dit.ie/aadlt/lttc/elearningdevelopment/ethicsandelearning/academicintegrityplagiari

sm/ or the information leaflet in Appendix 1 of the General Assessment Regulations (see

here). In the same document, you will find the procedure for suspected cases of plagiarism

and other breaches of TU Dublin’s regulations.

1 Tuition in the Department of Languages is designed to help you learn the language; Native-speaker competence is not

expected of language students.