Programme aims
Enable students to become proficient in two or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the languages as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with knowledge of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation (language skills and intercultural awareness are integrated in all classes). In their final year, students have the option to develop a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting and subtitling.
Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of countries which use the chosen modern languages as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts, and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture.
Offer students the opportunity to become familiar with linguistic techniques used to describe aspects of the structure of one or more modern languages, or to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in another field (depending on the options chosen) Equip students with a range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in the chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting, and subtitling.
A2: Aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts.
A3: Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse the chosen modern language(s), and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives
Learning methods
Modern Language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad.
Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad. During the year abroad, students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working (language assistantship or work placement) and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad.
Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.
All three types of knowledge and understanding are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess knowledge and understanding on Modern Languages courses test the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) as well as a range of other transferable skills. Assessment typically includes: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken language materials
B2: Interact in the chosen languages, expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
B3: Analyse authentic Modern Language materials from a variety of perspectives
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess cognitive skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organising and presenting (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the specialist languages
C2: Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. doing a bibliographic search in the library, accessing material from online databases and locating and downloading appropriate foreign language materials from the Web
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop practical skills typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess practical skills typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicating ideas, information and arguments in oral and written form in the specialist languages, with a level of fluency, accuracy, clarity and effectiveness (and sensitivity to register and style) which depends on the level of the modules taken
D2: IT skills which can include word processing, Powerpoint, e-mail, bibliographic searches, locating and downloading foreign language internet materials, and utilising editing and subtitling software packages to improve language competence and support professional skills.
D4: Analysing modern language materials, identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions
D5: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team
D6: Working autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; research projects, finding sources of information and critically evaluating them; self-reflection tasks; support and feedback from staff face-to-face and via email.
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations, in some cases using Powerpoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; online assignments; dissertation.