BA (Hons) Philosophy and Global Cultural Studies with International Placement

1. Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of the chosen language, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of the chosen language, both orally and in writing.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to analyse the structures and registers of the chosen language.
4. Show detailed knowledge of chosen aspects of the history and cultures of the relevant country/countries, and ability to evaluate them critically, using appropriate methodologies.
5. Analyse and interpret texts in the chosen language (including non-literary texts and other media, e.g. film) in relation to their cultural, historical and generic contexts, and articulate his/her understanding orally and in writing.
6. Show ability to use the target language, while living and working in the target-language environment.
7. Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences.
8. Reflect upon the conditions of human social life.
9. Show familiarity with the history of modern philosophy
10. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophies of mind and nature
11. Analyse concepts in ethics
12. Analyse and criticise substantial works by important historical and contemporary moral and political philosophers
13. Engage in logical and conceptual analysis and abstract reasoning
14. Apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to a range of complex issues and subject matters.

1-3  Core language modules at Stage 1 include an introduction to language-learning strategies, with subsequent stages requiring you to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Language Centre, and via web-based resources. Language modules at each stage use authentic materials in the chosen language/s, both written (texts in a variety of styles and registers) and spoken (oral classes with native speakers, together with use of TV and the electronic media). These forms of target-language material are used in a variety of ways, including reading or listening comprehension, translation, and production of related material in the chosen language/s through exercises such as summarising, essay-writing and oral presentations. Instruction is reinforced by regular formative assessment. Formal grammar is usually taught, both in seminars and through guided study of a textbook, at a level appropriate to each stage of the programmes and to level of achievement at the outset of the programme.

4 & 5  The level 1 cultural modules give students a foundation knowledge on which to base their choice of options at higher levels, enabling them to explore and develop their interest in particular areas of their chosen language discipline. Knowledge of the relevant aspects of culture is acquired through lectures and seminars, guided reading of primary and secondary texts (including literature, film, visual culture and linguistics), and directed independent study. Students learn to use the critical methodologies appropriate to the options chosen (literary criticism, linguistic or philological study, political or social history, film studies, etc) through writing exams and essays and preparing seminar presentations, following initial guidance from lecturers, and through feedback on work submitted.

6 is developed through the year abroad.

In explicit terms, skills 7-8 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work on Social Philosophy; 9-10 through similar methods and strategies on Knowledge and Reality, Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Nature; 11-12 through similar methods on Ethics, and 13 through practical exercises on Evidence and Argument. However, depending on the student's chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, further in the modules chosen at level 3. 14 is developed especially through the optional modules taken at level 3.

1 and 2 are assessed explicitly, and 3 implicitly, by coursework marked throughout the year at stage 1, and by end-of-year written and oral exams at stages 2 and 4.

4 and 5 are assessed by a combination of essays written during the module and end-of-year written examinations.

6 is assessed through the year abroad.

The assessment of skills 7-14 is made through a combination of course essays, oral presentations, examinations; also, where appropriate, Research Methods Project or dissertation.

15. Demonstrate understanding of the linguistic principles required to assimilate and analyse the structure of a foreign language.
16. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts.
17. Show understanding of the variety of approaches to research in the field of languages and related studies, and of the reasons why such approaches may change.
18. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one’s own cultural perspective.
19. 4-year programme only: Show ability to plan and manage his/her own language learning through an extended period of independent study.
20. Understand and demonstrate the different uses of qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate their relative advantages and disadvantages
21. Show awareness of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
22. Think and write broadly about large themes.
23. Develop and deploy argument, grounded in theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence
24. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
25. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, empirical evidence
26. Deploy complex terminology in a comprehensible manner

15 is developed through the core language modules throughout the programme, in students' language work and in feedback from lecturers (in the form of both written comments and explanation in subsequent classes).

16-18 are developed through lectures and seminars in optional modules, with progression from a relatively high level of input from lecturers at stage 1, to greater student autonomy at later stages. Modules at stages 3 and 4 (and to a limited extent also at stage 2) are normally related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module, giving students an insight

into relevant research issues.

19 is implicit in all study of the language and cultures of another country, and all modules challenge students to reflect critically on their receptiveness to foreign cultures.

Skills 20-26 are developed throughout the Philosophy degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and level 3 optional modules selected by the student.

15 is assessed by the strategies described for the core language modules under A above.

16-18 are assessed by course essays and end-of year examinations, also as described under A above.

Skills 17-26 are assessed though course essays, assessed oral presentations and examinations at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation.

27. Select, organise and analyse material for written work and oral presentations of different prescribed lengths.
28. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner
29. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organized manner, with appropriate use of correct English
30. Formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction
31. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of challenging material in groups
32. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff
33. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time
34. Evaluate and reflect on your own work
35. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines

27, 28, 30 and 31 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in most modules at all levels in both sides of the programme, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme.

32 is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars.

27, 29, 30, 33, and 35 are developed through written assignments (essays) and examinations in most modules at all levels. In Modern Languages, a standard essay feedback sheet provides for evaluation and comment on 27, 29 and 30, along with other aspects of the essay.

33-34 form essential parts of the successful completion of the programme but are encouraged especially through preparation for written and oral assignments and seminars. On the 4-year programme these skills are also the focus of the year-abroad modules; students on the 3-year programme are advised by the Programme Director on the most appropriate way of developing their independent learning skills.

27 and 28: In Philosophy, oral contribution to seminars and presentations are assessed formatively.

27, 29, 30, 33 and 35 are assessed through examinations and/or written work at all levels and in all modules.

31 Group presentations are assessed in some optional modules; in those where team-working skills are not explicitly assessed, these skills nonetheless contribute to the successful outcome of oral and written presentations.