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

1. Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of the relevant modern language, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of the relevant modern language in an academic context, both orally and in writing.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to analyse the structures and registers of Latin and the relevant modern language.
4. Show detailed knowledge of chosen aspects of the history and cultures of the Classical world and that of the relevant modern language, and evaluate them critically, using appropriate methodologies.
5. Analyse and interpret texts in Latin and the relevant modern language (including non-literary texts and other media, e.g. film) in relation to their cultural, historical and generic contexts, and articulate your understanding orally and in writing.
6. Use the modern language to undertake and present the results of an extended project, while living and working in the target-language environment.

ILOs 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.

Classroom instruction is reinforced by regular formative assessment of your work, including comment on appropriateness of style, register, presentation, etc., as well as correction of grammatical and other errors.

The familiarity with the target language acquired in the core language modules is reinforced by the study in optional modules of a wide range of literary and other texts.

ILOs 4-5: Knowledge of the relevant aspects of Classical and the relevant modern language culture is acquired through lectures and seminars, guided reading of primary and secondary texts (including those in non-printed media, e.g. film), and directed independent study.

You 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 essays and preparing seminar presentations, following initial guidance from lecturers and through feedback on work submitted.

ILOs 1-2 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 second and final stages for the respective languages.

ILO 3 is also explicitly assessed in optional modules in linguistics.

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

ILO 5 is assessed through coursework and exams.

ILO 6 is assessed through the year abroad.

7. Demonstrate understanding of the linguistic principles required to assimilate and analyse the structure of a foreign language.
8. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts.
9. Demonstrate understanding of generic conventions and the shaping effects upon communication of circumstances, authorship, textual production and intended audience.
10. 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.
11. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one's own cultural perspective.
12. Plan and manage your own language learning through an extended period of independent study.

ILO 7 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).

ILOs 8-10 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 final stage are related to the research of the staff teaching the modules, giving students an insight into relevant research issues.

ILO 11 is implicit in all study of the language and culture of another country, and all modules challenge you to reflect critically on your receptiveness to foreign cultures.

ILO 12 is developed through the year abroad.

ILO 7 is assessed by the strategies described for the core language modules.

ILOs 8-12 are assessed by course essays and end-of-year examinations, also as described.

13. Identify and analyse problems and appropriate strategies for resolving them.
14. Achieve effective communication in English of information, ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing.
15. Gather, select and organise material from a variety of sources and critically evaluate its significance.
16. 16. Demonstrate skills of time-management and organisation in planning and executing a project to a prescribed length and deadline.
17. Exercise independent thought and judgement.
18. Be an effective and self-aware independent learner.
19. Work flexibly and creatively with others and engage in rational debate.
20. Demonstrate library and bibliographical research skills.
21. Use IT effectively both as a learning tool and as a means of communication.
22. Adapt to the working practices of a foreign country.

ILOs 13 and 17 are essential elements in all academic study, and are developed by teaching strategies which require progressively more initiative from you as you progress through the programme, at each stage building on the skills which you have acquired at earlier stages. Typically, stage 1 modules are largely lecture-based while those at final stage are based predominantly on seminar-style teaching.

ILO 18 is similarly developed throughout the programme but is specifically the focus of the year abroad / independent language-learning modules.

14, 19 oral communication and interpersonal skills are developed in seminars, in both giving and responding to presentations. Skills of written communication are developed in essays and other exercises such as book reviews and dissertations.

ILOs 15-16 and 20 are organisational skills which are developed through the experience of preparing essays and presentations. Both Colleges have standard essay feedback sheets which provide for evaluation and comment on these skills, along with other aspects of the essay.

ILO 21 is developed through the requirement, in the core language modules at stages 1 and 2, for students of Modern Languages to use specially created departmental websites; these are also used for a significant number of optional modules. IT skills are also developed in both Colleges through word-processing essays and dissertations. Guidance on responsible use of the internet is given in the SML Undergraduate Student Handbook and is reinforced in feedback given on your essays.

ILO 22 is developed through the year abroad.

ILOs 13 and 17 are skills which underpin successful performance in virtually all academic assessments, whether written or oral, seen or unseen. Skills in 2 are assessed by oral and written exams, by assessed essays and dissertations.

ILOs 15 and 20 are assessed in essays and other written assignments.

ILO 16 is assessed by the requirement to meet deadlines and observe word lengths in submitting work for assessment, with penalties if these are not met.

ILO 18 is assessed specifically in the modules taken during the year abroad, and in the Independent language-learning module on the 3-year programme in Modern Languages.

ILO 19 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.

ILO 21 is reflected in the marks awarded for presentation in essays and dissertations.

ILO 22 is assessed through the year abroad.