BA (Hons) Global Cultural Studies with International Placement

1. Demonstrate accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of your chosen language/s, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of your chosen language/s in an academic context, both orally and in writing.
3. Understand and analyse the structures and registers of your chosen language/s.
4. Show detailed knowledge of aspects of history and culture in the parts of the world where your chosen language/s is/are spoken, and evaluate them critically, using appropriate methodologies.
5. Analyse and interpret texts in your chosen language/s (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.

ILOs 1-3: The compulsory language modules at stage 1 (RQF level 4) include an introduction to language-learning strategies, so that you are enabled from the outset of your programme to become autonomous language learners. Subsequent stages require you to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Language Centre, and via ELE.

You are advised by your language tutors on opportunities for reflection on your language-learning experience within your programme.

The language modules at each stage use authentic materials in your 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 your chosen language/s through exercises such as summarising, essay-writing and oral presentations. Instruction is reinforced by regular formative assessment of students' work, including comment on appropriateness of style, register, presentation, etc., as well as correction of grammatical and other errors.

Formal grammar is taught, both in class and by guided study of a textbook, at a level appropriate to each stage of the programmes and to your level of achievement at the outset of your programme.

The familiarity with the target language acquired in the compulsory language modules is reinforced by the study in optional modules of a wide range of literary and other texts in your chosen language/s. In addition, in optional modules, some teaching may be delivered in the target language, and you undertake a variety of exercises using the target language, especially at the higher levels.

ILOs 4-5: The stage 1 (RQF level 4) content modules give you a foundation knowledge on which to base your choice of options at higher levels, enabling you to explore and develop your interest in particular areas of your chosen language/s.

Knowledge of the relevant aspects of the culture of the countries where your chosen language/s is spoken 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 and 2 are assessed explicitly by coursework marked throughout the year and by end-of-year written and oral exams. In some optional modules, assessment may include a presentation in your chosen language/s. 3 is also explicitly assessed in optional modules in linguistics.

ILOs 4 and 5 are assessed by a combination of presentations, essays and other written tasks during the module and January/end-of year written examinations.

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

ILO 6 is developed through the language modules (compulsory at stages 1 and 2, optional at stage 4) in your language work and in feedback from lecturers (in the form of both written comments and explanation in subsequent classes).

ILOs 7-10 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 stages 3 and 4 (RQF level 6) (and to a limited extent also at stage 2 (RQF level 5)) are related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module, giving you an insight into relevant research issues.

ILO 10 is implicit in all study of the language and cultures of another country, and all modules challenge you to reflect critically on your receptiveness to foreign cultures. The Year Abroad offers an opportunity to develop these skills fully.

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

7-10 are assessed by presentations, essays and January/end-of-year examinations, also as described under A above.

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

ILOs 11 and 15 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 (RQF level 4) modules are largely lecture-based while those at the final stage are based predominantly on seminar-style teaching. ILO 16 is similarly developed throughout the programme.

ILO 12, 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 13-14 and 18 are organisational skills which are developed through the experience of preparing essays and presentations. Modern Languages and Cultures has a standard essay feedback sheet which provides for evaluation and comment on these skills, along with other aspects of the essay.

ILO 19 is developed through the requirement, in the compulsory language modules at stages 1 and 2 (RQF levels 4 and 5), for you to use specially created websites; these are also used for a significant number of optional modules. IT skills are also developed through word-processing essays and dissertations. Guidance on responsible use of the internet is given in the Undergraduate Student Handbook and is reinforced in feedback given on essays.

ILOs 11 and 15 are skills which underpin successful performance in virtually all academic assessments, whether written or oral, seen or unseen.

ILO 12 is assessed by formative oral presentation and written exams, by assessed essays and dissertations.

ILOs 13 and 18 are assessed in essays and other written assignments.

ILO 14 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 16 is assessed though the increasingly independent coursework undertaken by you as you progress through the programme.

ILO 17 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 19 is reflected in the marks awarded for presentation in essays and dissertations.