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

1. Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of your chosen language, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of the chosen language in any context, 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 relevant history and cultures, and the ability to evaluate them critically.
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 to while living and working in the target-language environment
7. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a global activity.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics.
9. Apply concepts and theories used in the study of international relations to the analysis of political ideas, practices and issues in the global arena.
10. Evaluate different interpretations of world political issues and events.

1-3  The core language modules at Stage 1 include an introduction to language-learning strategies, so that students are enabled from the outset of their programme to become autonomous language learners. Subsequent stages require students to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Language Centre, and on departmental web sites. The student's own reflection on her/his language-learning experience is developed in the year-abroad modules in the 4-year programme.

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 core modules on literature and civilisation give students a foundation knowledge on which to base their choice of options at higher levels.

Knowledge of the relevant aspects of the relevant cultures 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.

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

6  is developed through the year abroad.

7-10  Core subject specific skills are developed in Stage 1. A7-A10 are developed through core Level 1 IR modules. Specialist knowledge is then developed in Level 2 and Level 3 modules. Most Politics Level 2 and 3 modules are applicable to the development of subject skills in International Relations. Nonetheless, student choice in these stages is structured to ensure that at least one taught module focusing on an aspect of International Relations is taken in Stage 2 and Stage 3/4.

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.

Skills 7-10 are summatively assessed through a combination of term-time essays, presentations, and examinations across the entire degree programme. The combination of and length of essays, presentations and exams will vary from one module to the next according to credit value in conformity with Faculty Assessment Norms.

11. Demonstrate understanding of the linguistic principles required to assimilate and analyse the structure of a foreign language.
12. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts, films etc..
13. Demonstrate understanding of generic conventions and the shaping effects upon communication of circumstances, authorship, textual production and intended audience.
14. Show understanding of the variety of approaches to research in the field of modern languages, and of the reasons why such approaches may change.
15. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one’s own cultural perspective.
16. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
17. Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information, and critically analyse subject material.
18. Manage own learning self-critically.
19. Show ability to plan and manage one’s own language learning through an extended period of independent study.

11 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).

12-14 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 related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module, giving students an insight into relevant research issues.

15 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 16-18 are developed throughout the International Relations strand of the degree programme, with progression in 16 and 17 as students move from stage to stage.

18 is developed through self-assessment of IR assignments, staff feedback on formative assignments, and student self-appraisal.

19 is developed through the year abroad.

11 is assessed by the strategies described for the core language modules under 'assessment methods' above.

12-15 are assessed by course essays and examinations, also as described under 'assessment methods' above.

16 and 17 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and the dissertation.

18 is not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statements).

19 is assessed through the year abroad.

20. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing;
21. Use information and communication technology (ICT) for the retrieval and presentation of information;
22. Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and time-management;
23. Collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
24. Advance linguistic competence independently.
25. Show ability to adapt to the working practices of a foreign country.

These skills are developed in both sides of the programme.

20 is developed in presentations, class discussion and written assignments.

21 and 22 are developed through presentations and written assignments.

23 is developed through group work in tutorials and/or seminars.

On the 4-year programme 22, 24 and 25 are the focus of the year-abroad modules; students on the 3-year programme are advised by the Programme Director/Director of Education on the most appropriate way of developing their independent learning skills.

20 and 22 are assessed through presentations, written assignments, examinations and the dissertation.

21 is assessed through written assignments that require ICT for the retrieval and presentation of information.

23, 24 and 25 are not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statements).