Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title
B.A. French Studies and Mathematics Full-time
Programme Code
1439
Delivery Location
Campus
Language of Study
English
Length of Programme
4 Year(s)
Accreditations
This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme
To enable students to achieve the appropriate level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (specified by language under Learning Outcomes) through the systematic integration of language and content teaching. To enable students to master French in both its written and spoken forms;
To enable students to explain and assess critically the multi-disciplinary features and significance of the culture, history and society of their chosen language communities.
To enable students to be digitally literate. Students will be able to use appropriate, up-to-date technology in the effective learning of languages and to understand works of culture (understood in the broadest sense, to include history, society, politics, and other material covered in modules aligned with the Birmingham Languages Graduate).
To enable students to handle and analyse material relating to research projects based in the Department of Modern Languages.
To enable students to engage with appropriately adapted questions derived from research projects based in the Department of Modern Languages.
To enable students to become effective independent learners, with regular opportunities to develop skills in research, academic writing, and reflective learning.
To enable students to be competitively employable through the acquisition of direct and transferable skills as well as through: 1) appropriate integration of Modern Languages careers topics within core modules; 2) optional placement opportunities relating to Modern Languages (credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing); 3) non-credit bearing Modern Languages careers events.
To enable students to give a persuasive account of their degree and of why they have assembled their degree in a particular way.
To provide students with language and language-related transferable skills useful in a range of contexts, both educational and professional; and to respond to national and international needs for advanced strategic competence in a variety of world languages.
To enable students to acquire first hand experience of living and studying and/or working in France or a French-speaking country.
To enable students to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including the assimilation, analysis, organisation and synthesis of information and its effective communication in speech and writing, through the study of complex material, some of it in French, which can be applied in a variety of educational and professional contexts, thereby meeting a national and international need for competence in modern foreign languages.
Special features of the programme:
The study of a broad range of French cultural, historical and social topics combined with advanced study of the French language. Joint Honours students undertake as many modules of practical language work as Single Honours students. They follow fewer cultural, historical or social modules. They are expected to reach the same standards as Single Honours students in the modules that they follow. The Joint Honours programme thus has equal intellectual depth but slight less breadth of study.
A compulsory period of residence abroad. Mathematics
To provide a balanced combination of mathematical topics, to expose students to the fascinating world of modern mathematics and its applications.
For Year Abroad programmes only:
Study abroad will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the society and culture
of a foreign country while gaining experience of a different academic environment and way of teaching.
The year abroad also provides an opportunity for students to improve their existing language proficiency
(where applicable) as well as enhancing their organisation and communication skills and their employability through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of:
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:
and assessed using the following methods:
Key mathematical concepts and topics including the foundations and applications of calculus and analysis, linear algebra, applied mathematics, probability, and statistics.
How mathematics can be used to analyse and solve problems including those at an abstract level
How mathematics can be used for modelling and analysing real life problems
The structures form and usage of French, studied up to Final Honours Level. By Final year students should have achieved at least C1 level and normally C2 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
*Students should be able to select and use appropriate, up-to-date technology in the effective learning of languages.
The features and significance of the culture, history and society of their chosen language communities. Students should be able to use appropriate, up-to-date technology in such understanding.
Dependent on the range of optional modules offered, specialised further topics within Modern Languages such as translation, interpreting, politics, linguistics, cinema, history, society or culture.
Key methods and concepts used in the analysis of a range of fields relating to language and culture.
Advanced knowledge of the society and culture of the countries where the language is spoken.
*The significance of language and languages to our connections to other peoples and places around the globe, and in our own lives. This understanding will (a) span multiple disciplines and (b) extend across times, places, and identities, including with regards to:
1. The historical and contemporary significance of different languages and cultures
2. Cultural responses to the urgent human problems of history and the contemporary period, and to the human condition more widely
1-3: Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals, problem solving exercise classes, seminars and independent study.
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, language classes, guided and independent reading.
Material is developed and delivered by a combination of native and non-native teaching staff, and involving a wide range of registers, contexts and modes (e.g. journalistic, literary, colloquial, translation, correspondence, administration) as well as unassessed assignments. Beginners follow an expanded, intensive course of language study. Extensive supporting material is available through Canvas and self-access facilities on the main campus. The Year Abroad provides students with the opportunity for a period of immersion in the language(s) studied.
*Specialised core modules in all years, taught through the integration of language and content teaching involving plenaries and target language seminars and classes. The use of language learning technology is built in to all new core modules offered in Modern Languages. (1)
Plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, guided and independent reading.
*All core modules in Modern Languages. This learning outcome is a key criterion through which optional modules can also align with the BLG curriculum. Teaching and learning methods include particularly plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, guided and independent reading. (2)
Plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, guided and independent reading.
*All core modules in Modern Languages. This learning outcome is a key criterion through which optional modules can also align with the BLG curriculum. Teaching and learning methods particularly include plenaries. (3)
Plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, language classes, guided and independent reading. Also through residence abroad.
*All core modules in Modern Languages. This learning outcome is a key criterion through which optional modules can also align with the BLG curriculum. Teaching and learning methods include particularly plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, guided and independent reading. (4)
1-3: Exams, class tests, course work exercises, project work.
Unseen written examinations, assessed coursework, essays, oral and aural examinations, tasks undertaken under timed conditions, assessments completed during the Year Abroad, and dissertation work including 20 credits of Independent Study.
*Target language projects and e-assessment portfolios. Formative e- assessments and student-led research. (1)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (2)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. (3)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (4)
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes:
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:
and assessed using the following methods:
To be able to construct and develop logical mathematical arguments with clear identification of assumptions and conclusions.
To select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve problems including those arising from applied and abstract situations.
To abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in a symbolic form.
Music and Mathematics
1. Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively using ICT.
Music and Mathematics
2. Ability to summarise, synthesise, analyse and evaluate others’ arguments, and to formulate their own logical and structured arguments, normally both orally and in writing, with appropriate supporting evidence.
Comprehension, analysis, evaluation, distillation and contextualisation of information across a range of subject areas and the application of both generic and subject specific skills.
Skills of oral and written presentation both in English and in the target language(s), and the ability to explain, discuss and debate in smaller and larger groups
Independent study skills (self-organisation, time management, research skills, planning, drafting and editing) and the ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing on the basis of them
Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and to use electronic resources and ICT effectively.
The ability to use language in professional contexts.
The ability to apply generic, practical and interpersonal skills to living, studying and/or working in a non-English-speaking European country.
Intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, especially the ability to function in another culture, and to engage critically with their own and other cultures
Generic, transferable language-learning skills and the ability to use language reference materials such as grammars, standard and specialised dictionaries, and in some cases corpora to refine knowledge and understanding of register, nuances of meaning and language use.
1-3: Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals, problem solving and exercise classes, seminars, independent study.
Music and Maths
1. Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, computer practicals, problem solving and exercise classes, independent study
2. Lectures, seminars and tutorials, computer practicals, problem solving and exercise classes, independent study
Attendance at plenaries, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. (1)
Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad. Attendance at plenaries, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. (2)
Attendance at plenaries, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. (3)
By definition, language work and content modules involve new, ‘difficult’ material that requires the independent application and ownership of techniques taught in classes and lectures if it is to be understood fully and mastered. An emphasis on close analysis is intended to broaden the range and sophistication of students’ interpretations of material, and to allow students to produce not so much expositions as substantiated arguments and positions. Problem Based Learning (PBL) exercises, presentations, group project work and other forms of independent learning are germane to all parts of the programme. The Year Abroad offers a particular opportunity for the development of independent capability, personally as well as linguistically and intellectually. A range of formative assessment modes are used throughout the degree.
*Coverage of Modern Languages professions is built into all core language modules. Opportunities for work experience may be acquired through non-credit bearing summer placements (Year 2) and/ or placements followed during the Year Abroad. (4)
Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad. Attendance at plenaries, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources.
*Coverage of Modern Languages professions is built into all core language modules. Opportunities for work experience may be acquired through non-credit bearing summer placements (Year 2) and/ or placements followed during the Year Abroad. (5)
Residence abroad. (6)
Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad. Attendance at lectures, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. (7)
Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Attendance at lectures, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. (8)
Mathematics:
1-3: Exams, class tests, coursework exercises, project work
Music and Maths:
1. Essays, dissertations, unseen examinations, presentations, Public and private performance as both soloist and ensemble member, class tests, coursework exercises, project work
1.2. Essays, dissertations, unseen examinations, presentations, class tests, coursework exercises, project work
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (1)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (2)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (3)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (4)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (5)
Year Abroad coursework. (6)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (7)
Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. (8)
