Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 14/07/2005
College College Arts and Law
School Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department Modern Languages
Partner College and School Geography
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Geography and German Studies Full-time
Programme Code 1452
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 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 in a Spanish-speaking country, enhancing the intercultural skills inherent in the programme.
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 Spanish and, if appropriate, Portuguese and/or Catalan, 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.

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 spent in a Spanish-speaking country. 1) To enable students critically to study physical, human and environmental geographies and their interactions.
2) To develop geographical understanding through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including fieldwork and other forms of experiential learning, which are carefully integrated into a coherent programme of studies (G2.2).
3) To develop progressively, independent learning and study skills.
4) To develop intellectual and practical skills in the collection, interpretation, analysis and presentation of data using appropriate computer and information technologies (G2.3).
5) To embed skills of working in small groups and oral presentation into training and assessment of courses.
6) To enhance the learning experience by structuring the programme so that by the final year students are able to study modules that are informed by the current specialised geographical research of academic
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:
One or more languages (in this case, German); 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:

The historical and contemporary significance of different languages and cultures
Cultural responses to the urgent human problems of history and the contemporary period, and to the human condition more widely
The varied philosophical and theoretical bases of geographical enquiry (G3.9).
The principles, methods and techniques used in the analysis and interpretation of geographical information (human, physical and environmental) (G3.11; G3.12).
The nature of change in physical and biological environments and human society and the interactions between them (G3.2).
The perspectives of cultural, social, political and economic geographies to an understanding of the contemporary world (G3.4).
The ways in which the distinctiveness of place, at different spatial scales, is contested, constituted and constantly remade (G3.2; G3.3; G3.9).
The processes underpinning physical and biological systems and environmental change at a range of temporal and spatial scales (G3.2; G3.3; G3.5; G3.7).
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, language classes, guided and independent reading, residence abroad.

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: Lectures; tutorials; programme of directed reading (stage 2);
2: All our learning and teaching methods are involved in helping students to achieve one or more of the programme outcomes. Numbers in parentheses below are used to highlight particular methods considered to be important in achieving the outcomes specified.
Lectures (2-6); seminars (2-6; tutorials (2-6); practical classes (2, 6); fieldwork (2-6); projects (3-6).
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)
3,000 word critical review of theoretical basis of research ( stage 2); unseen examinations, class tests. course essays, project work, field note books, group presentations, poster presentations
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:
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 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.
Have a conceptual understanding of the ways in which geographers and others conceive of the world and be able to contest and challenge the provisional nature of that geographical knowledge and understanding (G3.2; G3.13).
Analyse, evaluate and synthesise published geographical information (G3.11; G4.4).
Communicate geographical concepts, ideas and results to a professional standard and through reasoned argument by written, oral and visual means G4.5; G4.6).
Exploit the potential of computers in information gathering, communication, and data processing, analysis and presentation (G4.1).
Have an understanding of appropriate practical skills for data collection in geographical research projects (G4.5).
Work effectively and efficiently, both individually and as a member of a group (G4.7).
Plan, design and conduct a piece of independent geographical research and produce a final report by:
a) evaluating the issues involved in the design and execution of a field-based or other type of research activity (including its ethics and a risk assessment).
b) collecting, recording, processing and integrating both quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources using appropriate techniques
c) Presenting the findings of the research project to a professional standard (including illustrative material, citation and bibliography) (G4.4; G4.5; G4.6).
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)
Lectures, seminars, tutorial classes and directed independent study, IT skills workshops, computing classes, laboratory classes and six day residential field, surveys, library studies, independent research, interviews and discussion with tutor
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)
Unseen examinations, class tests, essays, oral and poster presentations, project report, oral presentations, field notebook, 5,000 word essay and seminar presentation, 10,000 word dissertation