Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title
B.A. English Language with Modern Languages Full-time
Programme Code
038H
Delivery Location
Campus
Language of Study
English
Length of Programme
3 Year(s)
Accreditations
This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme
Modern Languages:
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 and/or working abroad.
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, 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.
Students undertake as many modules of practical language work as Single Honours students but they take fewer cultural, historical or social modules, and instead take modules in another academic discipline.
JH students are expected to reach the same standards as Single Honours students in the modules that they follow.
A compulsory period of residence abroad for students studying French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
An optional year abroad or a year in computer science for students studying English as a Modern Foreign Language (EMFL)
Language combinations
Languages that can be combined with English Language pathway: English as a Modern Foreign Language (EMFL), French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
The wide range of reasoning, research, independent learning, communication and organisational skills acquired from this programme equips graduates to pursue further study or employment in English and related disciplines, and is readily transferable to a wide range of commercial, cultural and professional careers.
1) To provide students with in-depth study of the ways in which the English language can be described; the ways in which it has changed over time; variation in language use, the ways in which language is acquired by both native and non-native speakers, and the study of language use in different social contexts.
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:
The advanced strategic usage of one, two or three modern languages, including the linguistic structures of the language(s). By final year students of EMFL, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian should have achieved at least C1 level and normally C2 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for 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
One or more specialised area(s) of English Language and Linguistics: its theories, historical varieties, methods of discovery and major conceptual paradigms;
The history and development of the English language, or the grammar, syntax and lexis of Old English, and the critical and cultural frameworks within which it is studied;
Analytic practices in the description of the English language and traditions in linguistic theory;
The variation of English language in different situational and developmental contexts and the theoretical frameworks within which such variety is studied;
The grammar, discourse and lexis of varieties of English and critical and cultural frameworks within which such variation is studied.
1. 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 (n/a for the 3 year programme). 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.,
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 include particularly plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, guided and independent reading.
3. 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.
4. Plenaries, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, language classes, guided and independent reading. Also through residence abroad (n/a for the 3 year programme). 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.
Lang Path 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5: Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
1. Unseen written examinations, assessed coursework, essays, oral and aural examinations, tasks undertaken under timed conditions, assessments completed during the Year Abroad (n/a for the 3 year programme), and dissertation work including 40 credits of Independent Study. Target language projects and e-assessment portfolios. 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.
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.
Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
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.
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. (Year Abroad only) – n/a for 3 year programme (Year Abroad only) – n/a for 3 year programme
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.
(Modern Languages and History) Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing) The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
(Modern Languages and History) 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.
(Modern Languages and History) 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. both in English and in the target language(s
(Modern Languages and History) Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
The capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse, and from both readerly and writerly perspectives;
Effective communication skills and the ability to apply these in appropriate contexts, including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently, and to apply drafting and redrafting skills to ‘industry specific’ writing and publishing tasks;
Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
Modern Languages and English Language: 1. Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing)
The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
Modern Languages and English Language: 2. 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.
Modern Languages and English Language: 3. 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. both in English and in the target language(s
Modern Languages and English Language: 4. Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
1.Attendance at plenaries, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources.
2. Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, 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 (n/a for the 3 year programme)..
3, Residence abroad (n/a for the 3 year programme).
4, Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Attendance at lectures and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources.
5, Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Attendance at lectures and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources.
6, Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library and artistic collections, IT and other information sources. Group research projects, dissertations. Engagement in independent Dissertation research.
7, 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(n/a for the 3 year programme). 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 (n/a for the 3 year programme). Group research projects and virtual learning environments.
8, Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad (– n/a for 3 year programme). Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. Group research projects, dissertations.
9, Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work. Lectures and seminars; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations. Group research projects.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
1 – 3 inclusive Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
Modern Languages and English Language
1. Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library and artistic collections, IT and other information sources. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
2. 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. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH.
Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with
3. Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad (– n/a for 3 year programme). Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. An individually supervised dissertation at LH, group work, information retrieval skills training in second year
Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with
4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
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, Year Abroad coursework. – n/a for 3 year programme.
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. 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.
Modern Languages and History
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. Written formative and summative coursework of varying length and type, from short source exercises to essays of up to 3000 words each; unseen timed examinations; collaborative and/or individual research projects.
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. Written formative and summative coursework of varying length and type, from short source exercises to essays of up to 3000 words each; unseen timed examinations; collaborative and/or individual research projects.
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. Written formative and summative coursework of varying length and type, from short source exercises to essays of up to 3000 words each; unseen timed examinations; collaborative and/or individual research projects.
4. Coursework (project work, group presentations, target language projects). Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Collaborative research projects.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
1-3 inclusive Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
Modern Languages and English Language
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. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
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. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
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. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only)
4. Coursework (project work, group presentations, target language projects),Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
