cardiff school of modern languages (mlang)
TRANSCRIPT
Cardiff School of Modern Languages (MLANG)
Module Catalogue for International Exchange Student s
2015/16
Contacts
Please note your first point of contact in MLANG is the Year Abroad Administrative Officer.
Esther de Santos Biezma [email protected]
+44 (0)29 2087 4586
66a Park Place
Important Information about Modules
Students must enrol for a total of 120 credits if s tudying for the whole academic year. At least 80 c redits must be within MLANG (modules beginning 'ML-Modern Languages').
If you are studying with us for one semester you mu st enrol for a total of 60 credits. 40 credits must be taken from MLANG (modules beginning 'ML-Modern Languages').
The following is a list of modules available to students studying in MLANG:
Keys:
SEMD – these are double semester modules which run for the whole year.
SEM1 - these modules run for the first semester only.
SEM2 - these modules run for the second semester only.
Please note that if you are studying at Cardiff for one semester only, you cannot select SEMD modules.
1 Cardiff credit = 0.5 ECTS
Prerequisite Language Level (Target Language): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.
All modules must have a minimum of 10 students enrolled on the course to run. Students on modules with less than 10 will be asked to make another selection.
CONTENT MODULES
Code Title Semester Year Credits Module Leader
Language of delivery
tbc Introduction to Modern Britain (Politics and Society) SEMD 1 20 SP English
tbc Introduction to Modern Britain (Politics and Society) SEM1or 2 1 10 SP English ML7200 Intro to Academic Studies in the UK SEM1 1 20 LWO English
ML8100 Intro to Translation Methods SEMD 1 20 LWO English
ML8101 Intro to Translation Theory SEMD 1 20 DG/KG English
ML5110 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Advanced SEMD 1 20 AD English
ML5112 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Advanced SEM1 1 10 AD English
ML5111 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Beginners SEMD 1 20 AD English
ML5113 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Beginners SEM1 1 10 AD English
ML8103 Modern Italy: Birth of a Nation? SEMD 1 20 FV English
ML8003 Modern Italy: Birth of a Nation? SEM2 1 10 FV English
ML8013 Modern Italy: Birth of a Nation? SEM1 1 10 FV English
ML7103 Introduction to German History and Culture (Adv) SEMD 1 20 HP English
ML7003 Introduction to German History and Culture - Contemporary German History (Advanced & Beginners)
SEM1 1 10 HP English
ML7104 Introduction to German History and Culture (Beg) SEMD 1 20 HP English
ML2142 Introduction to German History and Culture - German Texts (Beginners) SEM2 1 10 HP English
ML2143 Introduction to German History and Culture - German Culture (Advanced) SEM2 1 10 HP English
ML1113 Modern France SEM1 1 10 NP English
ML1115 Modern France SEM2 1 10 NP English
ML1581 Japanese History SEMD 1 20 M.Umemura English
ML1501 Japanese History SEM1 1 10 M.Umemura English
ML4110 Introduction to Lusophone Studies SEMD 1 20 RA English
ML2399 At the roots of European Culture SEM1 2 20 VM English
ML1298 Innovations in European Literature SEM2 2 20 ML English
ML2299 Principles of Translation Theory SEM2 2 20 CMar English
ML2298 Introduction to Specialised Translation SEM1 2 20 CSM English
ML0091 Landmark Films from Spain & Latin America SEM2 2 20 RP English
ML0296 Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote SEM1 2 20 TA English
ML8092 History of Art SEM1 2 20 VM English
ML8294 Dante: the Journey and the Mission SEM2 2 20 GB English
ML8395 Italian Cinema: Fantasy, Desire, Trauma SEM1 2 20 FV English
ML8203 Memories of Italian Fascism SEM1 2 20 LWO English
ML7006 German Drama (Advanced) (in English) SEM1 2 20 MH English
ML7091 Storm and Stress (beginners) SEM1 2 20 JB English
ML7290 Bertolt Brecht (taught in German) SEM2 2 20 JB English
ML7293 National Socialism and its Legacy SEM2 2 20 HF English ML6286 Women & the Second World War in France SEM2 2 20 HD English
ML6082 Film, Television and Radio: Multimedia adaptation of nineteenth century texts
SEM2 2 20 KG English/French
ML6200 Imaging the Islands: Francophone Caribbean Cultures SEM1 2 20 CH English/French
ML6092 History of French Labour SEM1 2 20 NP English/French
ML2595 Contemporary Japanese Society SEMD 2 20 English
ML2505 Contemporary Japanese Society SEM1 2 10 English
ML4212 Symbols of the Portuguese-Speaking World SEM1 2 20 RA English
ML4210 Short Literature in Portuguese (Pre-requisites: ML4111 or equivalent – eg, B1 in CEF for Erasmus)
SEM2 2 20 RA English
ML2302 European Cinema: thinking the real of fiction SEM2 Final 20 FV English
ML1399 may-68 SEM2 Final 20 Marc Schweissinger
English/French
ML2393 Translation as a Profession SEM1 Final 20 CMar English/French
EU0085 Women's voices in Contemporary Spain SEM2 Final 20 ML English
ML0080 Politics and Society in Spain SEM1 Final 20 AD English ML8093 Italian Migrations SEM2 Final 20 LWO English
ML0397 Twentieth Century Italian Women's Writing SEM2 Final 20 VM English
ML7370 Geschichte oder Geschichten? Die Gegenwartsliteratur im historischen Kontext
SEM2 Final 20 HE English/ German
ML7001 The GDR in Literature & Visual Culture SEM1 Final 20 MH English/ German
ML6381 Writing Africa SEM2 Final 20 RL English/French
LANGUAGE MODULES
Code Title Semester Year Credits Module Leader
Language of delivery
Language Proficiency (target language)
ML1103 Specialised English Language SEMD 20 NJ English ML1120 Specialised English Language SEM1 or 2 1 10 NJ English
ML5101 Spanish Language Year 1 Advanced SEMD 1 20 RPdB Spanish
ML5012 Spanish Language Year 1 Advanced SEM1 1 10 RPdB Spanish
ML5102 Spanish Language Year 1 Beginners SEMD 1 20 RPdB English/ Spanish
ML5122 Spanish Language Year 1 Beginners SEM1 1 10 RPdB English/ Spanish
ML3101 Italian language (year 1) advanced SEMD 1 20 Fviglione English/ Italian B1
ML3120 Italian language (year 1) advanced SEM1 1 10 Fviglione English/ Italian B1
ML3121 Italian language Beginners SEM1 1 10 CL English/ Italian A1/A2
ML3102 Italian language Beginners SEMD 1 20 CL English/ Italian A1/A2
ML2136 German Language Advanced SEMD 1 20 EO English/ German B1
ML2121 German Language Advanced SEM1 1 10 EO English/ German B1
ML2137 German Language Beginners SEMD 1 20 MS English/ German no prerequisite
ML2122 German Language Beginners SEM1 1 10 MS English/ German no prerequisite
ML1104 Contemporary French Language SEMD 1 20 MGJ English/ French B1/B2
ML1131 Contemporary French Language SEM1 or 2 1 10 MGJ English/ French B1/B2
ML6197 French for Beginners SEM1 or 2 1 20 NS English/French
ML6198 French for Beginners SEMD 1 10 NS English/French
ML1582 Elementary Japanese SEM1 1 20 Mlb English/Japanese
ML1682 Elementary Japanese SEM2 1 20 Mlb English/Japanese
ML4111 Portuguese Language for Beginners SEMD 1 20 RA English
ML0299 Spanish Language Advanced (for ex-advanced) SEMD 2 20 RPdB Spanish
ML0967 Spanish Language Advanced (for ex-advanced) SEM1 2 10 RPdB Spanish
ML0298 Spanish Language Beginners (for ex-beginners) SEMD 2 20 RPdB Spanish
ML0008 Spanish Language Beginners (for ex-beginners) SEM1 2 10 RPdB Spanish
ML0294 Introduction to Catalan Culture and Language SEMD 2 20 MC English/Catalan
ML0194 Introduction to Catalan Culture and Language SEM1 2 10 MC English/Catalan
ML0087 Business Spanish SEM2 2 20 CSM Spanish B2/C1 in Spanish
ML8299 Italian language (A) ex-advanced. B2 SEMD 2 20 Fviglione Italian B2
ML8009 Italian language (A) ex-advanced. B2 SEM1 2 10 Fviglione Italian B2
ML8296 Italian language Ex-beginners. B1 SEMD 2 20 CL Italian B1
ML8006 Italian language Ex-beginners. B1 SEM1 2 10 CL Italian B1
ML7298 German Language Ex-Beginners SEMD 2 20 MS German A1
ML7008 German Language Ex-Beginners SEM1 2 10 MS German A1
ML7299 German Language Ex-Advanced SEMD 2 20 EO German B2
ML7009 German Language Ex-Advanced SEM1 2 10 EO German B2
ML7288 Business German I (in German) SEMD 2 20 EO/HE German B2
ML6299 French Language (for ex-advanced) SEMD 2 20 RL/CM French B2
ML6967 French Language (for ex-advanced) SEM1 2 10 RL/CM French B2
ML6287 French Language (for ex-beginners) SEMD 2 20 NS French
tbc French Language (for ex-beginners) SEM1 2 10 NS English/French
ML6094 Business French I SEM1 2 20 GC English/French A2
ML2596 Intermediate Japanese SEM1 2 20 MK English/ Japanese
ML2506 Intermediate Japanese SEM1 2 10 MK English/ Japanese
ML2696 Intermediate Japanese SEM2 2 20 MK English/ Japanese
ML8696 Intermediate Japanese SEM2 2 10 MK English/ Japanese
ML4211 Portuguese Language 2 (Pre-requisites: ML4111 or equivalent – eg, B1 in CEF for Erasmus)
SEMD 2 20 RA B1
ML0082 Spanish Language (BA Languages) SEM1 Final 20 BR Spanish C1 in Spanish
ML0381 Catalan Language and Society (Prereq ML0294) SEMD Final 20 MC English/Catalan
ML0181 Catalan Language and Society (Prereq ML0294) SEM1 or 2 Final 10 MC English/Catalan
ML0383 Spanish for Professional Purposes SEM2 Final 20 CSM Spanish C1
ML8007 Italian Language (BA Languages). SEM1 Final 20 VM Italian C1
ML8386 Italian for professional purposes SEM2 Final 20 VM Italian B2
ML7390 German Language (BA Languages) SEM1 Final 20 MS German
ML7387 German for professional purposes SEM2 Final 20 EO German
ML6080 French Language (BA Languages) SEM1 Final 20 MLJ/CM French
ML6396 French for Professional Purposes SEM2 Final 20 MLJ/JM French B2
ML5421 Advanced Japanese SEM1 Final 20 English/Japanese
ML5422 Japanese for Business SEM2 Final 20 Mlg English/Japanese
ML5423 Japanese for Humanities SEM2 Final 20 Mlg English/Japanese
MODULES DESCRIPTION
CONTENT MODULES
Tbc Introduction to Modern Britain (Politics and So ciety)
This course will introduce students to the politics and society of modern Britain. It will assume no prior knowledge of Britain, politics or sociology. Key concepts from these disciplines will be introduced as necessary. Although delivered in self-contained lectures, the course is structured in a way so as to enable students to understand how changes in one area impact upon others.
During the first academic semester, this course will examine the historical context of modern British politics, including the welfare state, integration into the European Union (EU) and the rise of the class system. The UK political system will be examined through lectures on key political actors, groups and institutions.
ML7200 Intro to Academic Studies in the UK
This course aims to prepare students for successful study at Cardiff University, developing the key skills – including those associated with using English for academic purposes – that are required to facilitate learning, independent study and effective assessment outputs in modules offered across the School and in the wider Higher Education environment. It is anticipated that some students will be able to attend certain parts of the module in order to supplement the skills-based learning on other more content-based modules. Assessment will be adapted for these students.
ML8100 Intro to Translation Methods
The module aims to provide students with knowledge of the basic methodological steps to translate a non-specialised text. On completion of the module a student will be able to understand the principles guiding translation methods and have a basic knowledge of the methods and tools of general translation. Syllabus content:
- General translation and specialised translation; - Translation and interpretation techniques; - Text typology and types of translation; - Translation procedures; - Lexical, grammatical, textual and cultural equivalence; - Styles and registers; - Finding documentation. ML8101 Intro to Translation Theory
The module aims to give a survey of the main theoretical approaches to translation. On completion of the module a student will be able to have an understanding of the use of theory for translation and the ability to analyse the nature and relevancy of various theoretical arguments with regard to translation practice. Syllabus content: - Translation in the field of social and human sciences; - Translation as an academic object and discipline; - Basic concepts and principles in translation; - Main theoretical trends in translation theory; - The social role and the social status of translation; - Translation and culture; - History of translation. ML5110/ ML5112 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Advanced
The module introduces first year students of Spanish (Advanced) to key concepts in Spanish and Hispanic American history and culture. Short texts from different eras and a range of genres (historiography, narrative, drama, poetry, film) will be examined with regard to their context of production and specific way of constructing meaning. Basic critical concepts and methods for textual analysis will be introduced and applied to the materials studied. On completion of the module a student will be able to demonstrate comprehension of the geographical and linguistic diversity of Spain and Hispanic America, as well as to show a knowledge and understanding of key periods in history that shaped modern Spain and Hispanic America.
ML5111/ ML5113 Introduction to Hispanic Studies Beginners
The module introduces first year students of Spanish (Beginners) to key concepts in Spanish and Hispanic American history and culture. Short texts from different eras and a range of genres (historiography, narrative, drama, poetry, film) will be examined with regard to their context of production and specific way of constructing meaning. Basic critical concepts and methods for textual analysis will be introduced and applied to the materials studied. The module is team-taught by Spanish staff in weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures give an introduction to any given topic; they are a starting-point, designed to guide students’ own independent reading. Seminars will address in more detail specific aspects of the texts studied and give room for discussion. All Spanish-language materials will also be provided in English translation.
ML8103/ ML8003 Modern Italy: Birth of a Nation?
The main aim of the course is to evaluate critically the development of Italy by focusing on its history, politics, culture and society. More specifically, the course will explore and examine a number of issues, problems, influences and attitudes related to the understanding Italian national history. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to both assess the academic literature in the field and identify the principal determining characteristics of modern Italian society. In general terms, students will be expected to understand and analyse critically the major social, political and economic developments in Italy since the late 18th century.
ML7103/ML7003/ML2143 Introduction to German History and Culture (Advance d)
Part One: Contemporary German History (autumn semester) More than twenty years on, the fall of the Berlin Wall in the autumn of 1989 is still one of the most written about historical events in twentieth century German history. Why was there a wall in the middle of Berlin? How did it come to symbolise the division of Germany and indeed of Europe for 28 years? Why had Germany been divided in the first place? What was life like in the two Germanys of the Cold War? Why, after 40 years of existence, did the GDR collapse in 1989? Why did the Federal Republic survive? Did it, in fact, survive? What are the problems and prospects of reunified Germany today? These and other questions will be explored in Part One of this module, which provides an overview of major issues and developments in contemporary German history and historiography. It can serve as a base for all further studies on modern German history, society and culture. Part Two: German Culture – Modernity and Metamorphosis (spring semester) Part two of this module introduces two cultural movements which go to the heart of what is distinctive in German-language culture - Modernism and Romanticism. These movements are studied by examining a series of landmark stories by famous writers. Besides introducing cultural movements and landmark works, part two of the module introduces techniques of textual analysis.
ML7104/ML2142 Introduction to German History and Cu lture (Beginners)
This module introduces you to key developments in German history and culture since 1945. It consists of two parts: Part One: Contemporary German History (autumn semester) More than twenty years on, the fall of the Berlin Wall in the autumn of 1989 is still one of the most written about historical events in twentieth century German history. Why was there a wall in the middle of Berlin? How did it come to symbolise the division of Germany and indeed of Europe for 28 years? Why had Germany been divided in the first place? What was life like in the two Germanys of the Cold War? Why, after 40 years of existence, did the GDR collapse in 1989? Why did the Federal Republic survive? Did it, in fact, survive? What are the problems and prospects of reunified Germany today? These and other questions will be explored in Part One of this module, which provides an overview of major issues and developments in contemporary German history and historiography. It can serve as a base for all further studies on modern German history, society and culture. Part Two: German Texts (spring semester) Part two of this module is designed to introduce aspects of German culture through a selection of poems and pop songs. The texts will be discussed and analysed in their relevant historical contexts. Students will have to write four commentaries. The module will be taught both in German and in English.
ML1113/ML1115 Modern France
This course will introduce students to the history, culture politics and economics of post-war France. It will assume no prior knowledge of France, of literary and cultural studies or politics and economics. Key concepts from these disciplines will be introduced as necessary. Although delivered in self-contained lectures, the course is structured in a way so as to enable students to see how as to enable students to see how changes in one area impact upon others. The first semester focusses on conflict and culture in post-war France, beginning with an exploration of the impact of the Second World War on French society. It will then proceed to analyse the impact of France’s empire and the bloody process of decolonisation on its sense of national identity. The module will then move onto explore the Algerian War (1958-62) before discussing the issues of post-war immigration and integration in contemporary France in a prescribed film. Throughout the semester, the emphasis will be on how war and conflict, both home and abroad, have shaped French society and its development. The second semester returns to questions of colonialism/decolonisation by examining the political role of France in the world from the late nineteenth century to the contemporary period. The module will show how France became involved in colonial conquest and how her African empire came to be considered as vital to France's identity as a great power. It will examine the process of decolonisation and how the loss of empire affected France’s role in the world. It will show how France has, in the post-colonial period, sought to maintain her great power status through active military interventions overseas, an ambivalent stance towards globalisation and an enduring attachment to Europe. The focus then turns to how France has been transformed from a rural economy and society, largely trading with her colonial empire to a modern post-industrial one firmly integrated into the European Union, as well as the impact of such developments on the social structures of modern France. The course will then examine the presidential constitutional framework of modern France, how this was established and evolved, and how it is translated into practice. The role of the major political parties within this political system will also be examined.
ML1581 / ML1501 Japanese History
The aim of the module is to provide students with a sound understanding of Japanese history up to the end of the Pacific War, focussing upon the development of Japan as a nation and national identity in Japan. It will also develop an awareness of the importance of Japanese history in understanding modern Japanese society.
The module will also provide students with a sound understanding of Japan’s economic development from the Meiji Period up to the stagnation in the post-bubble period, together with an awareness of the importance of Japanese history in understanding modern Japanese society.
ML4100 Introduction to Lusophone Studies
This course will introduce students to the history, politics, literature and culture of the Portuguese-speaking world, including Portugal, Brazil, Lusophone Africa and Lusophone Asia. It will assume no prior knowledge of Portuguese, or of the Lusophone world. Key concepts from relevant disciplines will be introduced as necessary. The course is structured in such a way that students will learn about key historical and political periods through lectures, and these periods will be explored in more detail through seminars on related cultural ‘texts’ (such as prose literature, poetry, film, and song). The course is designed so that students will develop their understanding of the relationship between social and political events and the cultures of specific regions. The first semester focuses on the history of the Lusophone world from early colonisation to the beginning of the twentieth century. It will cover the period of the European expansions into Africa, Asia and the Americas, considering the impact of colonisation, slavery, economic and political change on the regions colonised by the Portuguese. Throughout the semester, the emphasis will be on the impact of Portuguese colonisation and the shift away from monarchy to republics in Portugal and Brazil.
ML1295 At the roots of European Culture
The module aims to describe how Western Europe got to know about classical works which had been long lost. This was thanks to the cultural contacts with the Roman Eastern Empire and the Muslim world. The module offers a historical, religious and linguistic introduction before focusing on the translation and cultural issues, such as literature, music, architecture and others. There is also an overview of the religion and culture of Islam and its influence on Medieval Europe. Between the eleventh and fourteenth century Italy, Spain and the Eastern Empire played a vital role in the transmission of ancient philosophical and scientific knowledge in the Mediterranean area which would eventually lead to the development of the Renaissance.
ML1298 Innovations in European Literature
This course explores the changing face of European literature in the modern period. Concentrating on key literary works from French, German, Italian and Spanish-language cultures in the nineteenth and twentieth century, it focuses on the theme of ‘innovation’, covering subject matter, historical, social and cultural movements, and elements of style, structure and aesthetics. The course explores the interrelationship of different European literatures and offers students the possibility to enhance their understanding of the cultures of their chosen degree subjects. It also provides the opportunity to situate that culture comparatively within a wider European context. Students will be required to read the text of the language for which they are enrolled on the module, in the original language (not the translation). Other texts may be read in translation.
ML2299 Principles of Translation Theory
The module aims to explore the main principles and concepts proposed in translation theory. On completion of the module a student will be able to have an understanding of the epistemological framing of translation theory. Syllabus content: - Theoretical turns and paradigmatical shifts in translation theory; - Theory for translation: Models and methods; - Norms and equivalence; - Fidelity and loyalty; - Function and intention; - Ethics and politics of translation.
ML2298 Introduction to Specialised Translation
The module aims to provide students with knowledge of the basic methodological steps to translate specialised texts. On completion of the module a student will be able to: •Understand the principles guiding the translation of specialised texts; •Have a basic knowledge of the methods to translate specialised texts; •Understand the specific textual features of different specialised translation fields.
ML0291 Landmark Films from Spain & Latin America
Landmark Films from Spain and Latin America is an introduction to pivotal films from Spain, Cuba, and Mexico. Among the titles we will study are several films regarded as masterpieces of world cinema as well as more light hearted and entertaining movies. Early films by Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel are the starting point and the module follows the course of Spanish surrealism to Latin America with Los olvidados, one of the most outstanding
films to be made in Mexico. A comedy from Spain, Bienvenido Mr Marshall ushers in a thaw in Spain’s post-war relationship with the rest of the world. More recent films by Pedro Almodóvar illustrate the enormous changes experienced in Spanish society in the 80s, especially the emergence of feminist discourse. From the surrealists’ revolutionary cinema, the module moves to the cinema of revolution and two films marking watersheds in Cuban history. Memorias del subdesarrollo and Fresa y chocolate explore the upheavals in twentieth century Cuban society and the first efforts to acknowledge in Cuban cinema the persecution of dissidents and minorities. The module aims to allow students to interpret what is specifically Spanish or Latin American about the core films and to be able to apply these insights and be confident in enjoying the body of Hispanic cinema. Lectures are supplemented by regular small group teaching in seminar format where students lead discussion of the films through presentation of assigned viewing and reading.
ML0296 Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote
The adventures of the nobleman Don Quijote de la Mancha and his squire Sancho Panza have entertained readers ever since the novel’s original publication four centuries ago (1605/15). The Quijote has made a significant impact not only on narrative literature, but also on the arts and language beyond the Spanish-speaking world. Don Quijote tilting against windmills is only one of many episodes that have become proverbial. The module introduces students to this key text of European literature and its reception from the 17th century to the present. In order to access the complexity of Cervantes’s two-part novel, the text will be contextualised both historically and aesthetically.
ML8092 History of Art
The Italian Middle Ages and the Renaissance are key periods of artistic achievement in the history of Europe and Western Culture. This module will introduce the students to the development of Italian art, with special reference to painting, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period. The module aims to provide an understanding of works of art within their historical context
by examining issues such as politics, class, religion, patronage, audience, gender and function. Artists such as Cimabue, Giotto, Beato Angelico, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini and Titian will be studied through their artistic production.
ML8294 Dante: the Journey and the Mission
In his Divine Comedy, Dante transforms his use of the medieval courtly love lyric to produce one of the masterpieces of World literature. The module comprises a study of Dante the pilgrim’s fictitious journey through the regions of the afterlife: Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. At the level of the story it will examine the descent into the depths of Hell, the arduous climb up the mountain of Purgatory, the pilgrim’s eventual encounter with his beloved Beatrice and the ensuing journey together through the joys of Paradise. At the level of interpretation, it will examine the two major purposes of the work. The
module will thus show how the fears, escapades, suffering and joy undergone by Dante the pilgrim in his meetings with the sinners, penitents and the saved, should be seen as symbolic representations of possible stages of religious, spiritual or psychological growth in the personal life-journey of the individual reader. We will also examine the symbolic presentation of major social, political and religious problems besetting Italian, and particularly Florentine, society, in his day. In this respect the module will examine the reforms Dante the author proposes as solutions to the problems created by the greed and unrestrained hunger for power he sees as characteristic of his age.
ML8290 Italian Cinema: Fantasy, Desire, Trauma
The module aims to evaluate a number of key issues related to post-war Italian cinema by focusing on approximately 8 films (divided in inter-related thematic sections) by prominent Italian directors. It makes use of psychoanalytic theory as well as other methodological approaches to explore the cinematic treatment of topics such as Fascism, Family, Rebellion, Terrorism and Comedy. Cinema is treated as an art form that retains linguistic, cultural and socio-political significance. Considerable emphasis is placed on approaching film narratives from both a technical and theoretical angle. Week by week, students will also be introduced to a number of psychoanalytic concepts which will help them understand the mechanisms behind the making of cinematic meaning.
ML8293 Memories of Italian Fascism
This module invites students to review the way in which the fascist period (1922-43) in Italy and its colonies have been represented and remembered in Italian cultural production, during the period itself and in subsequent years. Students will analyse the historical background to the period, and then examine textual and filmic representations of fascism developed during the period and in the immediate postwar era, and the later legacy of fascism and Italian colonialism. This will include discussion of the British-Italian community, Students will use historical research to inform their analysis of cultural production. Students should be aware that although historical understanding of the period provides crucial background to the module, the majority of lectures and seminars will focus on cultural studies.
ML7006 German Drama (Advanced) (in English)
The emphasis of this class is on developing the ability to read and engage critically with drama in German. Based on a close reading of five representative dramas (plus excerpts from another two), we will investigate how the formal approach to dramatic writing differs in various literary periods, what the language tells us about the respective cultural and historical contexts, and how questions of life and death, of good and evil, are portrayed. Using approaches adapted from selected theoretical writings, we will analyse and compare the most significant characteristics of these works, focusing
on dialogue, character constellation, action, place, and staging. Besides extending and reinforcing command of the language, engagement with the dramas will allow students to gain a better understanding of the rich literary heritage of German in both cultural and linguistic contexts.
ML7291 Storm and Stress
This module will introduce to various aspects of the Storm and Stress era in Germany (1762-1789). We will discuss the cultural and political implications of artists such as Mozart, Haydn, Lenz, Schiller and Goethe. We will do a close reading of Goethe’s novel Die Leiden des jungen Werther/The Sorrows of Young Werther, and learn about the music, visual culture, theatre, poetry and prose from a period which has been a unique German cultural époque. We will use a bi-lingual edition. This module is designed primarily for ex-beginners in German Language.
ML7290 Bertolt Brecht
In this module students will learn to critically assess a fast amount of literary texts written by Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956). Brecht will be investigated as somebody who was a revolutionary on different fronts, as a playwright, poet, film director, theory and politics. All the different stages and metiers will be illustrated with his writings.
ML7293 National Socialism in History and Memory
70 years on from the end of the Second World War, National Socialism and its unprecedented crimes understandably remain the most written about historical events in twentieth century German history. What happened in Germany to bring about the establishment of the ‘thousand year Reich’? How was it possible for the Nazi movement to gain ground in the highly developed and sophisticated German society in the first place? Why did innumerable Germans support the regime and, at a later stage, even engage in the Nazi-led genocide? In the decades since how has ‘the darkest period in history’ remembered and why? The first half of this course looks at National Socialism in its historical context, whilst the second half explores how and why the Nazi past has been remembered across the ensuing decades.
ML6286 Women & the Second World War in France
This module will examine the experience of women in France during the Second World War, particularly during the Occupation and the Liberation. It will examine the ways in which French women developed strategies for survival and why some were drawn towards collaboration or resistance. It will mobilise gender as the basis for understanding the differences in men and women’s experiences of this difficult and traumatic time in French history. It
will analyse the importance of the Liberation and the events that immediately followed it when numerous women across the country who were believed to have compromised themselves with the Germans were punished by having their heads shaved. Paradoxically, at about the same time, in 1944, French women finally gained the right to vote. The module will conclude by considering the impact of all these events on women’s lives and the role that emerged for them in post war French society.
ML6082 Film, Television and Radio: Multimedia adapt ation of nineteenth century texts
Film, television and radio have, since their birth, been fascinated by nineteenth-century France. This module both investigates why modern media continue to turn to the works of this era for inspiration and how they adapt them. While work on adaptation is dominated by the study of cinema and theatre, this module turns instead to assess adaptation in a multimedia context by concentrating on radio and television. These two media have very different aesthetic frameworks and practical requirements from cinema. Consequently they produce very different adaptations. The module evaluates specific authors in relation to a specific medium with which they enjoy a telling affinity: Flaubert and radio, Maupassant and television, Zola and film. In their affinities with specific media, such adaptations help us better to read the theories, form and content of the authors in question.
ML6200 Imaging the Islands: Francophone Caribbean C ultures
Slavery and films about slavery have been trending on Twitter in recent years, confirming that its legacies continue to shape modern society. In the Francophone Caribbean slavery was abolished in the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe in 1848. In 1946 the islands voted to become French départements. Haiti, on the other hand, became the first Black republic of the Western hemisphere in 1804 after gaining independence from France. This module examines how visual cultures might propose new perspectives on slavery, colonialism and immigration in the Francophone and Creolophone Caribbean islands and their diasporic communities in France. We will explore a range of textual, visual and digital media, from artists and thinkers from the late eighteenth century to the contemporary period, whose work engages with issues such as race, identity, gender and visuality. We will question how vision is linked to practices of power and inequality in the Francophone Caribbean whilst also addressing the importance of oral traditions and the Creole language in performing resistance and cultural memory.
ML6092 History of French Labour
The French labour movement is often seen as a disruptive force in French society, striking at the drop of a hat and attempting to hold governments to ransom through direct action for no other reason than the French like a good strike. This module aims to challenge these myths by examining the history of the French labour movement from the early nineteenth century to the present day. A history of worker insurrection and repression, and the troubled relationship between workers and the republic are considered as the background to the formation of working class political parties and trade unions. The
radical beginnings and separate development of the political and industrial wings of the labour movement are then examined before the impact of World War One is analysed as the catalyst for the creation of the modern French labour movement, split between communist and reformist elements. The weak integration of the labour movement into French capitalism during the long post-war boom, culminating in the May 68 strike wave, is then the focus of attention before trade union decline since the 1970s - under the impact of economic, political and social change - is analysed. The module concludes with an examination of different theoretical approaches to, and explanations for, the development of the French labour movement. The emphasis throughout is on how a better understanding of the history of the labour movement can enable a more informed appreciation of its present state and actions.
ML2595 / ML2505 Contemporary Japanese Society
The aim of the module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s contemporary political, economic, educational and social systems.
ML4212 Symbols of the Portuguese-Speaking World
This module will introduce students to the cultures and societies of the modern Portuguese-speaking world through a critical perspective on recognisable symbols, such as public and cultural figures, locations, events and/or objects. The module will encourage students to place such “symbols” within the geographical, temporal and political context from which they emerged, and to critique the ways in which these symbols have been appropriated, exploited, interpreted and re-evaluated up to the present day. For example, the module may cover: the appropriation of specific cultural figures under dictatorship; the cultural exploitation of ideas about place by specific groups; the modulating political and historical resonances of specific objects or places. Throughout the module, students will be introduced to appropriate theories and methodologies from fields such as visual cultures and postcolonial studies as a means of approaching a critical reading of the “texts” they encounter.
ML4210 Short Literature in Portuguese
This module will introduce students to reading literary texts in Portuguese, from across the Lusophone world. The module will enable students to develop language awareness and critical reading skills, to situate a variety of texts in their historic-cultural contexts, and to draw comparisons between texts from different times and places. Students will be introduced to relevant critical and theoretical concepts to support their critique of the text in question. For example, the module may cover: poetry, prose, drama; literature of resistance; postcolonial literature; narratology and prosody; gender; and authorship.
ML2302 European Cinema: thinking the real of fictio n
European cinema encourages us to understand how our reality itself is a medium whose symbolic configuration and hidden foundations we tend to overlook. By taking seriously recent developments in film theory, it will be shown the extent to which nothing gets more real than film: what European cinema allows us to appreciate is precisely that there is no reality for us except through complex networks of fictional representation. Through the analysis of a selection of classic as well as contemporary European films, the module will probe questions concerning the constitution and dissolution of subjective identities as well as social and symbolic settings. While the films studied in this course are embedded in specific historical contexts, which will be discussed in depth, they also transcend those contexts, opening up areas of investigation beyond what they explicitly connote.
ML1399 May 68
This is a School-wide undergraduate course which provides the opportunity to explore and study the basic elements and theoretical framework of various cultural and political aspects of the 1960s in a wider European context. The course will focus on the cultural ‘break’ represented by the ‘long sixties’ [the late 1950s to the late 1970s], known as ‘the sixties’ and of which May 68 (or even ’68) is not only a description of ‘iconic’ French events, but also a shorthand and metaphor for events in Europe (France, Spain, Italy and (East and West) Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria and former Yugoslavia). There will be a special focus on student protests and left-wing terrorism in Europe. Central in the teaching and learning in the course are the major paradigm shifts in the late 1960s in politics and culture related to political events. At the same time, the course will focus on various artistic representations of the protest cultures, i.e. folk music and poetry in the 1960s and 70s, and the reconstructions or “afterlives” in for example film, novels and theatre today.
ML2393 Translation as a Profession
While continuing to strengthen the students’ linguistic and critical skills, the module will look at translation as a profession and introduce students to the different contexts they may encounter in their future as translators (the world of freelance translation, translation agencies, governmental translation units). Through a series of case studies, we will develop the students’ problem-solving skills but also alert them to some of the real-life challenges and constraints of the translation profession (time-management, managing resources, the need to develop and maintain networks, institutional pressures and competition) The students will work in groups on 4 case studies (a series of texts to be translated, with a particular brief) following a set professional code of practice and within a set time frame.
ML0397 Women’s Voices in Contemporary Spain
This module deals with literary (novels and short stories) and visual (films, graphic novels) texts produced by women in Spain in the last thirty years. The module has an historical, interdisciplinary and intertextual approach that facilitates interconnected readings of the texts selected for in-depth analysis. The core texts are representative of women writers and filmmakers from different parts of Spain in order to include a rich cultural variety. Questions central to the module may include: identity and representation; textual construction of gender; female development; authorship and authority; cultural agency; female ‘alterity’ as a space for change and transformation; mother-daughter relationships and mothers as (a)historical subjects; critical dialogues with literary and cinematic traditions; gender/domestic violence; gender and trauma; silence as a strategy to disrupt hegemonic discourses; representation of illness and the medicalisation of women’s bodies; irony as a catalyst in ’disobedient’ discourses; and the recuperation of the historical memory of Republican women.
Knowledge of a selection of key theoretical approaches to narratology, feminism, social and cultural history, psychoanalysis, poststructuralism and postmodernism are also part of the module in order to enable students to engage with the texts under study in an informed and scholarly manner.
ML0080 Politics and Society in Spain
This course will examine Spanish politics and society since the death of Franco and the re-establishment of democracy in the mid-1970s. The course will be centred on examining the contemporary political and social situation in Spain.
ML8093 Italian Migrations
Italy has historically exported people abroad, mainly to the Americas. It was only in the mid 1980s that Italy became a net importer of people, attracting in particular immigrants from Albania, the former Yugoslavia and northern Africa. This module aims to analyse convergences and divergences between the experiences of early Italian emigrants in the United States in the first part of the twentieth century and those of the new wave of immigrants arriving in Italy from the 1990s onwards. The course aims to investigate the social, political and historical factors informing the migrations and to analyse the ways in which these are represented in texts (both written and film) produced by and about the migrants. Students will compare and contrast depictions of migrants and the experience of migration by Italian-Americans and migrants into Italy, exploring convergences and divergences between the texts and exploring whether Italy’s past experiences of emigration inform the ways in which migrants in contemporary Italy are received. The course further aims to assess the impact of Italian colonialism in Africa during the Fascist period on contemporary representations of immigration.
ML8391 Twentieth Century Italian Women's Writing
This module aims to examine how Italian women writers have responded to the social, political and cultural changes in Italian society in the twentieth century. Areas of special interest examined in the course will include the representation of the female self, the relationship between mother and daughter and the construction of a female genealogy. Aspects to be covered include history and critical theory. The syllabus content includes novels from Italian literature by female authors such as Sibilla Aleramo, Natalia Ginzuburg and Elsa Morante. The texts chosen may vary from year to year.
ML7370 Geschichte oder Geschichten? Die Gegenwartsl iteruatur im historischen Kontext
In this course we will explore the definition of historical fiction and/or fictionalised history through the study of a selection of contemporary works of literature. History reflected through the medium of family stories by way of fictional and biographical narratives and the ‘story telling approach’ to the life of historical figures form the basis of this module.
ML7001 The GDR in Literature & Visual Culture
This module aims to examine the representation of the German Democratic Republic, which existed from 1949 to 1990. By looking at a range of textual and visual sources, students engage critically with ways of understanding this “other” Germany and its distinctive cultures, ideologies and histories. The aim is to investigate a range of stories, essays, poems, films, posters and photographs, in order to compare and contrast the different perspectives afforded by different media and genres. Works, which address aspects of the GDR, are divided into two groups: those made before 1990 (semester one) and those made after 1990 (semester two). Aspects to be explored include: Cultural policy in the GDR; Writers, artists and intellectuals; The workers’ and peasants’ state; The Stasi; Nostalgia for Eastern culture
ML6381 Writing Africa
This course introduces students to the critical study of texts written in French by African authors from countries where French is an official language. The unique concerns of these works will be explored by examining the images they provide of, for example, relations between African and the West, the role of the African state, gender roles, the tension between tradition and modernity, and conflict between generations. The course will look in detail also at the innovative narrative techniques and literary stylistics that many of these texts display.
LANGUAGE MODULES
ML1103/ ML1120 Specialised English Language
This course builds on the students’ linguistic knowledge already learned in the home country. It aims to develop students’ confidence in using English both in the academic environment as well as outside the university. Students are given guidance and practice in all four of the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Attention is paid to those areas of the language which seem to cause participants the most difficulty in academic study.
ML5101/ ML5012 Spanish Language (Year 1) Advanced
This stage builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at A level stage or equivalent. It focuses on consolidating oral and written skills in working with Spanish at a high level. It integrates a number of topics, such as, indicatively, intercultural differences and the political and educational systems and key historical issues in the countries in which contemporary Spanish is spoken, with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. You will manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the Target Language, through, indicatively, translation into English, and vice versa, summary and commentary.
ML5102/ ML5122 Spanish Language (Year 1) Beginners
This module covers three stages of language learning: stages 1, 2 and 3, broadly equivalent to GCSE, AS and A Levels. STAGE 1 Stage 1 content: This stage provides an introduction to the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the Spanish language and to the cultural context in which it is used. A number of key language structures will be introduced and integrated with basic strategies for communication. There will also be a focus on the development of reading skills. STAGE 2 Stage 2 content: This stage of the module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in stage 1. It presents and practises key language structures, integrating them with strategies for communication. You will learn the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the language and also about the cultural context in which it is used. STAGE 3 Stage 3 content: The language studied at this stage will introduce you to some aspects of Spanish culture. There will be a particular emphasis on consolidating the knowledge and use of grammar acquired in stages 1 and 2.
ML3101/ ML3120 Italian language (year 1) advanced.
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at A-Level stage or equivalent. It integrates a number of key cultural issues with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. Students will manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the Target Language: indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this course corresponds to a B1/B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML3121/ ML3102 Italian language Beginners
The module implements an innovative methodology by which you will be taught exclusively through the medium of Italian from your very first lesson. Whereas you will do most of your reading and writing at home, in each class you will learn a new piece of grammar and spend the rest of the time trying to implement what you learn in small group conversations, with the support of the teacher and Italian exchange students. Therefore, you will not have separate classes for grammar, conversation, translation etc. but key language structures will be presented and practiced by integrating them with strategies for communication. You will also have the opportunity to attend up to 3 extra curriculum conversation classes per week with Italian Erasmus students. This makes for a more authentic experience. The methodology is so effective that by the end of your first year even complete beginners should be perfectly able to survive in Italy.
ML2136/ML2121 German Language Advanced
This stage builds upon the linguistic acquired at A level stage or equivalent. It integrates a number of topics, such as, indicatively, intercultural differences and the political and educational systems and key historical issues in the countries in which German is spoken, with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. You will transfer information from spoken and written texts in German into English, and vice versa, through indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. A systematic grasp of German grammar and syntax and the ability to put it to active use are stressed. Translation of modern texts such as newspaper articles on general subjects, and writing of exercises such as précis and essay to a fairly high standard, are integral to the course.
ML2137/ML2122 German Language Beginners
This module will enable students to acquire oral, aural, reading and writing skills in modern German; it is the first stage of a programme enabling students to follow careers involving the use of German at a high level. The module provides an introduction to the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the German language and to the cultural context in which it is used. This module covers the grammar and vocabulary to successfully communicate at level A1 on everyday situations and subjects.
ML1104/ ML1131 Contemporary French Language
The 3-hour course enables students to build on the French language skills they have acquired at A-level. It provides an understanding of the main rules of French grammar and helps students to improve their oral expression and aural comprehension. The course also enables students to develop their writing skills through a range of exercises including résumés and essays. The oral and aural skills are practiced through a varied pool of audio-video material, websites, films and computer programmes. Classes are taught in IT rooms with language laboratories or in rooms with multi-media equipment. Students also study contemporary French language through a short novel: an adaptation of Hugo's Les Misérables and a portfolio of up-to-date texts on French society. Students enrolled on this module subscribe to a series of regular podcasts which they can download on their smartphones or computers. The podcasts provide an introduction to the following week’s classes and initial reflection on the topic to be covered in class. The emphasis in on progressive language learning, with a heavy emphasis on continuous assessment.
ML6197/ML6198 French for Beginners
This module will enable students to acquire oral, aural, reading and writing skills in modern French; it is the first stage of a programme enabling students to follow careers involving the use of French at a high level. The module provides an introduction to the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the French language and to the cultural context in which it is used. On successful completion of the module a student will be able to Read, understand and speak French comfortably to the level of A2/B1 of the European Framework of Reference.
ML1582 Elementary Japanese
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the Japanese language; to provide them with the practical knowledge and calligraphic skills to recognise and reproduce the hiragana and katakana scripts and approximately 200 kanji (Chinese characters); and to introduce basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in both active and passive applications; to enable students to understand and to express spoken Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to read, comprehend and translate into English short passages of elementary-level Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to write short passages in Japanese. Pre-requisite: students should have learned the Jap anese alphabets (hiragana and katakana).
ML1682 Elementary Japanese
The aim of the module is to build upon the module ML1582 Elementary Japanese (Autumn) to provide students with the practical knowledge and calligraphic skills to recognise and reproduce the hiragana and katakana scripts and approximately 400 kanji (Chinese characters); and to introduce
basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in both active and passive applications; to enable students to understand and to express spoken Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to read, comprehend and translate into English short passages of elementary-level Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to write short passages in Japanese. Pre-requisite: students should have learned the Ja panese alphabets (hiragana and katakana).
ML4111 Portuguese Language for Beginners
This module provides a thorough introduction to the Portuguese language, including Brazilian and African variants of Portuguese. The module provides an introduction to the pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of the Portuguese language, and to the cultural contexts in which the language is used. A number of key language structures will be introduced and integrated with strategies for communication. There will also be a focus on the development of reading skills and topics based work, using the course textbook and other materials. By the end of the first semester, students will be able to talk about themselves and describe events in the present, past and future. There will be a focus on understanding and producing spoken and written Portuguese for specific contexts. The second semester will consolidate the knowledge and use of grammar acquired in part 1, and it will cover additional grammatical functions including the subjunctive mood. Students will increase their ability to understand and produce spoken and written Portuguese as a world language. ML0299/ ML0967 Spanish Language Advanced (for ex-advanced) (Year 2)
This stage builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at stage 4. It covers topics relating to aspects of the Spanish-speaking culture. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, political, economic, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language. On successful completion of the module a student will be able to understand most spoken discourse, recognise regional variation (indicatively, vocabulary, accent) and understand the significance and appropriateness of different spoken registers.
ML0298/ ML0008 Spanish Language Beginners (for ex-beginners ) (Year 2)
This stage builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at stage 3 or equivalent. It integrates a number of topics, such as, indicatively, intercultural differences and the political and educational systems and key historical issues in the countries in which contemporary Spanish is spoken, with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. You will transfer information from spoken and written texts in the TL into English, and vice versa, through, indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. This stage builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at stage 4. It covers topics relating to aspects of the Spanish-speaking culture. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, political, economic, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language.
ML0294/ ML0194 Introduction to Catalan Culture and Language
This module, a Year 2 option within Hispanic Studies, is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the Catalan language. The module provides an introduction to grammar, vocabulary and standard pronunciation of the Catalan language with the aim of enabling students to achieve a basic but sound level of competence in written and spoken Catalan and to reach a level corresponding to A2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (see http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre_en.asp). Catalan culture and an awareness of its history through knowledge of all the territories where Catalan is spoken is also part of the content of this module: Catalan is the official language of Andorra and the co-official one, together with Spanish, of Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. It is also spoken in some Eastern Aragonese villages, in Southern France and in the town of L’Alguer, in Sardinia. Reading, comprehending, speaking and writing through the practice of translation, grammar exercises, conversation and essay writing will be an essential part of the module. Basic texts from a variety of registers will be read and discussed in class. Audio and visual material will also be used to teach linguistic and cultural aspects of the module.
ML0087 Business Spanish
This module provides a practical introduction to the world of business in Spain. It focuses on key organisations such as companies and banks as well as important issues such as the euro and business ethics. It also offers valuable training in the preparation of Spanish business letters, faxes, emails and memos. At the end of this module, you should be able to demonstrate the linguistic competence and powers of analysis with which to deal competently with most communication within the Spanish business organisation.
ML8299/ ML8009 Italian language (A) ex-advanced
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Year 1 Advanced (Route 1). It covers topics relating to aspects of the Target Language (TL)-speaking culture. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, political, economic, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language. For Erasmus students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML8296/ ML8006 Italian language Ex-beginners
This stage builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Year 1. It covers topics relating to aspects of Italian culture. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language. For this purpose students will also engage with critical presentations on novels, short-stories and authors; comparative analyses of texts belonging to various historical periods and genres; translations of texts chosen among a wide range of registers, and through the scrutiny of various translation strategies. The content of the
syllabus will focus on the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the language and also on the cultural context in which it is used. While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students are expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like small group and in-pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. The target language will be used consistently in teaching.
ML7298/ML7008 German Language Ex-Beginners
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Year 1. It integrates a number of topics, such as, indicatively, intercultural differences and the political and educational systems and key historical issues in the countries in which the contemporary Target Language (TL) is spoken, with a deepening study of the structures, vocabulary and sounds of the language. You will transfer information from spoken and written texts in the TL into English, and vice versa, through indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. You will continue to learn the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of the language and also about the cultural context in which it is used. While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and you will be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. In most cases, the target language will be used. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this course corresponds to a B1/B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML7299/ML7009 German Language Ex-Advanced
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Year 1 Advanced (Route 1). It covers topics relating to aspects of the Target Language (TL)-speaking culture. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, political, economic, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML7288 Business German I (taught in German)
This module provides a practical introduction to the world of business in Germany. It focuses on key aspects of business life such as company structure and corporate identity, product development and marketing. It also offers valuable training in the preparation of German business correspondence. The module also prepares for an external exam at level B2 and is only suitable for students with an A-level in German.
ML6299/ML6967 French Language
This module involves a continuation and consolidation of language work done in Part 1 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study in France in the third year. This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into French efficiently; interpreting formally and informally between French and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; operating and presenting arguments effectively in French, monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. This course will also involve the translation from French into English of passages drawn from a range of journalistic, literary and other sources. It will focus on key translation issues (e.g., register, tone, style), identify techniques for overcoming linguistic problems encountered in translation, and enable students to expand their vocabulary in core areas covered in translation classes. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML6094 Business French I
This module provides a practical introduction to the world of business in France. It focuses on key organisations such as companies and banks as well as important issues such as the euro and business ethics. It also offers valuable training in the preparation of French business letters, faxes, emails and memos. Exchange students wishing to improve their English are advised against taking this course as the semin ars are taught in French and most of the handouts/readings are in French.
ML2596 Intermediate Japanese
The aim of the module is to build upon the student’s Japanese language knowledge and ability by continuing students’ training in the core structures of the Japanese language. Through reading, writing, speaking and listening it will continuously utilise and reinforce the foundations of the language learned before, and will introduce intermediate level grammar and language use.
ML2696 Intermediate Japanese
The aim of the module is to build upon the student’s Japanese language knowledge and ability by continuing students’ training in the core structures of the Japanese language. Through reading, writing, speaking and listening it will continuously utilise and reinforce the foundations of the language learned before, and will introduce intermediate level grammar and language use
ML4211 Portuguese Language 2
This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired at stage 4. It covers topics relating to aspects of the Portuguese-speaking culture. You will transfer information from spoken and written texts in the TL into English, and vice versa, through, indicatively, translation, summary and commentary. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, political, economic, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language.
ML0082 Spanish Language (BA Languages)
Through this course students develop and build on the Spanish language competencies acquired at previous levels; students will refine and expand oral and written skills and achieve the capacities for higher degrees of specialisation. It also addresses remaining deficiencies in grammar, syntax, and vocabulary in preparation for the exam at the end of the semester. In addition the course provides time to reflect on, analyse, and discuss aspects of Spanish culture and society in a contemporary context. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this corresponds to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML0381/ ML0181 Catalan Language and Society (Prereq ML0294)
This module builds upon the Year 2 module ‘Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture’ to strengthen, extend and refine students’ knowledge of written, aural and spoken Catalan. Year 4 students taking this module should have passed the Year 2 optional module Introduction to Catalan Culture and Language (‘Catalan Language and Culture 1’). The module concentrates on four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) to enable students to communicate effectively in the target language and to reach alevel corresponding to B1 within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (see http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre_en.asp). The main focus is on developing oral fluency, improving aural and reading comprehension skills, learning complex syntactic structures as well as new vocabulary, and perfecting students’ writing skills. The main activities will be translation (from and into Catalan), conversation, practising different types of language exercises and essay writing in Catalan. Teaching materials are selected with a view to introducing students to Catalan literature, culture, and society. With that in mind, students will be exposed to a number of literary and cinematic texts, and they will be expected to participate actively in discussions in the classroom and to prepare prescribed written material afterwards. Catalan sociolinguistics will also be a crucial area of knowledge to which the students will be introduced.
ML0383 Spanish for Professional Purposes
This module will build upon the language skills learnt in the first three years of the degree programme, and apply them to the translation of a variety of texts from Spanish into English, playing particular attention to lexical and grammatical accuracy, register, style and questions of idiom and expression. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this corresponds to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML8007 Italian Language (BA Languages)
The module covers topics relating to various aspects of Italian culture, focusing especially on literature and film and adaptation issues. It also deals with topics of contemporary relevance, such as, indicatively, social and cultural issues, and with contemporary varieties of the language. For this purpose students will also engage with critical presentations on novels, short-stories and authors; comparative analyses of texts belonging to various historical periods and genres; translations of texts chosen among a wide range of registers, and through the scrutiny of various translation strategies. While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students are expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like small group and in-pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. The target language will be used consistently in teaching.
ML8386 Italian for professional purposes
The module aims at enabling students to develop their linguistic skills in order to use them successfully in the workplace. To achieve this, they will study different text-types (media, business, legal, literature, science, technical) and learn to explore the specificity of the linguistic context, genre, register, style and meaning. They will translate the texts into English and enhance their specialised vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. The students’ knowledge of societal issues will be broadened and challenged through the exploration of the contexts.
ML7390 German Language (BA Languages)
This course delivered in the Autumn Semester is a continuation and consolidation of the language acquired so far and seeks to refine and consolidate oral and written skills to a higher degree of specialisation. It also addresses remaining deficiencies in grammar, syntax and vocabulary in preparation for the Final Examination. In addition the course provides time to reflect on, analyse and discuss aspects of German culture and society in a contemporary context. For Erasmus/Exchange students, this corresponds to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ML7387 German for professional purposes
The module aims at enabling students to develop their linguistic skills in order to use them successfully in the workplace. To achieve this, they will study different text-types (Media and Technology, Literature and Publishing, Sciences, Law and Politics, Business and Administration) and learn to explore the specificity of the linguistic context, genre, register, style and meaning. Students will translate specialised texts into English and enhance their specialised vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. The knowledge of societal issues will be broadened and challenged through the exploration of the contexts. For Erasmus/Exchange students: The level of this course corresponds to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
ML6080 French Language (BA Languages)
This module focuses on consolidating oral and written skills in working with French at a very advanced level. It includes the translation into English of examples of contemporary French as well as the translation into French of some written examples in English. It offers regular practice in oral discussion, presentation and debates on contemporary issues. It also provides a good revision of more advanced grammar points, reinforces the practice of written skills to write in French with precision and in detail.
ML6396 French for Professional Purposes
The module aims at enabling students to develop their linguistic skills in order to use them successfully in the workplace. To achieve this, they will study different text-types (media, business, legal, literature, science, technical) and learn to explore the specificity of the linguistic context, genre, register, style and meaning. They will translate the texts into English and enhance their specialised vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. The students’ knowledge of societal issues will be broadened and challenged through the exploration of the contexts. Please note, this module will be delivered through the medium of French.
ML5421 Advanced Japanese
This module aims to develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding of the Japanese language.
ML5422 Japanese for Business
This module aims to develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding of the Japanese language, focussing upon developing their ability to use Japanese in a business context whilst also developing a better understanding of Japanese business and economy.
ML5423 Japanese for Humanities
This module aims to develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding of the Japanese language, whilst also developing a better understanding of Japanese culture and society.