School of Modern Languages

and Cultures

The Language Centre

Academic Programme – Modules for credits normally taken as part of an undergraduate degree

course but also open to others (not for credit - for a fee)

Lifelong Language Programme – Not for credit language courses for students, staff and the local

community

The Language Centre

Located on the central campus, on the ground floor of the Humanities Building.

Equipped with digital language classrooms, with data projection and electronic whiteboards

Transnational Resource Centre with a collection of CDs and DVDs.

LANGUAGES

Arabic – 4 levels

Chinese (Mandarin) – 6 levels

French – 7 levels

German – 6 levels

Italian – 5 levels

Japanese – 5 levels

Portuguese – 3 levels

Russian – 5 levels

Spanish – 7 levels

Accelerated Modules for able linguists

In one year,

Beginners – Covers levels 1 and 2

Intermediate – Covers levels 3 and 4

Placement and Diagnostic Testing

GCSE → level 2

Int bac standard grade 4 → level 3

Int bac higher grade 4/5 → level 4

AS level grade A/B → level 4

A level grade A/B → level 5

Int bac higher grade 6/7 → level 5

Placement and Diagnostic Testing

Need to get the entry level placement right

Ensure appropriate fit to level

Guard against “easy” credits

Look at previous qualifications

Brief written test

Brief conversation with tutor

Possibility of change in first three weeks

Credits for Degrees

All modules can be taken for 30 credits or 24 credits

How many language modules can be taken and when - depends on degree

Lifelong Language Programme

As academic programme (languages at several levels)

+ Greek (modern) & Korean

Example of Progression

(Student can take language elective for credit in year 2 of degree)

Year 1 - takes academic module as paying extra

Year 2 - takes academic module within degree credits

Year 3 - keeps language up through Lifelong Language Learning programme

How Many Languages?

As many as you like!

For example – keep up a language from school, for academic credit, and try a new language not-for-credit.

Class contact (academic modules)

2 hours per week for European languages

3 hours per week for accelerated modules (European languages)

3 hours per week for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese

4 hours per week for accelerated modules (non-European languages)

(+ independent study and online language learning)

Language Skills

listening comprehension

reading comprehension

speaking

writing

lexis and grammar

skills in preparation for taking an active part in academic or social life in country of language studied

Native speakers for level 5 and above, and mostly at other levels too

Staffing

Assessment

Mixture of interim tests, e-portfolio, oral examination and end-of-year examinations

Innovative Strategies

Use of Moodle environment

Blended learning

Virtual online exchanges

E-portfolio assessment (post A-level)

Certification

Language learning appears on HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Record)

Expressed in terms of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)

Thank you

شكرا 谢谢您 Merci

Danke σας ευχαριστώ

Grazie ありがとう

Obrigada Спасибо Gracias