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Language and Communication Studies Courses

BA in French with International Development Studies (R1L9)

  • Course Code UNU1R9L9401F
  • Attendance Full Time
  • Overview
  • Why Choose Us
  • Requirements
  • Course Profile
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Overview
French with Development StudiesAs well as taking this programme from post-A level, it is possible to start from GCSE level in French. In this case, more intensive language study is provided prior to the year abroad in year three. This more intensive study reduces slightly the number of optional modules available in year one.

This four-year programme enables you to devote approximately one third of your time to the study of French honours language, one third to International Development Studies and one third either to language issues/culture or to Development Studies-related subjects. The programme includes a year abroad in year three for all students.


Degree Structure

The programme is designed to provide coherence and focus around core elements in relation to your main interests. Progression over four years is ensured by the careful sequencing of modules, from a range of introductory modules in the first year, to greater specialisation, and sophistication of approach in subsequent years. The programme is flexible, and a wide choice of modules is available for the pursuit of individual interests. French language and Development Studies are studied throughout the course. The modules in Development Studies offer you in-depth study of topical and regional matters to complement your language skills. The topical modules will build on the cultural element studied through the language, providing a broader and more politicised perspective on your language studies.

In year one, core study of the French language is combined with an introduction to Development Studies module following historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic.  You also choose at least one more area of specialist study in Development Studies:- Social Analysis for Development; Economics for Development; Natural Resources for Development. 

In year two, continued study of French language is combined with Development Studies, following the same area of specialist study started in year one. In years two and three you also choose up to about one third of the programme from a range of language and/or development related modules. You also have the option of taking a Subsidiary language in year two. Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied to intermediate level, (i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. In the area of Development Studies the options usually include, for example, Human Rights, Gender and Development, Public Policy and Welfare, Health, Education and Development, Globalisation and Economic Development. In the area of language issues/culture the options usually include, for example, French Language in Action (level 2), Translation and Adaptation, Translation Issues in the Media, Interpreting, Language and Gender, Language and Politics, Intercultural Communication.


Language Work

A typical semester will include four hours per week of French language study, but you are also expected to spend a significant proportion of your time working independently on the language. The seminars are varied, involving grammar, translation or interpreting into and out of French, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, comparison between texts in different languages, and oral work, including formal individual and group presentations. The material for study includes such items as subject-oriented dossiers, DVDs, on-line resources, as well as a wide range of selected texts covering topics from current affairs and cultural issues. The four hours per week of language work in years one and two at post-A level are followed by the year abroad, after which the Final Year consolidates and builds on improved competence acquired on the year abroad. Language work for beginners/post-GCSE entry students is more intensive and will cover all major grammatical areas as well as provide students with a level of speaking and understanding which will enable the year abroad to be taken with confidence.


Language Resources

The James Platt Language Centre houses a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, a digitised interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts in French and Spanish, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of French and Spanish DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.


Year Abroad

All students take their year abroad in year three in France or a French-speaking country. For further information, click on the Study Abroad tab above.


Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used in different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination. Coursework assessment includes written essays and translations, oral production and aural comprehension, lexical and comprehension exercises, oral presentations (individual and in groups), translations, annotated translations, summaries and paraphrases. Examinations test the same range of skills, including oral proficiency. Assessment in the international development courses is through essays, seminar presentations, teamwork and examination.

Events

Public Lecture Series: This public lecture series involves speakers from the UK, France and Spain, and enables our students, local secondary school students and teachers, and the public, to have access to outside input into debates about language, translation and culture.  More information on these can be found on our news and events website.

French and Spanish Film series: LCS runs a foreign film series for its home and visiting students and local A1 and A2 students. The screenings are of subtitled French and Spanish films. This helps increase exposure to foreign language and culture for the groups of students listed above while strengthening links with local schools. It also provides a regular event around which to focus informal tandem learning relationships between LCS language students and UEA’s community of French- and Spanish-speaking visiting students. The latter also collaborate with our students to organize quiz nights, cabaret events and so on.

In addition, LCS and the School of International Development work together and in conjunction with other schools to organise a series of film screenings, talks and cultural events related to development issues in countries where Spanish/French are spoken. Recent topics covered include the media and social movements in Mexico, Fair Trade in Costa Rica, the economic crisis and cartoneros in Argentina, and the contemporary political situation in Venezuela explored at a grassroots level. Guest speakers include filmmakers (Veronica Souto, Argentina, and Pablo Navarrete, Chile/Venezuela), musicians (Cuban hip-hop artists Obsesión and Los Paisanos), writers/academics (Diana Raby, author of ‘Democracy and Revolution: Cuba, Venezuela and Socialism Today’, 2006), and journalists (Sue Branford, co-author of ‘Chemical Warfare in Colombia: The Costs of Coca Fumigation’, 2005).
Course Organiser
Ms Hazel Marsh    
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