BA Spanish with International Development Studies

As well as taking this programme from post-A level, it is possible to start from beginners level in Spanish or GCSE level in Spanish. In these cases, 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 1.

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. Spanish and International Development are studied throughout the course. The modules in International Development 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 perspective on your language studies.

In Year One, core study of the Spanish language is combined with elements of language issues/cultural study relevant to students interested in Spanish speaking countries such as Popular Culture in Latin America; you also choose one area of specialist study in Development Studies - Social Analysis for Development (sociology, anthropology and politics) OR Economics for Development OR Natural Resources for Development. As most students are new to International Development, the first semester provides you with a background to the subject through the module Introduction to Development Studies following historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic. In Year Two, continued study of Spanish language is combined with International Development, following the same area of specialist study started in Year 1. In Years 2 and 3 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 2.

Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese and Russian. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. In the area of International Development the options usually include, for example, Human Rights, Gender and Development, Public Policy and Welfare, Health, Education and Development, Globalisation and Economic Development – Resource Development and Conservation, Regional Courses on Development in Latin America. In the area of Language issues/culture the options usually include, for example, Latin American Film, Intercultural Comunication, Multiculturalism, Translation and Adaptation, Translation Issues in the Media, Interpreting, Specialised Translation, Language and Politics, Language and Gender.

Language Work

A typical semester will include four hours per week of Spanish 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 Spanish, 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 during 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 Spain or in a Spanish-speaking country. For further information, please click on the Study Abroad tab.

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).

This four-year programme enables you to devote approximately one third of your time to the study of Spanish 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.

Course Organiser:Ms. Hazel Marsh

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Entry Requirements A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: Please contact the University for further information. HND: Please contact the University for further information. European Baccalaureate: 75% Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The School does not currently interview all applicants for undergraduate entry as standard, however we do offer the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Special Entry Requirements

It is generally expected that you should have at least a Grade B at A Level, or its equivalent, in the language or languages that you intend to take at honours level.

In the case of Spanish or Japanese studied from Beginners' or Spanish, French or Japanese from post-GCSE level, we require evidence of foreign language learning ability, such as a good grade in a foreign language at GCSE.

If two honours languages are studied, only one can be taken from below A Level.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE level.

The School of Language and Communication Studies is a small, lively School where we offer flexible undergraduate degree programmes with an emphasis on language competence and on issues relating to contemporary language and translation. Our graduates are highly employable and enter an extremely wide range of professions using their well-developed language and communication skills, and intercultural sensitivity.

Our MA graduates are equally successful professionally. Courses at this level enable flexible planning in the combination of core and optional modules and in the range of possible dissertation topics, while the Faculty of Arts and Humanities provides a rich interdisciplinary environment designed to encourage dialogue and the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

New for 2012-13

We’re always working to build on our strengths here in LCS, improving your student experience – and your prospects. Here are some new Key Features for 2012-13 that you won’t yet find in our brochure:

• Smaller groups in language classes – as few as 10 – mean even better quality learning.
• New high-spec professional interpreter training facilities – helping to keep you ahead of the game.
• Employability boost – extra timetabled sessions to develop your skills and employability profile for a range of professions using language skills right from the start of your degree course.

Find out what our undergraduate students say or check out our Facebook page for 2013 applicants where you can ask our current students questions about studying and living here:

www.facebook.com/groups/UEALCSapps2013

UniStats Information Fees and Funding University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Language and Communication Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.