Language and Politics

Subject in detail

Subject aims

By studying this programme, you will achieve fluency in your chosen language, while also undertaking a systematic study of politics and international relations.

The language and politics strands carry equal weighting, and our graduates gain a strong competence in both their chosen language, and in relevant and contemporary issues of world politics.

In the first and second year, you will study a number of core units relating to key political concepts and the culture and society of your target language/country. There are also a number of optional units available, enabling you to focus on areas of most relevance to you.

You will spend the third year abroad in a country where your language of study is dominant.

Following the year abroad, you will write a year-long dissertation, supervised by an academic member of staff. The emphasis in the final year is on optional units, allowing you to concentrate on areas of the discipline that you are most interested in and excited by.

Teaching and learning

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars. Lectures in the first year are quite formal, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for study skills and discussion.

All teaching staff are available to see you in regular office hours or by appointment. Personal Tutors and Year Abroad officers will also support you on your placement.

Methods of assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects, oral presentations and examinations.

We also place strong emphasis on developing presentation and discussion/communication skills which, in many units, form part of the assessed work.

Many units on the language side are taught and assessed in the target language.

Units & programme structure