BA German Studies and Modern Languages
Bachelor's degree
In Colchester
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Colchester
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Duration
4 Years
About the course
Language is fundamental to our thought, our relationships, and our civilisations
Through language we transmit knowledge, from inviting someone for coffee, to promoting the latest scientific theory, to settling global political disputes
German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, with 120 million native speakers in the world
In the top 3 export nations in the world, Germany is not all business; it also has a rich cultural heritage of literature, philosophy, music, which learning German will give you access to
On our course you’ll become highly proficient in German and will be able to study up to a further two of the modern languages taught at Essex, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, and Mandarin Chinese
These languages can be studied alongside a complementary range of cultural and professional skills modules from translating, interpreting and subtitling, to German cinema and culture
You can start German from scratch or at an advanced level
For most of our languages, we offer modules in all six different levels recognised by the Common European Framework
With two modules completed in German each year, you are expected to reach Mastery level in the language by the end of our course, and are also encouraged to gain confidence in one or two other languages of your choice
As well as gaining fluency in German, you become proficient in the broad range of its practical use, from professional translation to creative writing
We also offer a month-long summer course with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Teaching
- Music
- Translation
- Interpreting
- Creative Writing
- Cinema
- Global
- Employability
- Writing
- Skills and Training
Course programme
Studying at Essex is about discovering yourself, so your course combines compulsory and optional modules to make sure you gain key knowledge in the discipline, while having as much freedom as possible to explore your own interests. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible your core module structure may be subject to change.
For many of our courses you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from – those listed in this example structure are just a selection of those available. The opportunity to take optional modules will depend on the number of core modules within any year of the course. In many instances, the flexibility to take optional modules increases as you progress through the course.
Our Programme Specification gives more detail about the structure available to our current first-year students, including details of all optional modules.
The language module that you will study will depend upon your level when you arrive in the department, and we are happy to accept students with no previous knowledge of the language. The structure below is an example of the progression for a student with no prior knowledge of German or any other language, but it is also possible to begin this course at an advanced level. Please refer to the progression pathway table to find out which modules are suitable for your linguistic profile.
In your first, second and fourth year you can choose optional modules from other subject areas if you wish.
Year 1
Intensive Initial German (Double Module) (optional)
Intensive Initial Italian (Double Module)
Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year 2
Advanced German (optional)
Three Countries One Language - Austria, Switzerland and Germany (optional)
Advanced Italian (optional)
Spanish / Italian / Romanian to Portuguese Conversion (optional)
Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Final year
Mastery Level German
Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills
Proficiency Level Italian (optional)
Advanced Portuguese (optional)
Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics
Year abroad
On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.
Teaching
Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminar sessions or discussion classes
State-of-the-art technologies and materials create an ideal learning environment
Activities designed to develop your practical language skills, such as role-play and class presentations
Cultural and social themes are explored through film, music, the internet, theatre and literature
Assessment
Language abilities are assessed through role-plays, translations, essay writing, creative writing, and quizzes
Written examinations are also taken for the majority of modules at the end of each academic year
Weighted 50% coursework and 50% exams
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Additional information
BA German Studies and Modern Languages