The module provides an introduction to the key issues, themes and modes of enquiry for students of Modern Languages and Cultures, and provides the foundations for understanding Modern Languages as a discipline, developing key skills and engaging with diverse media. The module will be divided into three blocks as follows: 1) Stories, Narratives and Voices; 2) Visual and Material Worlds; 3) Languages in use. Across the three blocks, students will be introduced to analytical skills relating to different media and case studies, such as short stories, comics and graphic novels, screen media, the built environment and language policy. The module will also involve sessions in library skills and academic writing.
By the end of the module, students will have developed a good understanding of the discipline of Modern Languages and will be able to articulate their identities as Modern Linguists; they will be able use concepts and theories developed in secondary literature to analyse cultural outputs in translation, and form an argument in written form.
The module is taught through a lecture-seminar format and is assessed through two pieces of coursework: 1) a written response to a set text (40%); 2) a poster reflecting on skills gained as a Modern Linguist (60%).