Note: French and Spanish each require a separate entry, but the content remains the same for both subjects.

Qualification Aims and Objectives

The course develops students’ ability to use and understand a second language in a global context, while fostering intercultural understanding, inquiry, critical thinking and effective communication. It encourages students to be knowledgeable, inquiring, open-minded and to appreciate how language connects and shapes cultures, identities and societies.

Objectives

• Develop a strong conceptual understanding of how language works in a variety of contexts and purposes.
• Acquire and apply receptive, productive and interactive skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in the target language.
• Build practical and analytical skills through authentic texts, multimedia, interaction and collaborative work.
• Consider the ethical, cultural, social and global implications of language, communication and intercultural exchange.
• Prepare for further study and careers in translation, international relations, global business, diplomacy, journalism, education and media.

Course Outline

Syllabus Themes

• Identities: How individuals and communities define themselves and one another through language and culture.
• Experiences: How experiences shape language use, meaning, identity and interaction across contexts.
• Human ingenuity: How language, creativity and innovation reflect human thinking, culture and technology.
• Social organisation: How language mediates social roles, structures and cultural practices.
• Sharing the planet: How language and culture address global issues, sustainability and interdependence.

Future courses and possible careers:

Translation • Interpreting • International Business • Diplomacy & International Relations • Journalism & Media • Global Marketing • Education and Language Teaching • Cultural Consultancy • Publishing • Tourism and Hospitality • Human Resources • Cross‐cultural Communications • NGO/Development Work