Programme Specifications

German / Spanish


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

n/a



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Arts

5 : Programme title
German / Spanish

6 : UCAS code
RR24

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

Languages and Related Studies

Languages and Related Studies



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

  • 2016

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

  • to develop the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the German-speaking and Spanish-speaking world, past and present, including its language, culture, history and institutions;
  • to develop a resource of intellectually trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between the German-speaking and Spanish-speaking and British cultures;
  • to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;
  • to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners;
  • to develop the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the German-speaking world, past and present, including the language, culture, history and institutions;

  • to develop a resource of intellectually-trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between German-speaking and British cultures;

  • to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;

  • to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

    1. German language and Spanish language (spoken and written);
    2. German-language culture and Spanish-language in its widest sense (including film, literature and sociolinguistics);
    3. German history and contemporary German society; Spanish history and contemporary Spanish society;
    4. key methods and concepts of cultural and/or linguistic analysis;
    5. the position of all of the above in a wider European and world context;

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays (1-5) oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), extended essays (1-5).

  • A1 man language (spoken and written);

  • A2 German-language culture in its widest sense (including film, literature and linguistics);

  • A3 German history and contemporary society;

  • A4 key methods and concepts of cultural and/or linguistic analysis;

  • A5 the position of all of the above in a wider European and world context

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through increasingly seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays (1-5), oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), and extended essays (1-5).



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

      1. Intellectual skills
    1. reason critically;
    2. apply filmic and/or linguistic and/or literary and/or other cultural concepts;
    3. identify and solve problems;
    4. analyse and interpret;
    5. demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought;

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and individual feedback sessions for learners on work produced.

Assessment -

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

      1. Professional practical skills (where appropriate)
    1. retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;
    2. plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;
    3. speak, write and read German and Spanish at high or near-native level of proficiency;
    4. apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Comprehensive bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on cultural, historical and linguistic concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in German  and Spanish for all courses. The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently produced essays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in German culture and linguistics and Spanish culture and linguistics. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentation and active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

  • B1 reason critically;

  • B2 apply filmic and/or linguistic and/or literary and/or other cultural concepts;

  • B3 identify and solve problems;

  • B4 analyse and interpret;

  • B5 demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and feedback for learners on work produced.

Assessment

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

10.2.2 Professional Practical Skills (where appropriate)

  • C1 retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;

  • C2 plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;

  • C3 speak, write and read German at high or near-native level of proficiency;

  • C4 apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on cultural, historical and linguistic concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in German for all courses. The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level as well as the development of intercultural awareness.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently produced essays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in German culture and linguistics. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentation and active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Modern Languages:

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to:
  • Work independently
  • Work in a team
  • Respect the views and beliefs of others
  • Listen
  • Communicate orally
  • Communicate in writing
  • Communicate electronically
  • Word-process
  • Use the Web
  • Manage time and work to deadlines
  • Research issues
  • Solve problems
  • Adapt to change
  • Develop career awareness
    • D1 Structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing;

    • D2 manage time and work to deadlines;

    • C3 participate constructively in groups;

    • C4 work independently;

    • C5 find information and use information technology;

    • D6 be self-reliant;

    • D7 assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of other

    Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

    All courses except FR10210 require regular written work, usually in the form of essays, and regular feedback on this is given to the learner to develop not only their understanding but also their powers of expression (1). Skill 2 is learnt (rather than taught) through the management of time to meet the various and sometimes conflicting deadlines (all notified at the outset of each course) for submission of coursework. Skills 3 and 7 are developed in classes, seminars and tutorials, which rely on discussion and interaction, as well as presentations given by individuals or groups of learners. Skills 4 and 6 are particularly developed during the year abroad, for which learners are prepared in advance. IT skills are largely developed through individual learning.

    Assessment

    Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and the regular feedback as well as the final mark reflect this. Skills 4, 6 and 7 are assessed by both the coursework and extended essays produced, which although supervised, are nevertheless the results of independent thought and work/research by the learner. Skill 5 is assessed through the assembly of necessary information for essays, etc., and their production on PCs. Skill 3 is assessed in oral classes. Skills 2 is not formally assessed.



    11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



    BA German / Spanish [RR24]

    Academic Year: 2024/2025Joint Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001

    Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

    Part 1 Rules

    Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

    SPANISH ADVANCED: you must take:

    Semester 1
    SP19900

    Spanish Language Advanced

    Semester 2
    SP19930

    Spanish Language Advanced

    Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

    GERMAN ADVANCED: you must take:

    Semester 1
    GE19900

    German Language Advanced

    Semester 2
    GE19930

    German Language Advanced

    Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

    GERMAN BEGINNERS: you must take:

    Semester 1
    GE11120

    Beginners German 1

    Semester 2
    GE11020

    Beginners German 2

    Year 1 Timetable Core/Student Option

    SPANISH BEGINNERS: you must take:

    Semester 1
    SP10820

    Beginners Spanish 1

    Semester 2
    SP11020

    Beginners Spanish 2

    Year 1 Options

    SPANISH ADVANCED: you must take SP10610 and must also choose an additional 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

    Semester 1
    EL10500

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10700

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10800

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    SP11120

    Study and Research Skills in Spanish and Latin American Studies

    Semester 2
    EL10520

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10720

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10820

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    SP10610

    Hispanic Civilization

    Year 1 Options

    GERMAN ADVANCED: you must take GE10810 and must also choose an additional 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

    Semester 1
    EL10500

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10700

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10800

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    Semester 2
    EL10520

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10720

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10820

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    GE10810

    Exploring German Cultural Identity

    Year 1 Options

    GERMAN BEGINNERS: you must choose 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

    Semester 1
    EL10500

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10700

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10800

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    Semester 2
    EL10520

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10720

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10820

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    Year 1 Options

    SPANISH BEGINNERS: you must choose 20 credits of the following or other Level 1 content modules:

    Semester 1
    EL10500

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10700

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10800

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    SP11120

    Study and Research Skills in Spanish and Latin American Studies

    Semester 2
    EL10520

    Introduction to European Film

    EL10720

    Brazilian Portuguese (Basic)

    EL10820

    Language, Culture, and Identity in Europe

    Part 2 Rules

    Year 2 Core (30 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    GE20100

    German Language

    Semester 2
    GE20130

    German Language

    Year 2 Core (30 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    SP20100

    Spanish Language

    Semester 2
    SP20130

    Spanish Language

    Year 2 Options

    Choose 30 credits of the following GE or EL modules:

    Semester 1
    EL20500

    Extended Essay Module

    EL20700

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

    GE22820

    Children's Literature in German

    GE26020

    Die Wende: Representations of Division and Unification in German Film

    GE27110

    Short Prose in German

    Semester 2
    EL20510

    Extended Essay Module

    EL20720

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

    GE27220

    German-speaking Refugees from National Socialism in the UK

    Year 2 Options

    Choose 30 credits of the following SP or EL modules but note that you cannot take both SP20010 and SP20310:

    Semester 1
    EL20500

    Extended Essay Module

    EL20700

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

    SP26120

    Spanish American Cinema

    Semester 2
    EL20510

    Extended Essay Module

    EL20720

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language II

    SP20010

    The Spanish Avant-Garde

    SP20310

    Language of Business and Current Affairs 1

    SP25020

    Seeing Spain Through Cinema

    SP27020

    Cuban Cinema of the Revolution: Crisis, National Identity and the Critique of Contemporary Society

    Year 3 Core (60 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    SPS0000

    Year Abroad Assessment

    Semester 2
    SPS0060

    Year Abroad Assessment

    Year 3 Core (60 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    GES0000

    Intercalary Year Dissertation

    Semester 2
    GES0060

    Year Abroad Assessment

    Final Year Core (30 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    GE30100

    German Language

    Semester 2
    GE30130

    German Language

    Final Year Core (30 Credits)

    Compulsory module(s).

    Semester 1
    SP30100

    Spanish Language

    Semester 2
    SP30130

    Spanish Language

    Final Year Options

    Choose 30 credits of the following SP or EL modules:

    Semester 1
    EL30100

    Dissertation

    EL30500

    Extended Essay Module

    EL30700

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

    SP35120

    Reading Late 19th Century Literature

    Semester 2
    EL30120

    Dissertation

    EL30510

    Extended Essay Module

    EL30720

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

    SP35020

    Seeing Spain Through Cinema

    SP37020

    Cuban Cinema of the Revolution: Crisis, National Identity and the Critique of Contemporary Society

    SP39910

    Traducción al español

    Final Year Options

    Choose 30 credits of the following GE or EL modules:

    Semester 1
    EL30100

    Dissertation

    EL30500

    Extended Essay Module

    EL30700

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

    GE32820

    Children's Literature in German

    GE36120

    Die Wende: Representations of Division and Unification in German Film

    Semester 2
    EL30120

    Dissertation

    EL30510

    Extended Essay Module

    EL30720

    Brazilian / Portuguese Language III

    GE31110

    Contemporary German Politics

    GE37220

    German-speaking Refugees from National Socialism in the UK


    12 : Support for students and their learning
    Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

    13 : Entry Requirements
    Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

    14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
    All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

    15 : Regulation of Assessment
    Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

    15.1 : External Examiners
    External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

    16 : Indicators of quality and standards
    The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.