Module QXL-9230:
International Experience
Module Facts
Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language
30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 & 2
Overall aims and purpose
The International Experience Placement modules provide an opportunity for students to extend their understanding of their degree subject area by a period of study abroad. The module will also raise students' awareness of cross-cultural and transnational issues as they apply both within and outside their degree subject. It is expected that the modules, as part of their degree course, will enhance students’ experience and employment opportunities.
Course content
Each student will spend an extended period studying at a Host Institution overseas. During the module students will pursue studies relevant to the degree subject area. They will also learn about the country in which they are based, with particular emphasis on understanding and applying subject-specific knowledge in a different cultural setting. The content of the modules will be designed for each student in discussion with the Host Institution and will include elements of directed learning and/or supervision.
CRB checks will not normally be required but students will be expected to fulfil any related requirements defined by the Host Institution. All such checks must be completed to the satisfaction of the University and the Host Institution before students undertake any activities for which the checks are required.
Assessment Criteria
good
Grade B; mark range 60-69%
The report is logically structured. It contains detailed text, with some critical elements, relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described. There is analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge but critical evaluation is limited. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with only some emphasis on how the experiences have enhanced understanding of the degree subject area.
excellent
Grade A; mark range 70-100%
The report is logically structured and with threads that create a holistic, coherent whole. It contains detailed and insightful descriptive and critical elements relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described with detailed exploration of the synergies between the various sources of knowledge. There is a well argued, critical analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, both as a retrospective description of the placement experience and as a critical reflection on how the experiences have enhanced understanding of the degree subject area .
threshold
Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%
There are weaknesses in the way that the report is structured, resulting in repetition and/or lack of clarity. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student but with evidence that the descriptions have not been fully developed. Knowledge directly related to the student’s degree subject is described but with little emphasis on any other knowledge acquired. There is only limited analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge and there is little evidence of critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with little emphasis on how the experiences have enhanced understanding of the degree subject area.
Learning outcomes
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Students will have acquired knowledge that will contribute to their general understanding of their degree subject area and that can be applied to their studies in subsequent modules at Levels 5 and/or 6.
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Students will be able to evaluate their learning experience in a general and subject-specific context.
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Students will appreciate how understanding and application of subject-specific knowledge is influenced by multi-cultural and transnational issues.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Placement Report (8000 words) | 100.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Private study | 940 | |
External visit | The Tutorials (in-module) may comprise timetabled training sessions at the Host Institution and/or less formal, but regular, work-placement training. The Tutorials (in-module) will be delivered at the equivalent of 10 hrs per week. The actual times will vary depending on the nature of the placement and specific details will be included in the agreement with the Host Institution. |
260 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- Understanding of the nature of bi/multilingualism - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to the nature of bilingual and multilingual individuals and communities.
- Analysis & interpretation skills - students will be able to analyse, interpret data accurately, and draw appropriate conclusions based on the application of appropriate analytic and theoretical frameworks available in linguistics and English language studies.
- Evaluation & reflection - students will be able to critically evaluate a particular position, viewpoint or argument in relation to a specific area of investigation. They will be able to reflect on the efficacy of a particular approach, practice or performance, and moderate these as a consequence in order to achieve specific goals.
- Independent investigation - students will develop the ability to plan, design and execute a significant piece of research or inquiry, either independently or as a member of a team in order to discover a specific solution to an outstanding issue or question through searching out and synthesizing written, visual and oral information. Students will also develop skills of independent investigation, including interacting with peers and subjects/informants.
- Effective communication - students will develop the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently, in a range of contexts, to different audience types, and making use of a range of supporting materials
- Awareness of and appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences - students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the range and nature of linguistic and cultural diversity
- Understanding of the nature and organization of language - students will demonstrate familiarity with observations and findings relating to various aspects of linguistic phenomena and organization.
- Understanding the nature of commonalities and differences across languages - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to universals and diversity exhibited by and across languages.
- Knowledge of the nature of language origins, change and use - students will demonstrate familiarity with phenomena and findings relating to the nature of language origins, the way language changes, and factors involved in and affecting language use.
Resources
Resource implications for students
It is expected that costs directly associated with the placement will be covered by funding arranged through the University or as otherwise defined in the agreement between the University and the Host Institution. Students will be responsible for any additional costs, e.g. for activities that are not part of the agreement between the University and the Host Institutions, and for arranging insurance cover for these activities.
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- 8G55: BA English Language with Creative Writing (with Int Exp) year 2 (BA/ELCIE)
- Q104: BA Linguistics (with International Experience)) year 2 (BA/LINGIE)
- QQ31: BA Linguistics & the English Language with International Exp year 2 (BA/LWEL)