Undergraduate Handbook 2026-2027
Module MLAC1002: Languages in the World
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures
MLAC1002: Languages in the World
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 40 | Available in 2026/2027 | Durham |
Tied To
- LA01: Liberal Arts
- LMV0: Combined Honours in Social Sciences
- R002: Modern Languages and Cultures [inc. Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish] (with YA)
- RV92: Modern European Languages and History (with Year Abroad)
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- Level 1 Foundations and Cultures in Context modules.
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- For one-language students to develop further their understanding of cultures in their chosen language
- For one-language students to engage in a greater degree of independent research in analysing cultures in their chosen language
Content
- Two topics crucial to the cultures studied. Topics might include globalisation; colonialism; literary canons; environment; recent films; shortlists for literary prizes
- Analysis of primary source materials relevant to those issues, for instance literary or visual materials
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- In-depth understanding of the cultural topics studied
- Detailed understanding of the primary materials studied
Subject-specific Skills
- Analysis of primary materials in the original language
- Critical engagement with secondary materials pertaining to the cultural topics studied
Key Skills
- Ability to carry out small independent research projects
- Formulating arguments in digital and written formats
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- This module will operate by means of an intensive weekly tutorial scaffolded by guided independent learning. Students will be set reading and guiding questions in advance of each seminar. The tutorial will give single-language students the opportunity to work closely with academic specialists in the student’s chosen language. Each of the two terms will focus on a particular topic. Topics will articulate with the research interests of members of staff and vary responding to changing real-world and intellectual agendas. Students will develop an independent research project grounded in each topic. They will be assessed by means of a portfolio and a digital output.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 20 | Weekly across Michaelmas and Epiphany Term | 1 hour | 20 | Yes |
| Independent Study | 380 | ||||
| Total | 400 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summative Assessments | 100% | Portfolio | Maximum 6,000 words | 50% | |
| Digital Output | Maximum 16 minutes | 50% |
Formative Assessment
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.