French and Japanese (4 years) BA (Hons)

The School of Modern Languages aims to develop and educate its students to become ‘global citizens’. With in-depth study of both French and Japanese, two major world languages, you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial to the world of employment, making you competitive and attractive in an increasingly global workforce and opening the doors to a variety of career paths. France is a major actor on the European and world stage, possessing a rich and sophisticated culture. French is one of the official working languages of the European community and is still a global language of culture and diplomacy. Japan is one of the most powerful economies in the world, with Japanese businesses and organisations continuing to need English-speaking graduates who can understand Japanese and who are knowledgeable of Japanese culture and society.We offer French and Japanese for both advanced students and beginners. In terms of language acquisition, this course will enable you to develop your writing, oral and aural skills through a range of learning activities, and using a variety of audio-visual materials. In your first year, in addition to your language tuition, an introduction to French and Japanese history and culture seeks to provide a solid foundation for more specialised studies as you progress through your course It is important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself. It involves exploring many aspects of a country and its culture, its social structures and institutions, politics, history, literature and cinema. Through the study of such areas you are able to gain a better understanding of both French and Japanese culture and how it has evolved over the centuries, becoming what it is today.On completion of this four-year programme, you will have a high level of language proficiency, as well as a critical understanding of key aspects of French and Japanese history, culture, literature, politics and contemporary society. Distinctive featuresthe option to begin your study at either beginner or advanced level (meaning an A-level in your chosen language may not be required) optional modules in film, literature, history of art, politics and historyemphasis on strengthening reading, writing, oral and aural skills through regular classwork exercises, written work, use of video and audio material, and interaction with native speakers (including Erasmus students hosted by the department) core language modules delivered by native speakersthe chance to spend your third year either studying or working in a country that predominantly operates in your chosen language of study