Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 1
Study Abroad Units: Incoming Students to School of Languages and Area Studies
Students in Portsmouth for Teaching Block 1 (September start)
Guidelines The exact dates for teaching block 1 can be found on the Academic Calendar:
http://www.port.ac.uk/key-dates/ .
Please be aware that there might be changes in the availability of the units, therefore have reserve
units in mind for each teaching period. We will try to avoid timetabling clashes whenever possible, but
unavoidable clashes do occur sometimes.
All units are taught in English, with the exception of the Modern Foreign Languages Units.
If you do have any queries, then please contact the School of Languages Course Administrator at
Language units
ENGLISH: Grade 5 and 6 (10 credits / 5 ECTS)
FRENCH: Grade 3, 4 and 6 (20 credits / 10 ECTS)
GERMAN: Grade 3, 4 and 6 (20 credits / 10 ECTS)
ITALIAN: Grade 6 (20 credits / 10 ECTS)
MANDARIN: Grade 6 (20 credits / 10 ECTS)
SPANISH: Grade 3, 4 and 6 (20 credits / 10 ECTS)
Grade 3: B1; Grade 4: B2; Grade 6: C1 to C2.
If you wish to study a language, please only specify in your Learning Agreement which language you
wish to study. During your induction week you will attend a test to assess your language level, and we
will allocate you to the right unit for you.
If available, please bring with you a certificate or documentation from your home institution with the
CEFRL achieved in the language you have chosen.
Interpreting Units
Please choose the unit taught in your native language.
A high level of spoken English (B2-C1) is required.
Translation Units
You need to be a native (or near-native) speaker of the target language (or English).
TEXT ANALYSIS AND TRANSLATIONS: Level 5 unit - for students with no previous experience
of translation theory. Minimum level required in English: B2.
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 2
Units Available: Academic Year 2018/2019 Unit Description Level Credits ECTS
U23887 COMMUNICATION THEORY 6 20 10
U20356 CORPORATE ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIES IN AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
5 20 10
U23898 ECONOMICS AND POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT 5 20 10
U20310 ENGLISH IN AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 6 20 10
U23901 FRANCE AND AFRICA: DECOLONISATION AND POST COLONIAL RELATIONS
6 20 10
U22554 GENDER IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD 5 20 10
U25749 INTERPRETING (EXCHANGE) 6 10 5
U20360 LANGUAGE OF MARKETING & FINANCE 6 20 10
U23431 MIGRATION IN EAST ASIA 6 20 10
U20346 NAZI GERMANY 6 20 10
U23922 POLITICS AND CULTURE OF THE HISPANIC WORLD IN 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE AND FILM
6 20 10
U22691 RACE, SLAVERY AND EMANCIPATION IN THE AMERICAS 5 20 10
U23907 RESEARCHING ENGLISH VOCABULARY 6 20 10
U25751 REVOLUTION AND REPRESSION SPAIN 5 20 10
U25270 SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 5 20 10
U25748 TEXT ANALYSIS AND TRANSLATION (EXCHANGE) 5 10 5
U23550 THE EU IN GLOBAL CONTEXT 5 20 10
U20520 THE LANGUAGE OF LITERATURE 5 20 10
U25033 THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC
6 20 10
U23925 WORKPLACE DISCOURSE 6 20 10
Unit Descriptions
COMMUNICATION THEORY (U23887, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit examines key aspects of human, animal, non-linguistic, linguistic and multimodal means of
communication with the help of a range of models and semiotic theories.
Coursework – 10 minutes Presentation (20%) Coursework – 2,500 word Project (80%) FINAL ARTEFACT
CORPORATE ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIES IN AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (U20356, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit aims to introduce learners to basic business tools/models and help learners to practise them
in case studies. Learners are expected to provide simulated professional and appropriate strategies
for corporations using the business models learned in this unit. The syllabus covers business models
such as PESTLE, SWOT, Porter’s five forces, Porter’s generic strategies, etc which are essential in
business studies. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be adopted such as lectures,
seminars and tutorials. There are two assessments: the first is a written corporate analysis report
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 3
which is designed to evaluate learners’ ability in analysing the case study corporations using selected
business models and how well the models are used. The second assessment is an oral presentation of
the strategies based on the analysis from consultancy perspective. The focus of the second assessment
is to evaluate learners’ presentation and communication skills.
Coursework – Presentation 20 Minutes (30%) Coursework – 2500 Word Report (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
ECONOMICS AND POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT (U23898, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
The unit is focussed on four development themes which provide the framework for examining a range
of key development issues, challenges and concerns. It commences by analysing and critiquing the
different developmental paradigms (as applied in the regional context) along with important cross-
cutting issues including population, migration and gender in the development process. It then moves
on to examine how developing states formulate (sectoral) policies in the agrarian, urban, health,
education and environmental spheres so as to advance economic growth and/or enhance wellbeing
in a sustainable manner. The political/institutional aspects of development are the examined, covering
such issues as the role of democracy and good governance, civil society, security and sustainability.
Finally, issues relating to global trade and aid, including fair trade and global production networks, and
aid are considered.
Coursework – 2,000 word Essay (50%) Exam - 90 minute Exam (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
ENGLISH IN AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (U20310, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit develops an analytical understanding of the development of modern English as a world
language. Thus, it familiarizes students with the main historical, phonological, grammatical and lexical
processes which have shaped modern English and promotes student awareness of contemporary
varieties of English.
Coursework – 1,200 word Analysis (30%) Coursework – 1,200 word Analysis (30%) Coursework – 1,600 word Essay (40%) FINAL ARTEFACT
FRANCE AND AFRICA: DECOLONISATION AND POST COLONIAL RELATIONS (U23901, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit explores how and why France's colonial empire in Africa came to such an abrupt end, just
fifteen years after the end of the Second World War. It examines the processes that led to the rapid
decolonisation of France’s African empire, focusing in particular on international factors, such as the
growing anticolonial tide at the United Nations, and the role of African political and social movements.
The unit contrasts the violent end of empire in Algeria with the relatively peaceful transition in French
Sub-Saharan Africa and assesses the nature of French decolonisation and the legacy of colonial rule in
both metropolitan France and North and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Coursework – 500 word Plan (10%) Coursework – 3,500 word Essay (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 4
GENDER IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD (U22554, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit will explore the theoretical and practical ways in which gender informs international
development. The course begins by considering gender as a unit of analysis vital in helping
development researchers and practitioners understand the differences between groups of people in
any context. The unit will also highlight how specific gender ideologies have shaped global and national
policies in relation to a range of key areas including reproductive rights, violence against women, the
environment and sustainable livelihoods.
Coursework – 1,000 word Summary (30%) Coursework – 10 minutes Group Presentation (30%) Coursework – 1,500 word Literature Review (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
INTERPRETING (EXCHANGE) (U25749, 10 credits / 5 ECTS)
The unit is designed to familiarise students with the interpreting profession and develop the bilateral
interpreting skills required to allow effective interlingual and intercultural communication. No
previous experience in interpreting is required. Minimum grade 5 or equivalent in the target language.
If the student is studying two foreign languages, they are advised to do this unit in the language they
have a better command of. It is advisable that one of the two languages is the student’s mother
tongue. Languages available: FRENCH, GERMAN, SPANISH
Coursework – 5 minute Examination (60%) Coursework – 750 word Portfolio (40%) FINAL ARTEFACT
LANGUAGE OF MARKETING & FINANCE (U20360, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit aims to develop learners' business communication skills in presenting their business plans.
In order to do this, learners need to master the fundamental knowledge in business, particularly in
Marketing and Finance which are the key elements in business planning process. Learners are
expected to write their business plans professionally and present them confidently on successful
completion of this unit. The syllabus covers three aspects, namely Marketing, Finance and Business
Communication. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be adopted such as lecturers,
seminars and tutorials. There are two assessments: the first is a written business plan which is
designed to evaluate learners' ability in preparing business plans as entrepreneurs. The second
assessment is an oral presentation of a given case study and learners need to provide professional
advice from investors/consultancy point of view. The two assessments are designed to give learners
different experience and feedback from both entrepreneurs and investors so that learners can
communicate more effectively and confidently in the business workplace.
Coursework – 20 minutes Group Presentation (30%) Coursework – 2,500 words written work (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
MIGRATION IN EAST ASIA (U23431, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit explores political and socio-economic dynamics within East Asia from the vantage point of
migration. Comprising three historical periods - colonialism, the Cold War, and the contemporary
period - this unit examines the political and socio-economic transformation as well as continuity of
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 5
East Asian countries by understanding how elites and ordinary men and women transgress the
geographical boundary and state border. Corresponding to these three periods, this unit is divided
into three themes: Migration and Colonialism, Migration and War, Migration and Betterment. The first
theme examines how people in East Asia respond to the mercantile trade and high-tide imperialism.
This theme is concluded by investigating the impact of colonialism on nationalist movement that
brings into the independence of East Asian nations. The second theme examines how the nations of
China, Korea and Vietnam are divided as the result of civil wars and independence war that are critical
components of Cold War geopolitics in East Asia. This theme is concluded by exploring the concept of
Diaspora and the formation of transnational community. The third theme examines how people
pursue a ‘better’ life across the state border as a result of different level of development within East
Asian region. Considering that in East Asia the number of female immigrants is rising, and in some
specific streams of migration, women outnumber men, the examination focuses on the relationship
between the state and immigrant women. This theme is concluded by exploring women’s multi-
dimensional identity.
Coursework – 500 word Research Proposal (10%) Coursework – 3,500 word Essay (90%) FINAL ARTEFACT
NAZI GERMANY (U20346, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit will seek to explore the range of debates and discussions with regard to the rise of Nazism in
Germany, its scope of ideology and its implementation as a regime in power. It will compare and
contrast the range of contentious interpretations available in the secondary literature and their shifts
of paradigm since 1945. It concludes with questions about the nature of the Holocaust. A final brief
outlook deals with the impact of the National Socialist regime upon German post-war politics after
1945.
Coursework – 2,500 word Essay (50%) Coursework – 2,000 word Essay (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
POLITICS AND CULTURE OF THE HISPANIC WORLD IN 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE AND FILM (U23922, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
The unit examines how society and politics of the Hispanic world are depicted in 20th century
literature and film. The aims are to introduce students to fictional approaches to the politics and
culture of the Hispanic world in the 20th century, explore the relationship between history and fiction
and to contextualise Hispanic cultural production.
Presentation – 10 minute Presentation (30%) Coursework – 2,000 word Essay (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
RACE, SLAVERY AND EMANCIPATION IN THE AMERICAS (U22691, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
The unit covers key areas of the history of slavery in the Americas and highlights key historical debates,
such as slavery and gender, slave resistance and punishment, and urban slavery. A focus is on a
comparative approach to the study of slavery and the different approaches to emancipation that
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 6
societies undertook from Europe to the USA and throughout the Americas. The unit concludes with a
discussion on how slavery is remembered and how it has contributed to the modern world.
Coursework – 1,500 word Essay (45%) Coursework – 2,000 word Commentary (60%) FINAL ARTEFACT
RESEARCHING ENGLISH VOCABULARY (U23907, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit provides students insights into English lexicology and corpus linguistics. It should be of
interest to students keen to learn more about the choice of English words and phrases in different
contexts and it should equip students with practical skills in lexical description and data analysis. Those
curious to see how linguistics is used in the workplace, e.g. in creating dictionaries or developing
search engines, should enjoy this unit.
Coursework – 750 word Lexical Profile (30%) Coursework – 3,000 word Report (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
REVOLUTION AND REPRESSION SPAIN (U25751, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
The unit examines: the cultural, political and social processes that led to the radicalisation of Spanish
politics and society in the late19thand early part of the 20th century; the unfolding of the Spanish Civil
War; the ways in which society and culture developed in the post Civil War period; how the Franco
regime responded to any emerging challenges to the authority of the state.
Coursework –2000 word Essay (50%) Coursework – Poster presentation (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (U25270, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit aims to offer level 5 students a one teaching block option to introduce them to Second
Language Acquisition (SLA). During this unit, the students will review and critique experimental and
theoretical data on SLA with a view to appropriate the field to their own context/needs to further their
employability profile. This unit will be based on individual and peer work.
Coursework – 1,500 words (40%) Coursework - 2,500 words (60%) FINAL ARTEFACT
TEXT ANALYSIS AND TRANSLATION (EXCHANGE) (U25748, 10 credits / 5 ECTS)
This unit covers basic translation and linguistic notions together with authentic and practical
translation tasks which will enable students to have some of the necessary tools to pursue a career in
translation. Languages available: FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, MANDARIN, SPANISH
Coursework – 50 minutes In Class Test (50%) Coursework – 800 words Essay (50%) FINAL ARTEFACT
THE EU IN GLOBAL CONTEXT (U23550, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit provides an opportunity for studying the European Union as a global actor in a variety of
policy areas and regions. The policy areas covered may include: defence and security, trade, culture,
Incoming Students (SLAS) – TB1 units 7
development cooperation, democracy promotion, migration and climate change. Africa, the Americas
and Asia will form the basis for the regional case studies of the EU’s external relations. NB Not all
themes can be offered each year as they reflect student interest and staffing availability. NB Not all
regional combinations will be appropriate for all themes.
Coursework – 15 minutes Group Presentation (30%) Coursework – 2,000 word Report (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
THE LANGUAGE OF LITERATURE (U20520, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
In this unit students will be introduced to the analysis and interpretation of literary texts on the basis
of patterns of linguistic features found therein.
Coursework – 60 minutes In-Class Test (30%) Coursework – 2,500 word Analysis (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT
THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC (U25033, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
Thomas Jefferson remains a figure of intense scrutiny for historians approaching the complex and
transformational history of the American Revolution and Early Republic. As a politician and statesman
Jefferson left an indelible mark on the development of the United States of America. As an intellectual
reformer he left one of the most significant written legacies of the era. And as a slave owner and racist
he upheld one of the gravest faults of a republican society predicated upon a belief in liberty. This unit
will use the life of Jefferson as a lens through which to explore the wider history of North America in
an era of Revolution. Consequently, the principal focus will be on Jefferson’s own writings and his
involvement in the events and ideas of the period.
Coursework - 500 word Plan (10%) Coursework – 3500 word Essay (90%) FINAL ARTEFACT
WORKPLACE DISCOURSE (U23925, 20 credits / 10 ECTS)
This unit examines how language is used in a range of professional contexts. It also draws on theories
of interpersonal communication to analyse workplace interactions. The unit aims are to develop an
analytical understanding of discourse in the workplace, familiarise students with key theories of
interpersonal communication relating to the workplace and to examine the role of spoken rhetoric in
the workplace.
Coursework – 2,500 word Commentary (70%) FINAL ARTEFACT Group presentation – 15 minutes (30%)
Further information Further information on the units, and details on delivery can be found by using our unit look up tools:
http://www.port.ac.uk/unitwebsearch/.
