Languages for Non-Specialists (LNS)

French and Spanish

Language graduates have one of the lowest unemployment rates of any subject – lower than computing, business administration or media studies (HESA 1999 table 2f). Is it any wonder that college students are increasingly in need of language skills?

At Aberystwyth University we have developed the linguistic and cultural resources which modern students need to face the new challenges. We have devised these courses in French and Spanish which are worth 20 credits per module per semester.* LNS modules are tailored both for undergraduate and postgraduate students from ANY department who wish to start from scratch or continue with languages without necessarily making them a principal component of study. They are open to postgraduate students with no charge to either the student or the department concerned.

*Not to be confused with the core Level 1 programmes in these languages.

Basic LNS Modules

These modules (FR11220 and SP 11220) are open in Semester 1 to all students – with little or no knowledge of the chosen language – regardless of their main subjects. They offer students an opportunity to study one of the major/international languages as an adjunct to their main subjects, with exchange programmes such as ERASMUS/SOCRATES in mind and an increase in labour mobility in the world. These modules also make available to a wider constituency the cultural, personal, academic and vocational benefits of an awareness of a major international language.

At the end of the semester students will have acquired a foundation in the language of study as well as a basic grasp of its linguistic structures. Students will have been introduced to the cultural context and they should be able to handle the more typical situations of everyday life.

Teaching and Evaluation

Our LNS courses are module-based and consist of self-contained units taught and assessed on a semester basis. Pass-mark is 40% based on CA and exam marks. This system allows greater flexibility in the ways students combine and build up the elements of their degree scheme.

Coursework counts for 60% and end of semester examination for 40%. Continuous assessment (CA): 40% for oral/aural work assessed weekly by tests and participation; 20% for written assignments [6 pieces]. Examination: 40% one 1-hour written examination.

Textbooks

LNS modules are based on set books which can be bought from the campus bookshop.

Basic French - Le français à grande vitesse, Hachette
Basic Spanish - Español sin fronteras 1, SGEL

Progression with LNS

LNS modules are offered to students at Level 1 but will, however, be available to students in their second year of study and, for that matter, in their final year of study. Students following an LNS course are not entitled to do a degree in languages. It is possible to take another LNS module in the second or final year or, depending on the requirements of the degree subject(s), students can pick up other modules to develop their knowledge. There is a maximum of 20 Level 1 credits which can be taken beyond that level.

The study of two languages is not possible because the structure of the timetable currently prevents our department from offering more than one language to each student.

Note: It is possible for students of module SP11220 to progress in Semester 2 into SP10740 (core Part 1 Spanish language course).

Change of Module

Should you decide to drop the LNS module which you have started to study, you can register for another module by filling in a Change of Registration form (available in the Department of European Languages: D7, Hugh Owen Building). You can do this in the first four weeks of a semester (Part I) or the first three weeks (Part II). This form must be countersigned by the module co-ordinators directly involved in the changes.

Puzzled? Please Contact:

Mr. Kader Izri  or the  departmental office: Tel. 0044 (0)1970-622552 / 622555.