DCU Language & Culture Programme

SP3001: semester 2 (Level A1.1) 

This module is aimed for students that have no knowledge of Spanish. Throughout the semester, students will perform individual and pair/group work to complete comprehension, production and interactions tasks to develop their language competence in basic matters of personal relevance (e.g. basic description of people, countries, likes and dislikes). In doing so, students will begin to develop some intercultural awareness of cultural differences in relation to these topics and a range of transferable and life-long learning skills.

SP3002: semester 1 (Level A1.2) 

This module is for students who have some very basic notions of the language (A1 CEFR) e.g.can introduce themselves or others in Spanish and talk about likes or dislikes and travel preferences.  Throughout the semester, students will perform individual and collaborative work in small projects to complete comprehension, production and interactions tasks to develop their language competence in matters of personal relevance. e.g. shopping, talking about daily habits, food, and performing everyday transactions, for example, in a shop or in a restaurant. In doing so, students will begin to develop their intercultural awareness in relation to these topics, as well as a range of transferable and life-long learning skills.

SP3003: semester 2 (Level A2.1) 

This module marks the 1st of the elementary modules (A2 CEFR). Throughout the semester, students will perform individual and collaborative work to complete comprehension, production and interactions tasks to develop their language competence to allow the learner to talk about present, future and some past experiences. In doing so, students will begin to develop their intercultural awareness in relation to these topics, as well as a range of transferable and life-long learning skills.

SP3004: semester 1  (Level A2.2)

The module will consolidate your knowlegde of the past through different topics such us talking about historical events, talking about your achievements in the past and other biographies, talking about the changes that occurred in a city among others.

SP3005: semester 2 (Level A2+) 

Throughout the semester, students will perform individual and collaborative tasks to develop their confidence and competence in spoken production and oral interaction in the target language while reinforcing their listening and writing skills. Students will develop skills that will help them source and critically evaluate cultural information about Spanish-speaking cultures and produce spoken and written texts directed to both Irish and Spanish-speaking audiences to raise awareness of cultural differences.

SP3006: semester 1 (Level B1.1) 

This module marks the first of the intermediate modules B.1.1. Throughout the semester, students will perform individual tasks and a small collaborative project to develop their confidence and competence in the target language to introduce opinions and viewpoints about different matters e.g. leisure, cinema and TV, health issues, consumer products, inventions among others.

SP3007: semester 2 (Level B1.2) 

This module marks the second of the intermediate modules B.1.2 Throughout the semester, students will perform individual tasks and small collaborative projects to develop their confidence and competence in the target language to express emotions, opinions and judgements about different topics e.g. prediction for the future, social issues, cultural values, and emotions.

SP3008: semester 1 (Level B2.1.1)

This module marks the first of the high intermediate modules B1+ /B.2.1. Thoughout the semester students will work on a collaborative project to develop their competence in the target language at the level of higher intermediate. In doing so, students will learn how express interests and feelings, show agreement and disagreement in various registers, arguing, express hypothesis and probability, assess situations and facts, comment on actions and behaviors. Develop projects of companies and services.
 

SP3009: semester 2(Level B2.1.2)

This module marks the second of the high intermediate modules B.2.1. Thoughout the semester students will work on a collaborative project to develop their competence in the target language at the level of higher intermediate. In doing so, students will continue to improve how express interests and feelings, show agreement and disagreement in various registers, arguing, express hypothesis and probability, assess situations and facts, comment on actions and behaviors. Develop projects of companies and services.

FR3004: semester 1 (Level A2.2) starting September 2023

This is an elementary module of French. Throughout the module, you will revise the basics of French language. Using games and fun activities you will develop your confidence in using the language in real communicative situations.There will be a focus on speaking skills while introducing you about the culture of the French speaking world. Adapted or authentic texts will be employed .

FR3005: semester 2 (Level A2+) starting January 2024

This module is designed for students who finished their leaving certificate and they would like to improve their oral skills. Thoughout the module, you will research and learn about French speaking countries. You will discover different expressions and accents from different countries that comprise the French speaking world. The focus will be on developing your language skills while expanding your understanding of the diversity of the French Speaking World. Adapted or authentic documents will be used

FR3006: semester 1 (Level B1.1) starting September 2023

This module marks the first of the intermediate modules B.1.1. Throughout the semester, you will perform individual tasks to develop your confidence and competence in the target language to introduce opinions and viewpoints about different matters e.g. leisure, cinema and TV, health issues, environment among others.You will start to show an ability to reflect on interculturality. Only authentic documents will be used.

FR3007: semester 2 (Level B1.2) starting January 2024

This module marks the second of the intermediate modules B.1.2, By the end of the module, you will be able to express yourselft in a variety of topics being able to express opinions, doubt, probablility and hypothesis at different register of the language. You will expand your knowledge of French speaking world developing your intercultural competence and understanding.

FR3008: semester 1 (Level B2.1.1) starting September 2023

This is the first of the high intermediate modules of French. In this module, you will be able to continue developing your language skills at a higher level of French to solve real world problems and to help you to engage spontaneously in conversations of a variety of topics. You will continue exploring the French-speaking world and cultures, By doing so, you will develop your critical thinking skills . Only authentic documents will be used.

FR3009: semester 2 (Level B2.1. 2) starting January 2024

In this module, students will go to the next level: B2. This module will focus on using the language accurately to speak about various topics, including student's studies and future jobs. Some grammar points will be revised through activities and games. There will be a focus on oral, critical thinking, problem solving and culture, as always. 

GE3004: semester 1 (Level A2+) starting September 2023

This module is designed for students who have already studied German, but need to revise and practice more general communicative functions in German. For example talking about yourself or others, talking about daily habits, the house, living in the city, sightseeing, ordering in a restaurant, talking about food, work and education.

GE3005: semester 2 (Level A2+/B.1.1) starting January 2024

This module is designed for students who already studied German. In this module we will discover the language and culture of Germany and German speaking countries. We will use the language (written and spoken)  to communicate and train our language skills for intercultural everyday situations. 

GE3006: semester 1 (Level B1.1) starting September 2023

This module will deepen the intercultural competence of the German learners. We will explore the language and culture of German speaking countries through authentic sources such as newspaper articles, music, literature and art. Students will learn to express themselves in written and spoken language on both familiar and more complex subjects. 

GE3007: semester 2 (Level B1.2) starting January 2024

In this module we will use the target language to express ideas and concepts in both informal and professional settings, situations. We will look at different characteristics of the German language and culture and how to demonstrate intercultural competence and reflective thinking while using the target language.

GE3008: not available yet (Level B2.1)

The module will start in 2023/2024. 

GE3009: not available yet (Level B2.2)

The module will start in 2023/2024.

JA3001: semester 2 (Level A1.1) starting January 2024

This module is for total beginners of Japanese wishing to learn some of the essential aspects of the language and culture of Japan. The module will enable students to carry out simple interactions in Japanese in order to satisfy concrete needs that relate to themselves and others. It will also introduce students to the hiragana and katakana scripts and some of the most frequently used kanji characters. With the aid of the Roman alphabet, the students will learn to read and write in two syllabic scripts (i.e. hiragana and katakana) as well as some basic Chinese characters (i.e. kanji).

JA3002: semester 1 (Level A1.2) starting September 2023

This module is for learners of Japanese who have some very basic knowledge of the language and culture of Japan. The module will enable students to further develop their language competence and cultural awareness in matters of personal relevance and everyday transactions. It will also introduce them to a larger number of kanji characters and kanji-written words as part of their vocabulary learning.

JA3003: semester 2 (Level A2.1) starting January 2024

This module is for learners of Japanese who are working towards the post-beginners level. Students will learn the language in both spoken and written forms, further developing and consolidating their linguistic skills and cultural awareness in relation to familiar subjects of personal relevance. They will also learn to read and write a larger number of kanji characters and kanji-written words as part of their vocabulary learning.

JA3005: semester 2 (Level A2+) starting January 2024

This module is designed for students who are working towards the intermediate level of Japanese. We will take a deeper look into the Japanese language and culture by working in pairs and groups as well individually. Students will learn the language in both spoken and written forms, further developing their linguistic skills needed to understand and communicate information on familiar subjects of personal relevance (e.g. everyday life, university activities, interests). Through fun and thought-provoking activities, students will also learn to critically evaluate information about the Japanese culture and address its similarities and differences to their own cultures.

ZH3001: semester 2 (Level A1.1) starting January 2024

This module welcomes students who are interested in but have no prior knowledge of learning Chinese. Both language and cultural aspects are involved in this module. It aims to offer learners an interactive language environment through completing pair and group communicative tasks in and out of class. A list of daily topics will be covered, such as greeting, introducing themselves, hobbies, shopping, food ordering etc. Additionally, students will have chances to explore Chinese culture through different types of activities (e.g. workshops, seminars) and to develop their intercultural communication competence by familiarizing themselves with the commonalities and differences between Chinese and their own cultures.

ZH3002: semester 1 (Level A1.2) starting September 2023

This module is designed for students who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese and wish to further develop their language skills at beginner level. This module aims to consolidate the students' foundation in Chinese language and expand their communicative abilities in everyday situations (such as daily routine, direction inquiries, taking taxi, hotel bookings). Through interactive activities and cultural exploration, students will enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students learn to read and write Chinese characters, and be able to reflect on how culture and language interact in China.

ZH3003: semester 2 (Level A2.1) starting January 2024

This module is designed for students who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese. This module aims to further develop students' language skills, focusing on expanding vocabulary, improving grammatical accuracy, and enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in Chinese. It will enable students to acquire the necessary language skills to carry out practical tasks in real-life situations, such as seeking medical assistance, obtaining public transportation information, and making requests for refunds or returns etc. Through engaging activities and cultural exploration, students will deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture.

ZH3005: semester 2. Starting January 2024

This module is tailed to all students (including heritage Chinese speakers) who would like to enhance their existing Chinese language skills through DCU Language & Culture Programme. It aims to help students boost their employability after graduating from university. The module offers students the opportunity to upskill their Chinese language proficiency through completing different types of activities (pairs and groups). Topics will be situated in a broad socialized communicative context which covers contacting customers, attending exhibitions, business trips, working in the local community, etc.  Additionally, this module brings students to a deeper understanding and critical analysis of Chinese culture, which is a valuable contribution to their intercultural communication competence development through reflecting on commonalities and differences between Chinese and their own cultures.

RU3001: semester 2 (Level A1.1) starting January 2024

This module is designed for total beginners of Russian. You will be introduced  to some essential aspects of the language and culture of Russian-speaking countries. At the end of the module, you will be able to carry out simple interactions in Russian in order to satisfy concrete needs that relate to yourself and others.  

RU3002: semester 1 (Level A1.2) starting September 2023

This module is designed  for learners of Russian who have some very basic knowledge of the language and Russian culture . After this  module you will be able to communicate effectively in Russian about everyday life  (such as job, study, family and friends, daily routine, direction inquiries etc). This module  will enable you to further develop your language competence and cultural awareness in matters of personal relevance and everyday situations.

RU3003: semester 2 (Level A2.1) starting January 2024

This module is aimed at  learners of Russian language who are working towards the post-beginners level. You will learn the language in both spoken and written forms, further developing and consolidating their linguistic skills and cultural awareness in relation to familiar subjects of personal relevance. During this module you can continue to identify relevant topics in terms of social and cultural similarities and differences between Ireland and Russian-speaking countries.

RU3005: semester 2 (Level B.1.1) starting January 2024

This module is conducted largely through Russian. Thoughout the year, you will be able to perform individual and collaborative tasks, to develop your confidence and competence in spoken production and oral interaction in Russian while reinforcing your listening and written skills. You will develop skills that will help you to source and critically evaluate information about Russian culture, and produce spoken and written texts directed to both Irish and Russian audiences. 

AR3001: semester 2 (Level A1.1) January 2024

This module is designed for students who are interested in learning Arabic but have no prior knowledge of the language. You will be iniciated in basic aspects of the language as well as cultural aspects. By the end of the module you will be able to engage in basic interactions in Arabic in simple predictable situations using short-memorized sentences on familiar topics such us talking about yourself ,family, likes and dislikes.

AR3002: semester 1 (Level A1.2) September 2023

This module is designed for students who have a very basic knowledge of Arabic language. It is the second of the beginners module in which you will expand your communicative competence in everyday situations using short-memorized phrases. By the end of the module you will be able to engage in basic interactions in Arabic while expanding more your knowledge of the Arabic culture and world.

AR3003: semester 2 (Level A2.1) January 2024

This module is designed for students who have an elementary knowledge of Arabic language.In this module you will improve your communicative ability to engage in everyday situations using short-memorized phrases and vocabulary studied in class. By the end of the module you will be able to engage in basic interactions in Arabic such us giving and asking personal information, basic activities, expressing preferences and needs. Also, you will expand  your knowledge of the Arabic culture and world.

AR3005: semester 2 (Level B.1 and +) January 2024

This module is desinged for intermediate students of Arabic and heritage speakers of the langugae who would like to enhance their existing Arabic language skills.The module offers students the opportunity to upskill their Arabic language proficiency through completing different types of activities (pairs and groups). Also, this module brings students to a deeper understanding of the culture of the Arabic speaking-world, which is a valuable contribution to their intercultural communication competence.

There is no formal examination in this programme. Your progression to the next level will be based on the completion of an E-portfolio, assessment of your language skills, and engagement in independent learning activities.

Portfolio 

A portfolio is an individual piece of work in which you show evidence of regular practice between seminars, ability to reflect on cultural experiences (e.g. in the Languaculture Space), and on your ability to reflect upon your learning. 

Language skills

Your reading, written, oral and listening skills will be assessed through a variety of tasks or project you will complete in your module.  

Participation in independent learning activities. For example those organised in the LanguaCulture space

How can I register in the programme?

There are two registration periods for the DCU language and culture programme. Continuing students wishing to register will choose the code LC3000 in their registration options in August. Registration for 1st years, a window will be given to the students to register in November after an information session.

I am interested in taking a language alongside my programme but I am unsure which level to register for.

You should have your level assessed by the relevant language tutor. 

Can I take more than one language in the programme?

Yes, you can study more than one language but not at the same time. For example, you can start with one language at a given level and then opt for a different language at a different level.

I am not a student of the new Futures Degrees, can I take a language course?

During this pilot phase, the programme is offered exclusively on the DCU Futures Degrees.

Do I need to follow the sequence of the nine levels of the programme to progress in the language of my choice?

No, your level of proficiency is the result of many different experiences you had learning that language both in the classroom, but also outside the classroom e.g you may spend time in countries where the language is spoken, attend special courses, or have other opportunities to use the language during your holidays, or with friends and family. All these factors may change your level of proficiency at any stage. If you are unsure about your level, you should have your level assessed by the relevant language tutor.

Do I have to sit an exam?

No, there is no formal examination. Yet, learning languages as practising sports needs training. Will you play a match of your favourite sport without training first? Probably not, since your performance will not be the same. It is the same when you are learning a language, you need to practise first to perform well. For this reason, you will need to show evidence of your practice throughout a portfolio.

What would happen if I fail? Can I study a different language?

If you fail the module, you can repeat the same module or you can choose a different language in the programme.

Can I change my choice of languages during my studies?

Yes, you can change your choice of language at any time. For example, you can start learning Spanish at an intermediate level for one year, and the following year you can choose to start a different language at beginner level.