Cultural Expression, Translation, Global Discourses: Novel Approaches to European Language Learning
UndergraduateUNE-LANG3042027
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 21 Feb 2027
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Price from
- $2,361
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Cultural Expression, Translation, Global Discourses: Novel Approaches to European Language Learning
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced communicative competence through the ability to effectively convey knowledge and ideas across a broad range of contexts and genres, including in the target language where appropriate;
- demonstrate advanced level language skills to critically analyse and interpret texts across a range of genres in relation to the socio-cultural context of the target language;
- demonstrate and apply extended knowledge of the stylistic features of the target language and how they vary across genres and sociocultural contexts; and
- apply and demonstrate extended knowledge of the contextually embedded social and cultural issues in relation to the target language.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject enables you to advance your proficiency in a modern European language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
Through research-led teaching, the subject covers authentic contemporary cultural sources such as literature, film, media, and music in the target language embedded in a variety of sociocultural settings across the globe.
While engaging with this material, you will participate in a range of practical tasks in the target language including conversation, translation, critical and comparative analysis, and creative writing.
This subject will not only enhance your skills as a language learner, but also your cultural knowledge and cross-cultural communicative competence.
To ensure the topic you enrol in is appropriate for your Program of Study, you must apply for permission to enrol at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant trimester.
2027 Topics
- Trimester 1
- German:
German Conversational Skills: Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation
As it is spoken by millions of people around the world, being able to communicate effectively in German is an increasingly practical way to ensure your relevance in a global economy. When travelling abroad, listening and speaking skills in the foreign language are crucial. However, it is a challenge to learn a language outside the country where it is spoken. In this topic/subject you will build a sound basis for conversing in German. You’ll focus on improving the conversational skills (listening, speaking, pronunciation) that are needed to participate more confidently in spoken discourse in German-speaking countries. When studying this topic/subject, you will also develop the capacity to engage appropriately, and with relative fluency, in oral discourse across a range of situations.
Latin American Rhythms and Politics: From Tango to Rock
Musicians through the ages have always made reference to politics and the social issues of the day, and scholars often look to the music of a culture to analyse the values and beliefs of a society. In this topic/subject you will study modern Latin American music and its relationship to politics. Discussion of the music will consider such topics as the relationship between the music and the historical and sociological context which it portrays and in which it was produced. The music will also be discussed in terms of the way in which the musicians present their subject matter, that is with regard to issues such as style and rhythm. This topic/subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.
There are no French or Italian topics/subjects available in LANG304 in Trimester 1.
- Trimester 2
- German:
"Es war einmal..." - German Children's Literature
Historically, the function of stories for children was to teach them about the world and caution them about physical or moral dangers. When children’s literature was first published in print, this tradition of cautionary tales was continued. In this topic/subject, you will read German literature for children and teenagers. The texts include fairy tales, picture books, and novels. The topic/subject will focus on developing your ability to examine a literary text critically and to relate it to the socio-cultural context of German-speaking countries. Your language skills will be enhanced through a detailed study of the texts and you will be expected to produce your own story for children in German.
Theory and Practice of Translation
Translating texts enhances language acquisition because it allows you to clearly recognise the nuances in the language you are learning. You will notice patterns, and see similarities and differences between your native language and Spanish, further consolidating your learning of the language. In this topic/subject you will study the theory of translation, concentrating in particular on research into translation processes that has emerged from linguistic studies over the past 50 years. The focus of this study is the development of an understanding of the way(s) translation operates as a sociolinguistic process and the strategies that may be applied by translators in practical situations. This topic/subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.
- There are no French or Italian topics/subjects available in LANG304 in Trimester 2.
- Trimester 1
Assessment 1: German Discipline - Online Assessment. 1000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-2;
Assessment 2: German Discipline - Portfolio A: A collection of learner-centred, personally relevant tasks and activities that foster receptive and/or productive language skills. 2000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 3: German Discipline - Portfolio B: A collection of learner-centred, personally relevant tasks and activities that foster receptive and/or productive language skills. 2000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.
Assessment 1: Spanish Discipline - Written Assessment. 1700 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 2: Spanish Discipline - Written Assessment. 1700 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 3: Spanish Discipline - Oral Examination. Oral assessment conducted via an online platform. 1000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 4: Spanish Discipline - Online Assessment. 800 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.- Assessment 1: Spanish Discipline - Written Assessment. (30%)
- Assessment 1: German Discipline - Online Assessment. (20%)
- Assessment 2: Spanish Discipline - Written Assessment. (35%)
- Assessment 2: German Discipline - Portfolio A A collection of learner-centred, personally relevant tasks and activities that foster receptive and/or productive language skills. (40%)
- Assessment 3: Spanish Discipline - Oral Examination. (20%)
- Assessment 3: German Discipline - Portfolio B: A collection of learner-centred, personally relevant tasks and activities that foster receptive and/or productive language skills. (40%)
- Assessment 4: Spanish Discipline - Online Assessment. (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-MDL-DIP-2027 - Diploma in Languages
Others
Candidature in the Diploma in Modern Languages.
This is a repeatable subject. However, topics are not repeatable and the subject cannot be undertaken more than once in any one teaching period.
To enrol in this subject, students must have completed: FREN202 or GRMN202 or ITAL202 or SPAN202 or equivalent. Enrolment is also subject to permission of the coordinator (or delegate). Students must apply for permission to enrol at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant Trimester.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-MDL-DIP