BA International Relations and Language Studies

Program Overview

---

Your first year at Essex will be with Essex Pathways. In your second year of study, you will join the Department of Language and Linguistics for the remaining three years of study Why do international conflicts arise? What determines a country’s foreign policy? What are the prospects for international cooperation, necessary to address problems like global warming, environmental degradation or global pandemics such as Covid-19? Politics and political events dominate domestic and international news, impacting on our day-to-day lives as well as shaping the future. Beginning with an overview of international relations in your first year, from global political economy to studies of conflict of security, you then have a choice of topics to explore, such as:

• Comparative politics
• International political economy
• Political theory
• Public Opinion

You also study two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, completing at least one language to Proficiency level. Each of these languages is widely used in the business world, and can take you to a level of near-fluency. Many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking for language specialists. We also offer a month-long summer course abroad with fees paid for by us if you start your main language from scratch via the intensive route. This summer course doesn’t include Chinese as an option. We are a place where talented students become part of an academic community where we are ranked 1st for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 2nd for research output in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, REF 2021). If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome to Essex. Why we're great.

• Great flexibility and choice: You can study up to two languages choosing between French, German, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish from beginner or post-A level. Mandarin Chinese is available at Intensive Initial level.
• We are ranked 1st for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 2nd for research output in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, REF 2021).
• You will combine practical language study to a high level with a current, relevant academic discipline

Our expert staff

Our Language and Linguistics staff are internationally renowned. Their books are often key texts on the reading lists at other universities. All our language teachers are native or bilingual speakers, we maintain excellent student-staff ratios, and we integrate language learning with linguistics wherever there is synergy. In addition to helping you acquire practical foreign language skills, our staff share their expertise with you in the areas of professional translation, interpreting and subtitling, film and art, and culture. In the Department of Government, some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

---

Specialist facilities

An exciting programme of research seminars and other events

Our Albert Sloman Library houses an extensive collection of books, journals, electronic resources and major archives

---

Your future

Companies and organisations in the UK and abroad are struggling to find university graduates who are fluent in at least one other language, apart from English. Being an Essex modern languages graduate places you in a very advantageous position. You will be able to speak and write fluently, or to a very competent standard, in up to two languages. Language skills are in scarce supply and can be used in almost any job. Our graduates become teachers, translators, administrators and journalists. The language skills they acquire have enabled them to work in diverse fields including banking, entertainment, media, education and tourism, as well as for a host of UK and international companies. For example, one of our recent graduates is now a newspaper editor in Spain, while another teaches modern languages in Southampton. We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Program Outline

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.

---

---

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose. Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

---

---

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits. In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available. Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

HR	100	4	FY
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.	The module number.	The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.	The term the module will be taught in. AU : Autumn term SP : Spring term SU : Summer term FY : Full year AP : Autumn and Spring terms PS: Spring and Summer terms AS: Autumn and Summer terms

Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Final Year This module is designed to prepare students wishing to join a degree course in the Department of Language and Linguistics. It is also a suitable choice for students who simply have an interest in language and it similarly provides a sound academic background for the study of subjects which rely extensively on proficient use of the English language such as Literature, History, Sociology, and Philosophy. View Introduction to Linguistics on our Module Directory How did Plato and Aristotle influence Western political thought? How do you study class or gender today? What impact does globalisation have? Examine the history of social and political theory, critically analysing current issues. Understand key topics in politics and sociology for further study of the social sciences and humanities. View Becoming Enlightened Citizens: Foundations in Politics and Government on our Module Directory This module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as: academic writing, research, academic integrity, collaborative and reflective practices. The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module. View Research and Academic Development Skills on our Module Directory COMPONENT 04: CORE WITH OPTIONS IA108-3-FY or IA111-3-FY or IA150-3-FY (30 CREDITS) What is “Politics”? How have people conceived of political analysis, the state, laws, wars and political parties, across cultures and over time? Gain an understanding of essential concepts in the study of politics and explore the economic, social and intellectual trends that have made democracy possible. View Introduction to Politics on our Module Directory This module introduces students to the study of international relations, with a particular emphasis on two broad fields: international security and international political economy. Topics in international security include state and non-state actors, the nature of power, the causes of war and peace, terrorism, international institutions, and human rights. Topics in international political economy include trade, finance, European integration, the origins of underdevelopment, government responses to disasters, and foreign aid. Throughout the class, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to real world events. View Introduction to International Relations on our Module Directory Why do states sometimes go to war? What conditions can promote peace and international stability? When are states able to form cooperative agreements to promote trade, combat terrorism, or address climate change? Explore issues in international relations which help address complicated questions concerning cooperation and conflict between countries. View Co-Operation and Conflict on our Module Directory COMPONENT 04: OPTIOL Language (Higher Intermediate or above) or Intensive Initial Part 1 & 2 (30 CREDITS) COMPONENT 05: OPTIOL Language (Initial to Advanced) or Intensive Part 1 and 2 (30 CREDITS) What are your skills? And how do they fit in with your career plans? Build your employability skills through this non-credit bearing but obligatory module. Attend workshops and events, engage in activities to raise your employability and build your knowledge of the graduate job market. View Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics on our Module Directory How should we approach relationships between different countries? Explore different theoretical lenses through which the world can be viewed, including bargaining theory, liberal institutional approaches, and emotion-based, psychological models of the behavior of international political actions. View International Relations: Theories and Approaches on our Module Directory Understand the evolving field of conflict resolution through exploring the causes and effects of armed conflict across the world, and scrutinising the theory and practice of how this can be managed peacefully. View Conflict Analysis on our Module Directory COMPONENT 03: OPTIOL Government option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) COMPONENT 04: OPTIOL Language (Advanced or above) option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) COMPONENT 05: OPTIOL Language (Lower Intermediate or above) option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) What are your skills? And how do they fit in with your career plans? Build your employability skills through this non-credit bearing but obligatory module. Attend workshops and events, engage in activities to raise your employability and build your knowledge of the graduate job market. View Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics on our Module Directory Prepare an 8,000 word dissertation which researches the political topic you are most passionate about. View Research Project: Politics on our Module Directory COMPONENT 02: OPTIOL Politics option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) COMPONENT 03: OPTIOL Language (Proficiency or above) option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) COMPONENT 04: OPTIOL Language (Higher Intermediate or above) option(s) from list (30 CREDITS) What are your skills? And how do they fit in with your career plans? Build your employability skills through this non-credit bearing but obligatory module. Attend workshops and events, engage in activities to raise your employability and build your knowledge of the graduate job market. View Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics on our Module Directory

---

---

Teaching

• Teaching is arranged to allow freedom in how you organise your learning experience
• teaching methods include delivery of material through lectures, classes and seminars

---

---

Assessment

• Assessment is by a combination of coursework (assignments, essays, presentations and tests) and end-of-year examinations.
• Other assessment methods include quizzes, presentations, role-play activities, portfolios, group work, and projects.