School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)

Institution-wide language programme (IWLP)

The Institution-wide Language Programme was set up in 1992 so that students across the University would have the opportunity to study a foreign language either as part of their course or as an extra-curricular activity.

Why study a language?

If you're a native speaker of English you might be fooled into thinking that since everybody else speaks English, you don't need to bother learning another language. Wrong! If the UK is going to be competitive in international markets, we need people who speak the local language and understand the culture. Everybody ought to be able to hold a conversation in at least one language other than their native language.

What can I study?

You can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What will I be taught and at what level?

IWLP concentrates on general language skills, to enable you to deal with everyday situations at the lower levels and with general social and professional situations at the higher levels. You will develop all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. All languages are available from beginners' level, but if you have studied a language already we will slot you into a class so you can build on your existing knowledge.

Will it count towards my degree?

This depends on what your programme of study is. Most degrees allow your foreign language to count, but some degrees, especially those which lead to professional accreditation, don't. In these cases, though, you can still usually learn a language in your own time for no extra charge. If you're still not sure, ask your course leader or personal tutor.

When do classes take place?

Some classes are daytime, some are in the evenings.  Many classes are duplicated so you can usually choose a class that suits your timetable.

How much time will I have to spend studying?

Learning a language is time consuming - you can't get away from that.  Each week you will have one two-hour class as well as a one hour session of e-learning on Victory and you will be expected to spend at least another three hours a week working on your own. You can study a language for one semester only, but the amount of progress you make will not be very great. It's best to plan to study the language for three or four semesters in order to build up the skill to the point at which you can use it in real life.

How will I be assessed?

There is an end of semester exam. Each of the language skills is assessed over the programme, but not necessarily in each semester.

What are the facilities like?

You will have access to the same facilities as specialist language students, including the new digital language laboratories. We have also developed on-line learning materials to support your individual work. You can also use the learning materials in the Learning Resources Centre in Park Building.

OK, so how much does it cost?

Nothing. It's free.

How do I find out more?

Contact the IWLP Office in Park Building, room 1.01.
Telephone: 02392 846140
e-mail: iwlp@port.ac.uk

IWLP Registration for 2011/2012

If you wish to study a language with the IWLP next year and have not yet registered with IWLP (NB you need to do this in addition to registering with your home department ) you should attend one of the following Registration Sessions in Park during these times. The process takes about 10 minutes only. You need NOT attend if you have successfully registered online.

Thursday 22 September 2011, 1-4pm, Park 0.08
Friday 23 September 2011, 1-3pm, Park 2.05

Bibliography:

French 1A and 1B - Palgrave Foundations 1 French (new edition)
French  2A and 2B - Palgrave Foundations 2 French (new edition)
Spanish 1A and 1B - Palgrave Foundations 1 Spanish (2nd edition)
Spanish 2A and 2B - Palgrave Foundations 2 Spanish (new edition)
Italian 1A and 1B - Palgrave Foundations 1 Italian (new edition)
Italian 2A and 2B - Palgrave Foundations 2 Italian
German 1A - Tangram 1A
German 1B - Tangram  1A/1B
German 2A - Tangram  1B
German 2B - Tangram  1B/2A
Portuguese 1A and 1B - Discovering Portuguese: An Introduction To 
The Language and People by Alan Freeland BBC Books
Arabic 1A and 1B - Mastering Arabic Palgrave (new edition)
Japanese 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B - Minna No Nihongo.
Mandarin 1A, 1B, 2A - Mastering Chinese - Palgrave
BSL 1A and 1B - Signs for beginners (Cleveland) and Signs make sense (Horizon)