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, which may lead to a certificate.

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. All full-time students may take an IWLP unit for interest in level 4* of an undergraduate programme and most degrees allow you to study a foreign language for credits at level 5. We encourage you to sign up for the two year SLAS/IWLP certificate. This is obtained by students who successfully complete IWLP units at Levels 4 and 5. Students who elect not to continue beyond Level 4 would not be eligible for the certificate.

*note: Levels 4, 5, and 6 refer to the levels of an undergraduate programme. You may be a direct entrant to level 5 or level 6 of a programme.

Will I be able to take an IWLP unit for interest at level 6?

Normally, students may only take an IWLP unit for interest in level 6 of a course programme if they have successfully completed an IWLP unit at the lower grade in level 5 of their course programme, but not at Level 4. Students who successfully complete IWLP units at Levels 5 and 6 are eligible for the IWLP SLAS certificate.

I am a level 6 direct entry student. Can I take an IWLP unit?

Direct entry students may take an IWLP unit for interest only if there are spaces available in existing timetabled classes. Please note that spare capacity in these cases is very low.

Please note that postgraduate students and members of staff cannot currently take IWLP units.

My degree does not allow me to take an IWLP unit for credits at Level 5. Can I still do an IWLP unit for interest?

Some degrees, especially those which lead to professional accreditation, do not allow you to study a language for credit at level 5. In these cases, you may only study a unit for interest if you have successfully completed an IWLP unit for interest at a lower grade in Level 4, and if there are spaces available in existing timetabled classes. Please note that spare capacity in these cases is very low.

When do classes take place?

Some classes are daytime, some are in the evenings. Some classes are duplicated so you can usually find 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 at lower levels, and three hours at a higher level as well as a one hour session of blended learning on our VLE 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 year only, but the amount of progress you make will not be very great. It's best to plan to study the language for two or three years in order to build up the skill to the point at which you can use it in real life and gain a qualification.

How will I be assessed?

There is continuous assessment which will include assessed coursework, oral presentation and final examination. Each of the language skills is assessed over the programme.

What are the facilities like?

You will have access to the same facilities as specialist language students, including state of the art multi media 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 846103
e-mail: iwlp@port.ac.uk

IWLP Registration for 2012/2013

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 can register online.

You may also attend Park Building to register in person during the following times:

• Thursday 20th September in Park 2.05: 1:00pm to 3:00pm or 4:00pm to 5:00pm
• Friday 21st September in Park 1.09: 10am to 12noon

This process takes only 10-15 minutes. You do not have to present for the whole of the stated times.

Bibliography:

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

The new Transitional grades will require a combination of books and this will be explained to you in your first session.