PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Name of Programme: BA (Hons) English Literature with French/Spanish

Final award (BSc, MA etc): BA
Awarding University of Teaching institution: University of Buckingham
institution/body: Buckingham
School of Study: Humanities Parent Department: English
Length of the 2 years Method of study: Full- Full Time
programme: 2 years + 1 term time/Part-time/Other

Framework for Higher Relevant subject

Education FHEQ Level 6 benchmark statement QAA SBS: English (2015);
Qualifications (FHEQ) (SBS) (see Guidance notes, QAA SBS: Creative Writing
Level section D – External Reference (2016);
(see Guidance notes, section D – Points)
QAA SBS: Languages,
External Reference Points)
Cultures and Societies
(2015)
2007)

Professional body N/A

accreditation
Criteria for admission A-level: BCC /104 Cohort(s) to which From 2003 onwards
to the programme: UCAS points / IB 24 applicable
or equivalent
qualification 

UCAS Code Q3R1(French) Q3R4(Spanish)

Summary of Programme
The MFL department teaches French and Spanish which can be taken as minor programmes. French [Spanish] is
taught at Intermediate Level (stages 3-6) and Advanced Level (stages 5–8). The educational aims vary with level
(see separate Language specifications), but are broadly outlined below.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
English Literature specific
 Provide knowledge of the discipline as traditionally constructed by examining a range of literature in different
genres across different historical periods
 Facilitate critically-informed understanding of ways to approach literary texts, and understanding of current
critical issues and theories
 Give students the ability to engage closely and in detail with the stylistic and rhetorical features of texts
French [Spanish] specific
 Develop skills for communicating in French [Spanish] in a variety of social and professional environments
 Develop a full range of intermediate/advanced grammatical structures of French [Spanish]
 Develop a wide range of generalist and specialist French [Spanish] vocabulary, including reference to different
styles and registers of the language
 Develop knowledge of French [Spanish] culture and society, leading to increased cultural awareness and
understanding
 Provide a basis for further development of linguistic skills at intermediate/advanced/postgraduate level
 Provide skills enabling students to use their French [Spanish] in a professional context
English Literature with French [Spanish]
 Provide enhanced understanding of language, through comparative knowledge
 Provide intercultural awareness
 Understand the interaction of language and social/cultural communication
 Give students the ability to read, write, and speak the language of effective and thorough communication.
 Provide opportunities for rigorous discussion and debate, encouraged in a tutorial environment
 Encourage competencies directly relating to employability:
- Second language acquisition
- High-order conceptual, literacy, and communication skills
- Intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- High-level, fluent, and accurate writing skills
- Excellent IT skills.
FOR TAUGHT PROGRAMMES AT ALL LEVELS
 Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of: Teaching/Learning Strategy
On successful completion of their studies, students will be used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
able to demonstrated:
1. Comprehend a significant number of texts
and authors from different periods of 1. Courses dealing with specific literary periods and
literature (including > 50 units of pre-1800 literary movements
literature) 2. Seminar and tutorial discussions focussing on
2. Understand of the cultural, socio-historical,
and ideological contexts in which the above
are produced and read
→ detailed reading of texts and their features
3. Lectures, presentations, transparencies, and
handouts situating texts in their different contexts.
3. Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of the
study of literature in English and its ethically French [Spanish]
and emotionally educative dimensions 4. Oral seminar presentations – to practise
communication skills and demonstrate
French [Spanish] understanding.
4. Demonstrate explicit knowledge of the 5. Teaching, practising, testing, examining of French
French [Spanish] language (National [Spanish] grammar, syntax, vocabulary.
Language Standards) and of socio-cultural 6. Authentic materials provide opportunities for use of
issues in French [Spanish] speaking target language to discuss aspects of French
countries. [Spanish] culture and social practices and compare
5. Display significant intercultural awareness them with those in UK and students’ own nations.
and under-standing.
Assessment Strategy:
1. Module essays
2. Unseen examinations
→ 3.
4.
Practical Assessments
In-class tests
5. Presentations
6. Formative assessment
Cognitive (thinking) skills: Teaching/Learning Strategy:
On successful completion of their studies, students will be used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
able to
demonstrated:
1. Close analysis through lectures (up to 30), seminar
1. Read and describe a text closely in formal activities, and tutorials (4–7 students) of a text’s
terms (stylistic, rhetorical, generic, etc.)
2. Articulate responses to the affective power
of literature and its aesthetic qualities
→ formal qualities.
2. Setting reading and chairing subsequent tutorial
debates over the central critical issues raised by set
3. Show awareness of how, historically, texts, as preparation for writing evaluative essays.
different social and cultural assumptions 3. Lecture and tutorial explanations of historical
have operated inherently in the production difference and cultural change.
and reception of literary texts 4. Essay writing skills focussing on the development of
4. Identify and organise historical argument in coherent argument, and presentation of evidence.
oral and written form 5. Group discussion of historical topics, led and
5. Handle and assimilate complex historical adjudicated by the lecturer.
materials and evidence
6. Test and evaluate arguments and evidence. French [Spanish]
6. French [Spanish] oral skills practised extensively in
French [Spanish] class and tested/examined regularly; written skills
7. Use French [Spanish]creatively and nurtured by grammar teaching and improved as a
precisely for a variety of purposes result of detailed feedback for regular assignments
8. Extract key information from written and 7. French [Spanish] listening and reading
spoken sources in French[Spanish] comprehension exercises in class, independent
9. Organise and present ideas in French study time, exams
[Spanish] within a structured and reasoned 8. French [Spanish] Stage 4 and above predominantly:
argument. prepared and practised in class, tested orally and in
writing in assignments and exams
 Assessment Strategy:
1. Module essays
2. Unseen examinations
→ 3.
4.
Practical Assessments
In-class tests
5. Presentations
6. Formative assessment
Practical/Transferable skills (able to): Teaching/Learning Strategy:
Graduates successfully completing the used to enable outcomes to be achieved and
programming will possess demonstrated:
1. Prescribing different and sometimes conflicting
1. Skills of intellectual analysis, discrimination,
and evaluation → readings of set texts for analysis, to demonstrate the
need for synthesis and evaluation
2. High-order communication skills, including 2. Courses designed to involve students continuously
the ability to present written and oral in communicating ideas and responses, both
arguments persuasively formally and informally (through research reports,
3. Ability to develop intricate arguments in an debate, and tutorial discussion)
open-ended way and to negotiate solutions 3. Interactive process of drafting reports, essays, and
4. Capacity for independent thought and mini-dissertation material with tutors
judgement, including appreciation of 4. Students challenged continually in development of
alternative perspectives assessed material, to appraise and judge different
5. Receptivity and detailed attention to others’ intellectual positions and to engage constructively
points of view and emotional intelligence of with them
response 5. Weekly, detailed tutorial discussions amongst small
6. Ability to identify historical arguments in groups of students (4–7)
other contexts 6. Small-group discussion exploring the wider
7. Research skills, including advanced implications of historiography
information retrieval, note-taking, and 7. On-going instruction in use of Library & Information
organisational abilities Services, and advice on studying patterns (Personal
8. Editing and presentational skills suitable for Tutor system)
professional publications 8. Detailed feedback on grammar, style and
9. Presentation skills – the importance of presentation of written work; provision of
teaching others and communication as a Department’s own Style Guide
way of learning 9. Oral seminar presentations to other students
10. Effective time-management and basic 10. Specifying deadlines throughout the academic year
project-management skills for the submission of different tasks and reports, and
11. Ability to take responsibility for own work advising students on how to meet them (Personal
programme, and to study autonomously Tutor system).
within prescribed guidelines 11. Providing accurate course information and Study
Guides; requiring assessed work in time for agreed
French [Spanish] deadlines; providing examination and Study Skills
Successful completion of the degree programme will revision.
provide its graduates with advanced skills in French [Spanish]
12. French [Spanish] Reading 12. Exposure to authentic materials; regular practice in
class; assignments, tests, exams
13. French [Spanish] Writing 13. Minimum of 2 written assignments; end-of-course
exam.
14. French [Spanish] Speaking 14. Communicative approach; oral classes in small
groups guaranteed; oral presentations in target
15. French [Spanish] Listening language; final exam.
15. Use of French [Spanish] language and audiovisual
and interactive materials in class; provision of self-
access listening/viewing facilities and strong
encouragement for students to use them; final exam.
Assessment Strategy:
1 Module essays
2. Unseen examinations
→ 3.
4.
In-class tests
Presentations
5. Formative assessment
External Reference Points
The following reference points were used in designing the programme
 Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-A1.aspx);
 Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s)
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/quality-code-A2.aspx);
 Other (list)
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can
be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the
University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Programme Director(s) Name(s): Professor Stefan Hawlin

Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee N/A
Date approved by School Board of Study Jan 2013
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee Feb 2013
ENGLISH LITERATURE WITH FRENCH OR SPANISH [BA]
January Entry
All modules are 15 units, except where specified as 30 units.

Students following the degree programme in English Literature with a Language, choose one language, which is
followed throughout the whole programme. See MFL section. A second language may be taken voluntarily, subject to
timetabling constraints.

COMBINED HONOURS

MAJOR MINOR

Term YEAR ONE

1
Poetry and Poetics [4] Victorian Fiction [4]
Winter
French or Spanish (30 units)
2
Fiction and Theory [4] Victorian Poetry [4]
Spring

THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

3
Creative Writing 1 [4] † Rewriting Empire [5]
Summer
French or Spanish (30 units)
4 Literary Journalism 1642-
Reading Genders [5]
Autumn Present [5]

THE PART 1 EXAMINATION

YEAR TWO

5 Restoration and Augustan Modern American

Winter Literature [6] Literature [6]
French or Spanish (30 units)
6
Romantic Literature [6] Film Studies [5]
Spring

THE PART 2 STAGE 1 EXAMINATION

7
Shakespearean Drama [6]
Summer Modernist Writing [6]

French or Spanish (30 units)

8
Renaissance Literature [6]
Autumn Contemporary Writing [6]

THE PART 2 STAGE 2 EXAMINATION

† At the discretion of the Programme Director, an appropriate 15-unit English Language or English Literature module may be substituted for
Creative Writing 1.
ENGLISH LITERATURE WITH FRENCH OR SPANISH [BA]
September Entry - 9 Terms
All modules are 15 units, except where specified as 30 units.

Students following the degree programme in English Literature with a Language, choose one language, which is
followed throughout the whole programme. See MFL section. A second language may be taken voluntarily, subject to
timetabling constraints.

COMBINED HONOURS

MAJOR MINOR

Term YEAR ONE

1
Eras of English [4]
Autumn Plays in Performance [4]

THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 1

2
Poetry and Poetics [4]
Winter
French or Spanish (30 units)
3
Fiction and Theory [4]
Spring

THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2

3
Creative Writing 1 [4] † Rewriting Empire [5]
Summer
French or Spanish (30 units)
4
Reading Genders [5] Literary Journalism 1642-
Autumn Present [5]

THE PART 1 EXAMINATION

YEAR TWO

5 Restoration and Modern American

Winter Augustan Literature [6] Literature [6]
French or Spanish (30 units)
6
Romantic Literature [6] Film Studies [5]
Spring

THE PART 2 STAGE 1 EXAMINATION

7 Shakespearean Drama
Summer [6] Modernist Writing [6]

French or Spanish (30 units)

8 Renaissance Literature
Autumn [6] Contemporary Writing [6]

THE PART 2 STAGE 2 EXAMINATION

† At the discretion of the Programme Director, an appropriate 15-unit English Language or English Literature module may be substituted for
Creative Writing 1.