SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

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1 Department of Modern Languages and European Studies SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES Join our dynamic, internationally recognised department and find out where languages can take you Learn the Spanish language, explore the diverse cultures of Spain and Latin America, study or work abroad and fulfil your potential UNDERGRADUATE Undergraduate

2 SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES AT READING Study abroad Combined degree OUR COURSES BA Spanish Joint Honours 4 years full-time, part-time available STANDARD OFFERS UCAS tariff ABB BBB from three A levels including a minimum grade B in Spanish International Baccalaureate points overall including 5 in Spanish at higher level Deferred entry Yes RELATED SUBJECTS English Language European Studies French Studies German Studies Italian Studies WHY SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES? Spanish is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world, and Latin America is home to some of the world s emerging economies as well as some of the most diverse and vibrant cultures and societies. The BA (Joint Hons.) Spanish will prepare you to be part of that world. Graduates in Spanish from the University of Reading have enviable career prospects because employers recognise the many skills both subject-specific and transferable that our students acquire during their studies. Not only will you gain a solid grounding in written and spoken Spanish language (Peninsular or Latin American), but you will be able to pursue your own particular interests via the wide range of optional modules covering Spanish and Latin American culture, history, literature, politics, management and film. Through written assignments and class presentations, you will develop oral and written language skills and the ability to communicate effectively and with confidence. As well as deepening your knowledge of the country, its people, culture and language, the year abroad offers you a great opportunity for personal and career development again, this is something that all employers prize in their graduate employees. WHY READING? The joint degrees in Spanish at the University of Reading will appeal to anyone with an interest in the Spanish-speaking world and the Spanish language. What s more, it s a brand new degree programme, so it offers a fresh and contemporary vision of Spanish and Latin American languages and cultures! The degree offers a choice of modules covering literature, popular culture, history, politics and film, alongside core modules in practical written and oral language skills and complementary skills. We aim to ensure that our students become fluent in oral and written Spanish for a variety of educational, cultural and business purposes. In Year 1, in addition to modules in Spanish language and an introduction to Spanish and Latin American Studies, you can select content modules in one or more other subjects, across the Department, School and University, or even pick up a new language through the Institution-Wide Language Programme. This modular system allows considerable flexibility, allowing you to try out different subjects, and in Year 2, you can develop your interests further. The third year is spent in Spain, Latin America or the Caribbean, as a student, an English language assistant, or on a work placement. In the final year, you can choose from a range of optional modules, all based on staff research expertise, as well as consolidate your language skills. With optional modules on a range of subjects (dictatorship in Spain and Latin America, testimonial writing in Latin America, the option of an extended research essay), the flexible choice at final year offers you the opportunity to develop your own intellectual and practical interests. COMBINED DEGREES You can combine Spanish with: English Language QR34 English Literature QR3K European Studies R900 (4 years) R901 (3 years) German Studies RR24 Italian Studies RR34 French Studies RR14 History RV41 Management RN42 International Management and Business Administration N2R4 International mix 2 3

3 POR QUÉ EL ESPAÑOL? WHY SPANISH? LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES Spanish graduates are qualified to work in areas where the ability to communicate effectively, using both the spoken and the written word, is a top priority. They frequently take up careers, at home or abroad, involving the collection and dissemination of information, the advertising and selling of commodities and services, and the bridging of all manner of linguistic gaps. Recent graduates in the Department have gone on to careers ranging from translating, teaching and research (doctorates at Oxford and Queen Mary, University of London) to financial services (HSBC, Zurich Insurance), telecommunications (Vodafone), marketing, the fashion industry (Chanel), the international art business (Christie s) and regional development (the Design Wales Project). For more information on our Careers Advisory Service, visit Spanish is the language most vital to the UK over the next 20 years Karl Turner Languages for the Future, British Council 2013 A more connected world demands language skills. Three quarters of employers say they are looking for modern language graduates. CBI Education and Skills Survey % of our graduates go into work or study within six months UNISTATS AT A GLANCE 90% OPEN DAYS The best way to discover more about all our courses is to come and visit our campus. For the latest dates, visit: Find us on Facebook Modern Languages & European Studies at the University of Reading 4 5

4 French Studies at Reading PATHWAYS CHOOSING THE MODULES THAT SUIT YOU BEST Our flexible modular scheme allows our students to try out many different and new types of approaches and subjects, and gives them the freedom to pursue those aspects they most enjoy and excel at. Joint honours students have the opportunity to tailor their choices to suit their degree combination. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Final year Core language module In part one the aim is to provide you with a strong foundation for studying Spanish and Spanish and Latin American culture. The first year modules do this by giving you a chronological perspective on how Spain and Latin America have changed from 1492 to the present day (Icons of Spain and Latin America I and II), through looking at historical and cultural texts, including film. Core language module You will develop and hone your language skills in reading, writing, grammar and speaking (including pronunciation). You will also begin preparing linguistically and culturally for your year abroad. In part two, you will build on your knowledge and broaden your choice. You can choose from modules on culture, history and politics in both Spain and Latin America, as well as tailored modules for management students. This is your year abroad which you will spend in a Spanishspeaking country. If you study Spanish in combination with another language you will divide your time between a Spanish-speaking country and the country of your second language. During your year abroad you can: 1 Study at one of the many exchange universities in Spain or Latin America: for Spain, the exchange programmes are financially supported by the Erasmus + programme of the European Union. In Latin America, you may find that the cost of living makes this a good option 2 Work as a teaching assistant at a school: these assistantships are organised by the British Council 3 Choose a work placement in Spain or Latin America Language skills In part three, on returning from your year abroad with a much greater understanding of A Spanishspeaking country, its language and cultures, this is your opportunity to really deepen your knowledge. Final year options are offered on a range of cultural aspects of Spain and Latin America, as well as tailored modules for management students. STUDYING ABROAD Current institutional exchange locations include universities in Spain: Alcalá de Henares, Salamanca, Valladolid, Bilbao (Deusto); and in Latin America: Havana, Cuba, and UDLAP (Puebla, Mexico) The Europe-based programmes are supported by the Erasmus + programme of the European Union. Which would you choose? 6 7

5 The friendly environment, the professionalism of the teachers and the stimulating course content rendered my four years at Reading extremely enjoyable. Aline Sierp European Studies with French and Italian, now Assistant Professor in European Studies at Maastricht University, The Netherlands. SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES AT READING For more information, please contact: School Admissions Secretary Department of Modern Languages and European Studies University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AA Tel (0118) Modern Languages & European Studies at the University of Reading B