Welcome to The School of Modern Languages and Cultures

The individual elements of your degree are known as modules. In SMLC, we tend to distinguish between "language" modules and "culture" modules.

All first-year degrees require at least one core language module, which focuses on developing the core knowledge and skills required for second-year.

Most students will also have at least one core culture module in the first-year of their degree. Our culture modules introduce students to key artistic, historical, and political developments in the target culture. They are designed to train students in the close reading and analytical skills required to engage with a range of genres and ideas that they will encounter later in their degrees.

If you are on a joint degree with another department (e.g. Hispanic Studies and English, Modern Languages and Economics), there will be required modules for that part of your degree. You can find out more about this process on our Moodle page.

Students on single-honours degrees (e.g. German Studies, French Studies....) might also choose to study external modules from other departments in the university.

First-year modules do not count towards final degree classification. However, all marks awarded for first-year modules are recorded on the official University of Warwick degree transcript you will receive on graduating. Your first-year modules provide the foundation for subsequent years of study, so the progress you make in year one is likely to have an important impact on your overall degree.

• French Studies
• German Studies
• Hispanic Studies
• Italian Studies
• Translation and Transcultural Studies

Please click the appropriate link below to view suggested materials and activities. You can also browse the relevant pages of the departments with which we run joint programmes (e.g. Economics, History, English, Politics and International Studies ...).

In SMLC, you will be taught in a range of lectures, seminars, and smaller language classes.

You are most likely to have lectures for your "culture" modules, although early in your degree you might have grammar lectures too. These aim to provide you with key background that you need to understand in order to engage with the content. Lectures tend to be led by the tutor, but they often involve opportunities for you to contribute by asking and answering questions in person or using online tools. In some cases, lectures will be larger than your other classes, combining multiple groups.

Seminars give students the opportunity to exchange ideas and receive instant feedback from their tutors. You will generally be given preparation to do in advance. You will work in groups to complete particular tasks or apply insights from the lecture to specific activities. Our seminar groups tend to be quite small (fewer than 20 students).

For language modules, seminars will be the main mode of teaching. You will be in smaller groups for speaking classes to allow each student to have the opportunity to contribute and receive feedback.

Email: Both the University and the department will communicate with you on your new Warwick email address (available once you've completed your enrolment). Make sure you check this account regularly!

MYWARWICK: You will have your own personalised "My Warwick" account. This is where you'll be able to access your university emails, timetable, campus information and much more.

Tabula: This is an online system that you will use to see your coursework deadlines, electronically submit assignments, see your results, and download feedback. It's also where you will find information about your timetable and personal tutor. Full details and support will be provided once you arrive.

Moodle: Every module in SMLC also has a Moodle page, where tutors will provide key information about the course, preparation materials, and details of your assessments. You will be able to see the courses on which you have been enrolled on your "dashboard".

Talis Aspire: This is where you can find reading lists for most of your modules. Many tutors use Talis Aspire to provide recommended further and background reading to help you prepare for classes and your assessment, and Talis Aspire shows how you can access these books and articles via the University Library.

Your personal tutor is supported by a team of experienced Senior Tutors.

Students can turn to these members of staff in confidence for support regarding difficulties with their studies that they have been unable to resolve with departmental Personal and departmental Senior Tutors.

Some of the other key people that you will meet during your first few weeks at Warwick include:

• Director of Undergraduate Studies, who is responsible for coordinating degree programmes and module choices.
• Director of Teaching and Learning, who works with staff and students to ensure the quality of teaching, assessment, and feedback.
• Student Voice Lead, who ensures that students have the opportunity to share their feedback in an honest and open dialogue. The SV lead then works with other people in the school to respond appropriately to student feedback.
• Head of Department, who works with the Head(s) of School to manage teaching in French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, the Language Centre, and Translation & Transcultural Studies.
• Module Convenors are responsible for individual modules and coordinating teaching and assessment for that course.
• Professional Services Colleagues work in the SMLC Office in Room 4.05 on the 4th Floor of the Faculty of Arts Building. They can answer your queries about a wide-range of issues.

The Dean of Students Office has overall responsibility for all Personal Tutoring networks across the University. You can find out more about the role of the Dean of Students Office on their webpages.

As part of your studies, you will have a wide range of opportunities, including:

• study abroad
• taking part in online taster sessions, language cafes, and short visits as part of the EUTOPIA alliance.
• undergraduate research projects
• volunteering as a Language Ambassador to support pupils in local schools
• becoming a Widening Participation Ambassador in schools and during special on-campus events
• becoming a Student Ambassador for SMLC at recruitment events

The Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) is a student-led forum where elected Course Representatives and staff work together to discuss ideas, share feedback and enhance the student experience across the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

Course Representatives for all languages are elected in Term 3 (returning) and at the beginning of the academic year (new). Throughout the year, all students are encouraged to share suggestions, raise concerns and celebrate what's working well by speaking to their Course Rep or posting on Department Board | Unitu, our online Student Voice platform. Feedback gathered helps shape discussions at SSLC meetings and contributes to improvements in teaching, learning and the wider student experience.

If you have questions about the running of the SSLC or would like to find out more about becoming a Course Representative, please contact the SMLC Student Voice Lead: Andrea Klaus (A.G.Klaus@warwick.ac.uk).

For more information, please see SMLC handbook on Student Voice, and Warwick Student Union’s webpages on Student Voice and Academic Representation.

We have a number of very active student societies dedicated to fostering a sense of community among our different student groups, providing peer support, and sharing a passion for our subjects across the university.

You can find out about the sort of events they organise on their social media pages, which are list on the Student Union website.

Studying languages opens up a vast range of potential career opportunities. To get a taste of where your degree might take you, have a look at these stories from our former students.