Chinese Studies and French Studies BA (Hons) BA (Hons) BA (Hons)

This four-year joint degree combines the study of the languages and cultures of China and France, and the Sinophone and Francophone worlds. It includes a year’s international placement in Chinese- or French- speaking countries or split between the two. The degree provides the opportunity to acquire both high-level language skills and a thorough understanding of the sensitivities of Chinese and French cultures and societies within a global context.<br/><br/>You will learn language and culture in innovative and engaging ways. For example, students learn the Chinese language in its social and cultural context by participating in a wide range of activities through the Chinese Friendship Project. Recent activities have included a day trip to Manchester Chinatown, Chinese Food Corner, Chinese Film Night, Chinese festival celebration, and more.<br/><br/>Besides studying the core language modules, you will also choose from a broad range of specialist cultural, historical and political modules that provide comparative insight into relevant countries in global contexts.<br/><br/>In addition to language modules, in year one you will also select one module from other related subjects.<br/><br/>In the second year, you will continue to take Chinese and French language modules (an oral and a written module for each language), as well as the core modules Shaping Contemporary China and Shaping Contemporary France. You will be able to choose three optional modules.<br/><br/>Your third year will be spent studying or working in Chinese- and/or French-speaking countries. The year abroad is an immersive experience that gives you the opportunity to greatly improve your language proficiency while deepening your intercultural awareness. You can study at a partner academic institution or conduct a work placement. As a joint major student, you can spend your time in a French- or Chinese-speaking country, or split the year between the two.<br/><br/>When you return to Lancaster for your final year, you will continue to develop your core Chinese and French language oral and written skills, combining this with a further choice of specialist courses. If you are interested in exploring a particular topic in depth, perhaps a subject you have studied previously in the course, you could take a dissertation module.<br/><br/>The language modules are designed so that you can attain CEFR levels C1-C2 (equivalent to HSK5-6) upon successful completion of the degree.<br/><br/>The optional modules offered will vary from year to year depending on availability and areas of expertise of staff.