Core: Language & Cultural Studies

Embark on a journey that goes beyond language learning. The IBCP Language and Cultural Studies course invites you to not only learn a language but also dive deep into the cultures, histories, and current global issues that shape our world. This course isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar; it’s about gaining real insights into how different societies live, communicate, and interact, helping you become a truly global citizen.

Course Highlights:

Language Mastery in Context:

• Develop communication skills through a language that fits your interests and career goals, with options ranging from widely spoken languages like Spanish, French, and Mandarin to specialised options depending on your pathway.
• Practise real-life language applications like conducting interviews, presenting cultural research, and participating in discussions on current events.
• Cultural Exploration: Delve into the traditions, histories, and social practices of different regions. Through films, literature, art, and music, you’ll gain a vivid picture of the world beyond your own.  Learn how values, perspectives, and cultural norms differ across societies, and why these differences are essential to understanding global issues.
• Global Issues Focus: Connect with topics like climate change, social justice, migration, and the impact of globalisation. Analyse these themes through the lens of different cultures to see how diverse communities experience and respond to these challenges.  Explore cultural perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, skills valuable in any career and crucial for an internationally minded professional.
• Experiential Learning and Projects: Experience learning that goes beyond the classroom: take part in community projects, cultural exchanges, and interactive events with guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds.
• Complete a capstone project that showcases your understanding of both language and culture in the context of real-world issues, allowing you to demonstrate your skills to future universities or employers.

Skills You’ll Gain:

• Communication abilities in a second language.
• Deep understanding of global cultural dynamics and perspectives.
• Enhanced critical thinking, analysis, and empathy through studying current world issues from multiple angles.
• Practical skills for diverse work environments, including adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving.

With the overall goal of expanding their linguistic and cultural repertoires, students will be able to demonstrate the following four learning outcomes. 

LO1—Articulate how personal identity is shaped by engaging with languages and cultures and diverse perspectives 

LO2—Identify their own strengths and aspirations, set personally relevant goals, and monitor their multilingual and intercultural learning through ongoing reflection

LO3—Apply communication skills and understandings to various contexts 

LO4—Practise reflexivity and develop self-awareness as communicators within and across languages and cultures. 

Throughout the course, students complete a range of activities, projects, and presentations that demonstrate their language skills and cultural insights

This may include:

• Cultural Research Projects – Students explore a particular cultural aspect, such as festivals, social customs, or historical events, and present their findings in the target language.
• Real-Life Language Applications – This includes practical tasks such as holding a conversation, interviewing a native speaker, or creating a piece of work (like a brochure or blog) on a cultural topic