Learning outcomes - Master in Modern Languages and Literatures : General

The challenges which students on the Master [60] in Modern Languages and Literature: General prepares for are those of becoming an expert in two foreign languages, acquainted with the analysis of linguistic and literary discourse and capable of continuing their training into other degrees.
At the end of their course, students on the Master [60] in Modern Languages and Literature: General, will demonstrate expertise in the two foreign languages studied, one chosen from amongst English, German and Dutch, and the other from amongst Spanish, Italian and French. This expertise relates to very high level communication competencies, characterised by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as those of the “advanced user, C1”. Additionally, students will have been introduced to a scientific approach to linguistics and literature. Their in-depth knowledge of the modern languages and literatures they enrol in will enable them to continue their education with a view to obtaining, for example, the teacher training qualification in modern languages and literature or to direct themselves towards other types of training in connected fields such as communication, journalism, European studies, etc.. This qualification is of particular interest to persons who already hold another master qualification.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

Literary and cultural skills

1. Rigorously situate, analyse and interpret linguistic output (of different genres, registers and styles) from two languages from amongst English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch from a textual, historic, stylistic, rhetorical and thematic point of view.

1.1. English
1.2. German
1.3. Dutch
1.4. Spanish
1.5. French
1.6. Italian

2. Recognise, from within the literature of two of the modern languages set out at 1 above, links relating to circulation, similarities and also differences and specific features between different authors, works and general historical and literary trends.

1.1. English
1.2. German
1.3. Dutch
1.4. Spanish
1.5. French
1.6. Italian

3. Describe and examine the theories used by literature under consideration as a tool for anthropological exploration and a preferred method of gaining access to another culture.

4. Produce a critical reading (description, analysis and interpretation) of a text by employing specific methodological and conceptual tools (derived, for example, from comparative studies, cultural studies, semiotics, etc.).

Linguistic skills

5. Explain the nature of certain linguistic theories, describe the different components and employ them as appropriate in a linguistic analysis in respect of two modern languages (from those set out at 1 above).

6. Define and identify different types of linguistic varieties during the analysis of oral and written output in two modern languages (from those set out at 1 above).

7. Use certain basic linguistic analysis software, as appropriate.

8. Gather, annotate and analyse linguistic data as appropriate by choosing the most suitable types of data and linguistic analysis method (theoretical and practical) on the basis of the scientific questions being tackled.

Communication skills

9. Become expert (level C1* of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in the two modern languages (from those set out in 1 above) both orally and in writing, on normative and argumentative levels, achieving excellence in the formulation of thoughts, reading ability, comprehension of different types of text and composition.
*See http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_FR.pdf

9.1. Contribute with ease to interactive communications in the area of social, professional and academic life;
9.2. Express their thoughts in writing on complex subjects in a clear and well-structured way, master academic vocabulary and the tools necessary for organised and cohesive speeches;
9.3. Easily understand complex presentations in foreign languages, even if they are given in language which differs slightly to the standard version;
9.4. Understand a range of long and demanding texts, as well as grasping the implicit meanings found in the details.

10. Communicate in French and two modern languages (from those set out at 1 above) on complex subject matter (general, cultural, linguistic and literary).

10.1. orally and in writing, during interactive discussions,
10.2. clearly, coherently, in a structured, precise and reasoned manner which distinguishes nuances of meaning,
10.3. in accordance with the standards of communication specific to the context,
10.4. by adapting their presentation (style and substance) to the target audience (specialists and non-specialists) and to the required aims,

Critical actor in modern society

11. Develop and express reflective and critical knowledge (assessed in particular in the context of the composition of the final assignment) on the basis of their study of literature, language or culture of the languages studied with a view to becoming an actor in modern society, and an intellectual in the area of humanities, open to a dialogue between language, literature and other artistic and scientific knowledge.