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Modern Languages and Cultures
School of Languages and Cultures,
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Course description
This MA helps you develop a deeper understanding of your chosen languages and associated cultures.
Working with nationally and internationally recognised experts, you can focus on a single discipline (eg French Studies) or undertake an interdisciplinary programme across two or more languages and cultures. You can engage with topics such as translation theory, intersectionality, sociolinguistics and environmental studies, as well as literature, linguistics, cultural studies, history, visual and film studies, politics, society, migration, and postcolonial or gender studies.
The programme is ideal for students with a background in French and Francophone studies, Germanic studies (German and Dutch), Hispanic and Lusophone studies (Spanish, Catalan and Portuguese; Latin America), Luxembourgish studies, or Russian and Slavonic studies (Russian and Czech; the former USSR).
This MA is also designed to prepare you for doctoral study. You'll build knowledge in your chosen specialist field through your choice of modules and your dissertation topic, which could be the foundation for a PhD project. We’ll give you guidance on how to construct a PhD proposal and apply for scholarship funding.
Modules
This course is highly flexible, with a variety of ways to develop your interests. Here are some examples of what you might study:
- The Francophone World: French literature from the 17th to 21st century; French film studies; the cultural history of France during World War II; gender studies in contemporary French society; post-colonial francophone studies; Haiti and its history
- The Hispanic and Lusophone world (including Spain, Portugal, Catalonia, Latin America): the history of the Spanish language; Spanish cultural history and literature from the 19th century; gender, identity, space and place in the Hispanic world; adaptations and transformations of Spanish literature; political culture in the Hispanic world; popular music in the Hispanic world; the Spanish Civil War and Franco dictatorship in cultural memory; civilisation and barbarism in Latin America; the idea of the Modern in Latin American fiction; Barcelona: culture of the city; cultural crosscurrents in the Lusophone world
- The Germanic world (including Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg): Modern German thought; twentieth-century German fiction and drama; the birth of consumerism and creativity in Germany and Britain; women’s literature and history in Germany; migration, multiculturalism and community in Dutch literature
- The Russian and Slavonic world: Reading the Russian Revolution; Dostoevsky; the Bakhtin circle and aspects of Russian cultural theory; contemporary Russian society; Russian history and society through film; politics and culture in the USSR 1917-38
There are a wide range of possibilities for comparative and interdisciplinary work. For example, you could undertake study on literary movements with French and Spanish specialists and complement that with work on Bakhtinian theory with a Russianist.
Semester one:
- Research Methods in Modern Languages and Cultures
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This module will introduce and explore a range of methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to students of Modern Languages and Cultures. It will enable students to identify, assess and exploit sources and data, present the results of their research in (an) appropriate manner(s), and adhere to data protection, intellectual property and ethics requirements. Students will engage with different theoretical models and debates, and a range of tools for accessing information. Students will be required to attend generic research methods sessions as well as those which are of greatest relevance to their research topic(s).
15 credits - Topics in Modern Languages and Cultures 1
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This module enables students of Modern Languages and Cultures to engage with topics such as literature, linguistics, cultural studies, politics, society, migration or gender studies, as appropriate to their interests, and through a programme of consultation and/or seminars, as appropriate to the number of students. Students will examine issues in one or more languages, cultures or societies depending on their background and interests. Languages/cultures that can be studied or contrasted include those of the Francophone world; Hispanic and Lusophone world (inc. Spain, Portugal, Catalonia, Latin America) the Germanic world; and the Russian and Slavonic world (inc. Czech Republic, Russia and the former USSR) and Luxembourg.
30 credits - Topics in Modern Languages and Cultures 2
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This module deepens and broadens coverage for students of Modern Languages and Cultures. Students focus on literature, linguistics, cultural studies, politics, society, migration or gender studies, as appropriate to their interests, and through a programme of consultation and/or seminars, as appropriate to the number of students, examine issues in one or more languages or societies depending on their training and direction. Languages that can be studied or contrasted include those of Francophone world; Hispanic and Lusophone world (inc. Spain, Portugal, Catalonia, Latin America) the Germanic world; and the Russian and Slavonic world (inc. Czech Republic, Russia and the former USSR) and Luxembourg.
30 credits - Approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies (Critical Theory) I
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A historical and critical survey, of major theoretical approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies, to include five topics such as the following: Marxism; Hermeneutics; Psychoanalysis; Russian Formalism; Structuralism; Feminism and Gender Studies; Postcolonial Theories; Poststructuralism; New Sociologies of Culture. Historical and conceptual analysis will prepare the ground for informed application and critical employment of theoretical approaches to literary and cultural phenomena.
15 credits
Semester two:
- Topics in Modern Languages and Cultures 1
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This module enables students of Modern Languages and Cultures to engage with topics such as literature, linguistics, cultural studies, politics, society, migration or gender studies, as appropriate to their interests, and through a programme of consultation and/or seminars, as appropriate to the number of students. Students will examine issues in one or more languages, cultures or societies depending on their background and interests. Languages/cultures that can be studied or contrasted include those of the Francophone world; Hispanic and Lusophone world (inc. Spain, Portugal, Catalonia, Latin America) the Germanic world; and the Russian and Slavonic world (inc. Czech Republic, Russia and the former USSR) and Luxembourg.
30 credits - Topics in Modern Languages and Cultures 2
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This module deepens and broadens coverage for students of Modern Languages and Cultures. Students focus on literature, linguistics, cultural studies, politics, society, migration or gender studies, as appropriate to their interests, and through a programme of consultation and/or seminars, as appropriate to the number of students, examine issues in one or more languages or societies depending on their training and direction. Languages that can be studied or contrasted include those of Francophone world; Hispanic and Lusophone world (inc. Spain, Portugal, Catalonia, Latin America) the Germanic world; and the Russian and Slavonic world (inc. Czech Republic, Russia and the former USSR) and Luxembourg.
30 credits - Dissertation in Modern Languages & Cultures
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The dissertation undertaken by all students on the Masters Degree is designed to deepen further subject knowledge; to provide a broader range of opportunities to apply relevant research methodologies to selected primary and secondary materials; and to hone critical evaluation and language skills on a topic on an aspect of the modern languages and cultures offered by SLC. The topic will be agreed with the dissertation supervisor. Students will be expected to put into practice theories, strategies, methods and techniques with which they will have become acquainted while studying the relevant preparatory modules. The dissertation helps students to foster the development of intellectual qualities and organisational skills essential for higher-level research and by these means if appropriate they will be well-placed to prepare a cogent, fresh and rigorous MPhil/ PhD proposal and to obtain financial support for further study.
60 credits - Approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies (Critical Theory) II
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A historical and critical survey, of major theoretical approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies, to include five topics such as the following: Marxism; Hermeneutics; Psychoanalysis; Russian Formalism; Structuralism; Feminism and Gender Studies; Postcolonial Theories; Poststructuralism; New Sociologies of Culture. Historical and conceptual analysis will prepare the ground for informed application and critical employment of theoretical approaches to literary and cultural phenomena.
15 credits
Either semester:
- Induction and Transition: SLC MA Study Support
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The aim of this module is to give students of the Applied Languages MA Programmes the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to complete successfully the requirements of their postgraduate programme, including writing an essay at MA level and undertaking a dissertation in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). Students will be introduced to library skills, academic requirements of writing an essay at MA level, referencing conventions, plagiarism issues and autonomous learning. Students will be introduced to the requirements of a dissertation at Sheffield, and follow appropriate support lectures supporting the student in identification of the research area; reading to be undertaken, adopting appropriate methodologies and the development of original ideas and insights.
You have 45 credits free for approved modules. You can use these free credits to take modules that enable you to specialise further in a chosen topic or to broaden your programme. Subject to the approval of the programme director, these modules could be language related or from another department outside the School of Languages and Cultures, subject to availability.
Examples of modules available within the School of Languages and Cultures are:
Semester one:
- Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication
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This module aims to develop an understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of intercultural communication and the ability to analyse and evaluate their relative significance, including those originating from applied linguistics, management theory, anthropology and sociocultural theories. Students will consider the concept of culture from a variety of perspectives, and will study topics including stereotyping and prejudice, (non-)essentialism, identity, culture shock, and the role of language and dialogue in intercultural communication. A wide range of real-world examples will be examined, including media reports, international communications, multicultural situations, and intercultural problems raised by students. By the end of the module students will be able to: i) Analyse and critically evaluate the main concepts and approaches in intercultural communication; ii) Consider the implications for their application in practice; and iii) Develop their own perspectives and insights from these theories.
15 credits - Language in Context
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This module starts from the assumption that language is fundamental to all forms of social life and our understanding of social reality. This poses challenges for all kinds of intercultural contact - be it through translation, other forms of intercultural communication, or through the analysis and interpretation of the cultural 'other' in cultural productions. The module sets out to explain how language interacts with the world around us. The focus is on how we - as language users - shape reality for us and everyone around us whenever we use language in social and cultural contexts, both within and across cultural boundaries.
15 credits - Translation Skills 1
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This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios
15 credits - Approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies (Critical Theory) I
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A historical and critical survey, of major theoretical approaches to Literary and Cultural Studies, to include five topics such as the following: Marxism; Hermeneutics; Psychoanalysis; Russian Formalism; Structuralism; Feminism and Gender Studies; Postcolonial Theories; Poststructuralism; New Sociologies of Culture. Historical and conceptual analysis will prepare the ground for informed application and critical employment of theoretical approaches to literary and cultural phenomena.
15 credits - Film Adaptation of Literary Classics
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Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.
15 credits - Translation Skills 2
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This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios
15 credits
Semester two:
Choose one translation option from the list below:
Advanced Translation from English into Chinese
Advanced Translation from French
Advanced Spanish-English Translation
Advanced Dutch-English Translation
Advanced Portuguese-English Translation
Advanced English-Italian Translation
Advanced German-English Translation
Advanced Translation from Russian
Czech to English Translation
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses. You'll find out what makes us special.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Teaching
MA Modern Languages and Cultures consists of a variety of teaching and learning methods, including staff and student led seminars, small group work, one to one tutorials with staff, and practical workshops.
Independent study and research are crucial elements of the programme.
Assessment
Learning and assessment methods include extended essays or individual projects, individual or small-group oral presentations, organisation of a research event and a dissertation, depending on the module studied.
Your career
This MA will help you extend and deepen your knowledge of culture and language. It is an ideal route into PhD study, giving you a solid foundation from which to develop your doctoral research.
You'll have the opportunity to build on your specialist knowledge through optional modules and your dissertation, which may serve as the foundation for a PhD project. We'll give you advice and guidance on how to construct a PhD proposal and how to apply for scholarship funding.
Department
We're a leading hub for research in modern languages and cultures, translation and intercultural communication.
Our work spans topics such as identity, gender, politics, film, audiovisual translation, migration, diversity in societies, multilingualism/multiculturalism, and literary studies. It examines the past, observes the present and probes into the future. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and communication within and across cultures, countries, and communities.
Right from the start of your course, you'll work with the school's top specialists, who are all experienced teachers as well. Our students and staff are international, so studying with us will hone your intercultural communication competence.
Our courses will enhance your career development and employability prospects through our links to industry and real-life workplace settings and experiences. You'll study modules which will give you an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts and practices of your chosen field and specialisation .
You'll be able to diversify and deepen your language skills, for example by studying advanced translation. Some of our programmes offer a specialisation in audiovisual media/translation and digital information.
All of our programmes will nurture you to achieve your potential as a strategic leader in the global marketplace, where languages and cultures intersect, as well as in the increasingly culturally diverse, interconnected and networked local environments that characterise life today and in the future.
Student profiles
My undergraduate degree (French, Italian and Spanish), gave me a taster of multilingualism and sociolinguistics and I just knew I wanted to pursue this further at Postgraduate level - I was keen to expand on my knowledge and research in the field. Sheffield's SLC was the best choice for my MA, owing to its strong research profile and specialisms in multilingualism and small languages.
Katy Humberstone
MA Modern Languages and Cultures
My favourite module from the programme was a module put together by the Germanic Studies department on identity in 19th and 20th-century Germany. It was right up my street and covered a number of topics and issues that I found really engaging. I also enjoyed the Luxury and Liberty module as it was something different to what I have done before and opened my eyes to new aspects of 17th/18th-century German and British society.
Jamie, on his favourite modules as part of his studies in German
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 honours degree in a language-related discipline, such as linguistics, literature or a language.
The programme is for students with a background in French and Francophone studies, Germanic studies (German and Dutch), Hispanic and Lusophone studies (Spanish, Catalan and Portuguese; Latin America), Luxembourgish studies, or Russian and Slavonic studies (Russian and Czech; the former USSR).
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0631
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.