International Languages and Culture

http://www.waikato.ac.nz/go/intl

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to speak another language will help you to communicate effectively in business and in social situations, and provide knowledge that is crucial for success in a multicultural environment.

Speaking another language can increase your marketability, especially if you choose to work overseas. No one would deny that English is now a global language and that there has been a massive growth in English language learning throughout the world, but that also means that the world is becoming more multilingual and monolingual New Zealanders are being left behind.

Waikato offers a range of options for studying languages with papers in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Te Reo Māori and Spanish. Students can choose to major in International Languages and Culture endorsed in Chinese, French, German or Japanese. Alternatively, students may choose to complete a supporting subject or specialisation in a language or just take a couple of papers to add to their degree.

Language specialisations are offered under the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Business Analysis (Financial)
  
• Bachelor of Communication Studies
• Bachelor of Electronic Commerce
• Bachelor of Management Studies
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Tourism

Students can also have a language specialisation in conjunction with the International Management major for the Bachelor of Management Studies.

You have the opportunity to choose from the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Te Reo Māori. For more details, consult your Faculty/School of Studies.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts

A language can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

You do not have to have studied a language at school to study it at Waikato.

Students with previous experience of a language should ring 0800 WAIKATO to seek advice from the School of Arts regarding their first year papers.

Other subjects that may interest you

Anthropology, English, Geography, History, International Management, Law, Linguistics, Management Communication, Marketing, Political Science, Teaching, Tourism Studies.

Career Opportunities

• Diplomat
• Hospitality Operator  
• International Lawyer  
• Tour Guide  
• Translator or Interpreter
• Travel Agent  

Potential Employers

• Export-oriented Companies
• Government Departments
• Local Bodies
• Multinational Corporations
• Tourism Sector Companies
• Universities and Schools

Papers

CHINESE

CHIN101 Chinese Language 1: Part A
An introductory core paper designed for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese. It takes an integrated approach involving all four of the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students with prior knowledge of Chinese should consult the Convenor of Chinese regarding placement.

CHIN102 Chinese Language 1: Part B
This core paper is the continuation of CHIN101 and focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an elementary level.
Prerequisite: CHIN101

ARTS101 Old Worlds – New Worlds
For details see English.

FRENCH

FREN131 French for Beginners 1
Students with no prior knowledge of French will acquire basic written and oral communicative skills for everyday situations, corresponding to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Restriction: FREN171

FREN132 French for Beginners 2
Develops the skills acquired in the complete beginner’s paper. This is the appropriate entry point for students with two years’ secondary school study of French, and takes students to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Prerequisite: FREN131
Restriction:FREN172

ARTS101 Old Worlds – New Worlds

For details see English.

GERMAN

GERM131 German for Beginners 1
This paper is designed for students with no prior knowledge of German. Students acquire the four basic communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

GERM132 German for Beginners 2
This paper consolidates the skills acquired in GERM131. Students with adequate knowledge of German may be admitted without having taken GERM131.

ARTS101 Old Worlds – New Worlds

For details see English.

JAPANESE

JAPA131 Japanese for Beginners 1: Part A
This paper assumes no knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

JAPA132 Japanese for Beginners 1: Part B
This paper continues from JAPA131.
Prerequisite JAPA131

MĀORI

For details see Māori.

SPANISH

ARTS101 Old Worlds – New Worlds
For details see English.

SPAN131 Spanish for Beginners 1
Complete beginners of the language will acquire introductory competency. Communications is emphasised.

SPAN132 Spanish for Beginners 2
The continuation of SPAN131. This paper aims to build confidence in the language skills already acquired. Equal attention is given to each of the skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Prerequisite: SPAN131

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover: intermediate-level language skill; languages of Europe; Latin American and modern German literature; reading and translation skills; Germany, Europe and the media; French civilisation; Asian history; social institutions and more.