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BA - International Languages and Cultures as a major

If you’re fascinated by the history and creative activities of humankind and how this shapes societies and our future, then a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is for you. Our graduates are in demand for their flexible skills, practical outlook and depth of understanding they bring to their roles.

International Languages and Cultures at Waikato offers four streams - Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. With advanced language skills, you'll meet the world's need for multilingual and culturally sensitive speakers, enhancing your business and social skills and preparing you for success in a multicultural work environment.

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Key information

Years: 3
Points: 360
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $6,415 - $7,404 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $25,915 - $33,735 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Area of Study:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.

Career opportunities

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

Degree Planner

Degree planner — BA in International Languages and Cultures

For language pathway papers, please see degree planner footnotes.

Year 1

One of
CHINE131, FRNCH131, JAPAN131 or SPNSH131

One of
CHINE132, FRNCH132, JAPAN132 or SPNSH132

One from List A

ARTSC110
Old Worlds - New Worlds

One from
Language Pathways list

Field of the Degree
100 level

Elective

Elective

Year 2

One of
CHINE231, FRNCH231, JAPAN231 or SPNSH231

One of
CHINE232, FRNCH225, JAPAN232 or SPNSH232

One of
INTLC221 or INTLC222

Field of the Degree
200 level

Field of the Degree
200 level

Elective

Elective

Elective

Year 3

One of
CHINE321, FRNCH317, JAPAN321 or SPNSH321

One of
CHINE331, FRNCH331, JAPAN331 or SPNSH310

One of
CHINE332, FRNCH332, JAPAN332 or SPNSH312

Any CHINE, FRNCH,
JAPAN or SPNSH 300 level paper

One from List C

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Compulsory
  • Elective

International Languages and Cultures provide students with both cultural knowledge and communication skills in Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish. A Major in this field will combine papers in intercultural communication, language and culture. Students are given the option of developing language skills in one or more languages whilst learning about international cultures across the globe.

International Languages and Cultures is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA). International Languages and Cultures may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled. For students seeking to add a second language alongside their Major language specialisation, Minors in Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish are also available.

To complete International Languages and Cultures as a single major for the BA students must gain 135 points from papers listed for International Languages and Cultures, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include INTLC102 and 15 points from the 100 level papers listed, LINGS203 and 30 points from the 200 level papers listed, INTLC304, 15 points from INTLC301, CHINE331, FRNCH331, JAPAN331, SPNSH331 or INTLC380 and 30 points from the 300 level papers listed.

Within the major in International Languages and Cultures, there are four language specialisations:

Chinese French Japanese Spanish

To complete a major in International Languages and Cultures, with a specialisation in either Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish students must gain at least 60 points from one of the specialisation lists below:

Chinese: CHINE131, CHINE231, CHINE232, CHINE331, CHINE332, INTLC301 or INTLC303.

French: FRNCH131, FRNCH231, FRNCH232, FRNCH331, FRNCH332, INTLC301 or INTLC317.

Japanese: JAPAN131, JAPAN231, JAPAN232, JAPAN331, JAPAN332, INTLC301 or INTLC303.

Spanish: SPNSH131, SPNSH231, SPNSH232, SPNSH331, SPNSH332, INTLC301 or INTLC312.

To complete International Languages and Cultures as part of a double major for the BA or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for International Languages and Cultures, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include INTLC102 and 15 points from the 100 level papers listed, LINGS203 and 30 points from the 200 level papers listed, INTLC304, 15 points from INTLC301, CHINE331, FRNCH331, JAPAN331, SPNSH331 or INTLC380 and 15 points from the 300 level papers listed.

Students with prior knowledge of the language they wish to specialise in must follow recommendations for entry points in the relevant subject or consult the relevant Programme Convenor before enrolling in language acquisition papers.

To complete a minor in International Languages and Cultures, students must complete at least 60 points from the papers listed for International Languages and Cultures, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete INTLC101 or INTLC102, INTLC304 and 30 points from CHINE or FRNCH or JAPAN or SPNSH coded papers.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE131Chinese for Beginners15.022B (Hamilton)
An introductory 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.
FRNCH131French for Beginners15.022B (Hamilton)
Learn the basics of written and spoken French including greetings, family, city life and daily routines. No previous knowledge of French is needed.
INTLC101International Languages and Cultures15.022B (Hamilton) & 22G (Online)
This paper introduces students to major world cultures and their languages in a comparative context. Students will gain a critical understanding of culture and diversity through examining the languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America.
JAPAN131Japanese for Beginners15.022B (Hamilton)
This paper assumes no previous knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
SPNSH131Spanish for Beginners15.022B (Hamilton) & 22G (Hamilton)
Learn the basics of written and spoken Spanish including greetings, family, city life and daily routines. No previous knowledge of Spanish is needed.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE231Intermediate Chinese 115.022A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an intermediate level.
CHINE232Intermediate Chinese 215.022B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of CHINE231.
FRNCH231Intermediate French 115.022A (Hamilton)
Take your written and spoken French to the next level. This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the French language at an intermediate level.
FRNCH232Intermediate French 215.022B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of FRNCH231.
INTLC200Spanish & Latin American Business Culture: Intercultural Competence 115.022A (Online)
In this intermediate paper, students will acquire knowledge of Spanish in a practical and professional context related to business and tourism. Additionally, students will acquire geographic literacy and cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and basic linguistic competence in Spanish.
INTLC221Understanding East Asia15.022B (Hamilton)
This paper offers a critical examination of historical traditions and contemporary life in East Asia, with a focus on China and Japan, and their roles within a global context. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of Chinese and Japanese.
INTLC222European and Latin American Cultures15.022A (Online)
This paper explores aspects of European and Latin American cultures, history and society. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of French and Spanish.
JAPAN231Intermediate Japanese 115.022A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Japanese language at an intermediate level, and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence.
JAPAN232Intermediate Japanese 215.022B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of JAPAN231.
LINGS203Language, Society and Culture15.022B (Hamilton)
This paper explores the relationship between language and culture, particularly in the context of changing Pacific cultures, and relates topics to the main themes of modern linguistics and anthropology.
SPNSH231Intermediate Spanish 115.022A (Hamilton) & 22A (Online)
This intermediate language acquisition paper enables students to gain competence in grammar and conversation as well as in Spanish and Latin American cultures and conversation.
SPNSH232Intermediate Spanish 215.022B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
This paper is the continuation of SPNSH231.

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE306Reading and Translation Skills: Chinese15.022A (Hamilton)
This paper is designed primarily for native speakers of Chinese. It is taught bilingually and aims to improve students' bilingual reading skills and develop students' ability to translate from and into Chinese and English.
CHINE331Advanced Chinese 115.022A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese 2.
CHINE332Advanced Chinese 215.022B (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Advanced Chinese 1.
FRNCH331Advanced French 115.022A (Hamilton)
Use your French in practical contexts. This paper covers work, CV-writing, presentations, travel, accommodation and everyday life in France.
FRNCH332Advanced French 215.022B (Hamilton)
Extend your written and spoken French skills through creative writing and discussion of current affairs in France.
INTLC304Cultural Identities in the Age of Globalisation15.022A (Online)
This paper explores the formation of cultural identities and the challenges they face in the age of globalisation through case studies from the Hispanic, French, Japanese and Chinese speaking world.
INTLC312Cultures of Spain: Negotiated Autonomies15.022B (Online)
This paper, conducted in English, offers both a historical and a contemporary approach to regional and national identity construction in Spain. The paper aims to provide students with a solid foundation on Spanish, Galician, Catalan, Basque and other regional cultures. Through a selection of cultural readings, students will gain a ...
INTLC317French Culture from Versailles to the Revolution15.022B (Hamilton)
A study of France's literary, social, and historical movements from the Golden Age of Versailles through to the Enlightenment and the Revolution it inspired.
INTLC380Study Abroad 115.022G (Block), 22I (Block) & 22X (Block)
This paper will enable students to undertake appropriate individual study abroad programmes as part of their undergraduate degree. Each study programme should have a significant component of time spent offshore, with a series of assessments being agreed in advance with the paper convenor.
JAPAN331Advanced Japanese 115.022A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on advanced Japanese language learning and is a continuation of Intermediate Japanese 2.
JAPAN332Advanced Japanese 215.022B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of JAPAN331.
SPNSH331Advanced Spanish 115.022A (Hamilton)
This is an advanced language paper designed to enhance proficiency in Spanish. Students will engage in a variety of exercises such as listening to authentic native speakers to identify different geographical varieties of Spanish from both Spain and Latin America.

Scholarships and prizes

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Subject links

East Asian Studies Programme
European Languages Programme

For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: [email protected]

Note: Students with prior knowledge of the language they wish to specialise in must consult the Programme Convenor before enrolling in language acquisition papers.

Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.

Contacts

School of Arts
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]