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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)
Fees (Domestic): $6,308-$7,280 per year
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 enables students to develop a specialisation in an International language; one of Chinese, Japanese, French or Spanish. The International Languages and Cultures major consists of language acquisition papers, complemented by core culture-oriented papers, with an emphasis on issues of text and translation at 300 level.

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.

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

Chinese French Japanese Spanish

To complete a single major in International Languages and Cultures, students must gain 135 points in International Languages and Cultures, comprising one of the following specialisations:

Chinese: CHINE131, CHINE132, CHINE231, CHINE232, INTLC221, CHINE321, CHINE331, and a further 30 points from 300 level papers listed in the CHINE pathway.

French: FRNCH131, FRNCH132, FRNCH225, FRNCH231, INTLC222, FRNCH321, FRNCH331, and a further 30 points from 300 level papers listed in the FRNCH pathway.

Japanese: JAPAN131, JAPAN132, INTLC221, JAPAN231, JAPAN232, JAPAN321, JAPAN331, and a further 30 points from 300 level papers listed in the JAPAN pathway.

Spanish: SPNSH131, SPNSH132, INTLC222, SPNSH231, SPNSH232, SPNSH310, SPNSH321, and a further 30 points from 300 level papers listed in the SPNSH pathway.

To complete International Languages and Cultures as part of a double major, students must gain 120 points in International Languages and Cultures, comprising one of the following specialisations:

Chinese: CHINE131, CHINE132, CHINE231, CHINE232, INTLC221 CHINE321, CHINE331, and a further 15 points from 300 level papers listed in the CHINE pathway.

French: FRNCH131, FRNCH132, FRNCH225, FRNCH231, INTLC222, FRNCH321, FRNCH331, and a further 15 points from 300 level papers listed in the FRNCH pathway.

Japanese: JAPAN131, JAPAN132, INTLC221, JAPAN231, JAPAN232, JAPAN331, JAPAN321, and a further 15 points from 300 level papers listed in the JAPAN pathway.

Spanish: SPNSH131, SPNSH132, INTLC222, SPNSH231, SPNSH232, SPNSH310, SPNSH321, and a further 15 points from 300 level papers listed in the SPNSH pathway.

Students may replace 15 points with INTLC380.

In order to meet prerequisites for study at 200 and 300 levels, it is recommended that students intending to major in International Languages and Cultures include INTLC101 in the first year of their programme of study.

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. Students who gain direct entry into 200-level language papers must include INTLC101 and either ARTSC105 or a beginners-level paper in another language offered by the university. Alternatively, with approval of the Programme Convenor, students may take an additional 200- or 300-level paper in their chosen language subject.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE131Chinese for Beginners 115.021A (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.
CHINE132Chinese for Beginners 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of CHINE131/CHIN131 and focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an elementary level.
FRNCH131French for Beginners 115.021A (Hamilton)
Learn the basics of written and spoken French including greetings, family, city life and daily routines. No previous knowledge of French is needed.
FRNCH132French for Beginners 215.021B (Hamilton)
Learn to talk and write in French about food, travel, careers and past events. You will need some prior knowledge of French.
INTLC101International Languages and Cultures15.021B (Hamilton) & 21G (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 Beginners 115.021A (Hamilton)
This paper assumes no previous knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
JAPAN132Japanese for Beginners 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper continues from JAPAN131.
SPNSH131Spanish for Beginners 115.021A (Hamilton) & 21G (Hamilton)
The first of two papers that offer an introduction to Spanish language for beginners. Emphasis is given to communication underpinned by knowledge of the grammatical system of the language. This course aims to provide students with proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and it takes students towards level A1 of the Common Eu...
SPNSH132Spanish for Beginners 215.021B (Hamilton)
The continuation of SPNSH131. This paper aims to build confidence in the language skills already acquired. Equal attention is given to each of the skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and takes students to level A2 of the Common Europe...

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE231Intermediate Chinese 115.021A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an intermediate level.
CHINE232Intermediate Chinese 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper is the continuation of CHINE231.
FRNCH225The French-speaking World from Astérix to Zombies15.021B (Online)
Discover the result of contact between French, regional and Indigenous cultures in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Topics include language revitalisation, the Slave Trade, Creoles and Vodou. This paper is taught in English.
FRNCH231Intermediate French 115.021A (Hamilton)
Take your written and spoken French to the next level. A B+ or above will let you go on exchange to France.
INTLC200Spanish & Latin American Business Culture: Intercultural Competence 115.021A (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 Asia15.021B (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 Cultures15.021A (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.
JAPAN231Basic Japanese 115.021A (Hamilton)
This paper continues from JAPAN132. In combination with JAPAN232 it completes the main corpus of grammar and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence.
JAPAN232Basic Japanese 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper continues from JAPAN231. In combination with JAPAN231 it completes the main corpus of grammar and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence.
SPNSH231Intermediate Spanish 115.021A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and it takes students to level B1 of the Common European Framework of R...
SPNSH232Intermediate Spanish 215.021B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online)
This paper is a continuation of SPNSH231. Students further develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and understanding Spanish. There is a focus on practical work, as well as written and spoken Spanish. This course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish and takes students to level B2 of the Comm...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CHINE306Reading and Translation Skills: Chinese15.021B (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.
CHINE307Political and Economic Modernisation in Chinese-speaking Asia15.021B (Hamilton)
This paper explores the different models of political and economic modernisation adopted in the four predominantly Chinese-speaking regions of Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Note: This paper is taught in English.
CHINE321Translation Methodology and Practice15.021B (Hamilton)
This paper develops students' ability to translate from Chinese to English and vice versa, utilising a variety of readings. Note: This paper is designed for non-native speakers of Chinese only. Native Chinese speakers are eligible to enrol in CHINE306.
CHINE331Advanced Chinese 115.021A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese 2.
CHINE332Advanced Chinese 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of Advanced Chinese 1.
FRNCH317French Culture from Versailles to the Revolution15.021B (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.
FRNCH331Advanced French 115.021A (Hamilton)
Use your French in practical contexts. This paper covers work, CV-writing, presentations, travel, accommodation and everyday life in France.
FRNCH332Advanced French 215.021B (Hamilton)
Extend your written and spoken French skills through creative writing and discussion of current affairs in France.
INTLC304Cultural Identities in the Age of Globalisation15.021A (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.
INTLC380Study Abroad 115.021G (Block), 21I (Block) & 21X (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.
INTLC390Directed Study15.021A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton), 21D (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton)
At the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor, students undertake independent but guided research on a topic of the student's choice
JAPAN321Translation Methodology and Practice15.021B (Hamilton)
This paper examines the methodology and practice of Japanese to English and English to Japanese translation, utilising a variety of readings and media such as recipes, user manuals and movie subtitling.
JAPAN331Japanese for Communication 115.021A (Hamilton)
This paper for pre-intermediate learners continues from JAPAN232. In combination with JAPAN332 students learn additional grammar and vocabulary and are expected to make a great progress on the intermediate-level study of Japanese language learning.
JAPAN332Japanese for Communication 215.021B (Hamilton)
This paper continues from JAPAN331. In combination with JAPAN331 students learn additional grammar and vocabulary and are expected to make a great progress on the intermediate-level study of Japanese language learning.
SPNSH300Spanish Internship15.021A (Hamilton), 21A (Online), 21B (Hamilton), 21C (Online) & 21H (Hamilton)
This internship enables students to either credit professional practice such as work experience -here or abroad- (i.e. language assistants in Spain or Latin America) or complete tasks related to an independent or collaborative research project.
SPNSH310Advanced Spanish Language15.021A (Hamilton)
This is an advanced language paper designed to enhance oral, aural and written proficiency in the language. The course aims to improve students' proficiency in both written and spoken Spanish. One aspect of the paper's multidisciplinary learning context, is that students will engage in a variety of exercises such as listening to au...
SPNSH321Spanish-English Translation Methodology and Practice15.021B (Hamilton)
This paper applies translation theory through a variety of texts and contexts such as journalism,literature, humour, film, and subtitling.

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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]