We offer many possibilities to study languages and enable you to use multimedia applications to make international communication easier. You'll significantly increase your marketability and open doors for adventurous overseas job opportunities. Our languages programme is QS-rated in the top 250 subjects in the world.
We offer a range of options for studying languages with papers in Chinese, French, Japanese, Te Reo Māori and Spanish. You can choose to major in International Languages and Cultures endorsed in Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish or take language papers to round off your degree. We allow you to combine languages with other courses, such as law or science, to further enhance your preparation for the workforce.
Students also benefit from travelling abroad to study their language through immersive learning opportunities. Chinese students, for instance, travel to China to gain first-hand language skills and cultural understanding.
Waikato gives you the space to become versatile to deal with texts in a variety of media formats to meet communication and translation needs. The International Languages and Cultures programme at Waikato is highly reputed and increases employability for those seeking job opportunities in other cultures and with different people groups.
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Hospitality Operator
- International Lawyer
- Tour Guide
- Translator or Interpreter
- Travel Agent
Qualifications
Study International Languages and Cultures in any of these qualifications
Papers
Papers available within this subject
100 level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| ARTSC110 | Old Worlds - New Worlds | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This multi-disciplinary paper offers students a rich context in which to develop arts-based reading, writing and research skills. It is structured around stories of cultural encounter and journeys through place and time, and focuses on a variety of printed and electronic texts, moving and still images, and sound. The paper is deliv... | ||
| ARTSC111 | Social Science Theory and Action | 18B (Hamilton) & 18B (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces University of Waikato social scientists as researchers. Each presenters research will be discussed to demonstrate how it illustrates key themes of the social sciences and their specific disciplines. | ||
| CHINE131 | Chinese Language 1: Part A | 18A (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 regarding placement. | ||
| CHINE132 | Chinese Language 1: Part B | 18B (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. | ||
| FRNCH131 | French for Beginners 1: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| 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. | ||
| FRNCH132 | French for Beginners 1: Part B | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops the skills acquired in FRNCH131 and takes students to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is the appropriate entry point for students with two years' secondary school study of French. | ||
| INTLC101 | International Languages and Cultures | 18A (Hamilton) |
| A cultural perspectives paper with a thematic focus on China, France, Japan, Spain and Latin America | ||
| JAPAN131 | Japanese 1: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper assumes no previous knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. | ||
| JAPAN132 | Japanese 1: Part B | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper continues from JAPAN131. | ||
| SPNSH131 | Spanish for Beginners 1 | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Complete beginners acquire basic competency in the language through practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The emphasis is on communication underpinned by knowledge of the grammatical system of the language. | ||
| SPNSH132 | Spanish for Beginners 2 | 18B (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. | ||
200 level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHINE204 | Visualising China | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines aspects of Chinese visual culture (film and painting) within a comparative historical framework, with an emphasis on the modern and contemporary. | ||
| CHINE231 | Chinese Language 2: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing the Chinese language at an intermediate level. | ||
| CHINE232 | Chinese Language 2: Part B | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of CHINE231. | ||
| FRNCH205 | History and Variation of French | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the development of the French language, as well as minority languages in France and varieties of French around the world. | ||
| FRNCH231 | French Language Intermediate 1 | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Building on prior knowledge of French, this paper uses internet documents with a recent textbook. It takes students partway towards level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| FRNCH232 | French Language Intermediate 2 | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper extends knowledge of French acquired in FRNCH231 and takes students to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| INTLC221 | Understanding East Asia | 18B (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. | ||
| INTLC222 | European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity | 18B (Hamilton) |
| 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. | ||
| JAPAN208 | Traditional Japan | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| JAPAN209 | Modern Japan | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| JAPAN231 | Japanese 2: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper for beginners continues from JAPAN132. In combination with JAPAN232 it completes the main corpus of grammar and introduces further skills fundamental to communicative competence. | ||
| JAPAN232 | Japanese 2: Part B | 18B (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. | ||
| LINGS203 | Language, Society and Culture | 18A (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. | ||
| SPNSH231 | Intermediate Spanish 1 | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This intermediate language paper strengthens grammar skills and develops students ability of performing in the four classical skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) in Spanish. Students can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters. | ||
| SPNSH232 | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This intermediate language paper builds on SPNSH231. Students continue learning grammar skills and performing in the four classical skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) in Spanish. Students communicate in tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and cultural matters. | ||
300 level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN306 | Reading and Translation Skills | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper is designed primarily for native speakers of Chinese and is taught bilingually. It aims to improve students' bilingual reading skills and to develop students' ability to translate from and into Chinese and English. | ||
| CHIN307 | Political and Economic Modernisation in Chinese-speaking Asia | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the different models of modernisation adopted in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, focusing on the social, economic, political and cultural aspects of the modernisation process in these four predominantly Chinese speaking regions. | ||
| CHIN321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the methodology and practice of Chinese to English and English to Chinese translation, utilising a variety of readings. | ||
| CHIN331 | Chinese Language 3: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Chinese language learning and is a continuation of CHINE232/CHIN232. | ||
| CHIN332 | Chinese Language 3: Part B | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is a continuation of CHIN331. | ||
| CHIN380 | Study Abroad 1 | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| CHIN381 | Study Abroad 2 | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| CHIN382 | Study Abroad 3 | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| CHIN390 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton) |
| This paper involves an investigation of a particular topic in the field of Chinese Studies. | ||
| ECON306 | International Trade and Finance | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper considers theoretical and policy issues in relation to international trade and finance. | ||
| FREN305 | History and Variation of French | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the history, phonology, morphology and syntax of French and includes advanced study of a French dialect or Creole. | ||
| FREN317 | French Civilisation from Versailles to the Revolution | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| FREN319 | French Civilisation from Napoleon to the Great War | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| FREN321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper applies translation theory, methodology and ethics to a variety of contexts including journalism, web pages and subtitling. | ||
| FREN331 | French Language Advanced 1 | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper strengthens French language skills and introduces different registers such as formal and familiar French. It aims to take students to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. | ||
| FREN332 | French Language Advanced 2 | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| FREN380 | Study Abroad: Intensive Language Acquisition | 18T (Block) |
| This paper involves an intensive course in French at the University of New Caledonia. | ||
| FREN381 | Study Abroad 2 | 18C (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. | ||
| FREN382 | Study Abroad 3 | 18C (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. | ||
| FREN390 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| HIST338 | An Age of Reason? The European Enlightenment | 18B (Online) |
| This paper examines the nature and context of significant intellectual developments in Western Europe, circa 1500-1800. | ||
| INTL380 | Study Abroad 1 | 18C (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. | ||
| INTL381 | Study Abroad 2 | 18C (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. | ||
| INTL382 | Study Abroad 3 | 18C (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. | ||
| INTL390 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton) |
| At the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor, students undertake independent but guided research on a topic of the student's choice. | ||
| JAPA307 | Modern Japanese Popular Culture and Media | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| JAPA321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 18B (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, games and movie subtitling. | ||
| JAPA331 | Japanese 3: Part A | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This paper gives students the opportunity to further develop and practise their knowledge of Japanese. | ||
| JAPA332 | Japanese 3: Part B | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This language paper continues from JAPA331. | ||
| JAPA380 | Study Abroad 1 | 18C (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. | ||
| JAPA381 | Study Abroad 2 | 18C (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. | ||
| JAPA382 | Study Abroad 3 | 18C (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. | ||
| JAPA390 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton), 18B (Hamilton) & 18Y (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | ||
| MKTG353 | International Marketing | This paper will not be taught in 2018. |
| This paper will not be taught in 2018. | ||
| SPAN305 | Topics in Latin America | 18A (Hamilton) |
| Readings in Spanish American Literature. | ||
| SPAN310 | Spanish Advanced Language | 18A (Hamilton) |
| This is an advanced language paper designed to enhance oral and written proficiency in the language. | ||
| SPAN312 | Spanish in Context | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper follows a thematic and cultural approach and aims to provide students with a solid foundation on critical issues pertinent to Hispanic culture. Through a selection of cultural texts (identity, music, gender issues, e-texts, etc.), students gain a deeper understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture as well as compe... | ||
| SPAN321 | Translation Methodology and Practice | 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper applies translation theory, methodology and ethics to a variety of contexts including journalism, web pages and subtitling. | ||
| SPAN380 | Study Abroad 1 | 18C (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. | ||
| SPAN381 | Study Abroad 2 | 18C (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. | ||
| SPAN382 | Study Abroad 3 | 18C (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. | ||
| SPAN390 | Directed Study | 18A (Hamilton) & 18B (Hamilton) |
| This paper enables students to carry out an individual research project. Admission to this paper is at the discretion of the Convenor of Spanish. | ||
Graduate Study
International Languages and Culture is not currently a subject for the BA(Hons) or MA. However, graduates of a BA in International Languages and Culture with a B average may be eligible to enter graduate papers in the language they have chosen for the INTL&C major, at the discretion of the Chair of the School of Arts.
Prescriptions for the GradCert(IntLang&Culture) and GradDip(IntLang&Culture)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included International Languages and Culture at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Office.
Subject links
Subject Requirements
To complete a major in the Chinese language pathway, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in International Languages and Cultures, comprising INTL201, CHIN231, CHIN232, CHIN321, CHIN331 and one other 300 level paper from the range CHIN301-CHIN382.
To complete a major in the French language pathway, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in International Languages and Cultures, comprising INTL202, FREN231, FREN232, FREN321, FREN331 and one other 300-level paper from the range FREN301-FREN382.
To complete a major in the Japanese language pathway, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in International Languages and Cultures, comprising INTL201, JAPA231, JAPA232, JAPA321, JAPA331 and one other 300-level paper from the range JAPA301-JAPA382.
To complete a major in the Spanish language pathway, students must gain 120 points above 100 level in International Languages and Cultures, comprising INTL202, SPAN231, SPAN232, SPAN310, SPAN321 and one other 300-level paper from the range SPAN301-SPAN382.
It is recommended that students intending to major in International Languages and Cultures include INTL101 and, if needed, the appropriate 100 level language acquisition papers in the first year of their programme of study in order to meet prerequisites for study at 200 and 300 levels.
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.
Documents
Contacts
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: intl-fass@waikato.ac.nz
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: intl-grad@waikato.ac.nz