Module: Preparation for Study Abroad: Intensive Target Language & Culture

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Preparation for Study Abroad: Intensive Target Language & Culture
Module Code	CUS1013 (ITS: LC318)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module is centered around an intensive 4-day block combining synchronous and asynchronous online tasks and activities. It has three primary points of focus. The first is on student production and interaction through the target language with the purpose of reactivating and further developing students’ proficiency following a Summer break and in advance of a period of study abroad. Secondly, the tasks and activities are intended to sensitise students to relevant cultural differences. Thirdly, the module is designed to prepare students for academic study and the completion of assignments in the target language during their period of study abroad.

Learning Outcomes

1. Communicate confidently through the target language in typical situations encountered during a study abroad experience
2. Recognise where typical cultural misunderstandings can occur and react appropriately.
3. Recognise and adapt to cultural difference as it relates to their study abroad experience.
4. Continue to develop their own language learning and use of appropriate resources in a manner that supports their study abroad experience including their academic activities.
5. Produce a short report in the target language evidencing structured reflection on their experience of their first semester abroad.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	16	Synchronous online engagement
Directed learning	12	Preparation and debriefing/further reading related to module tasks and activities
Independent Study	97	Ongoing language learning, reflection and proficiency development throughout the first semester of the study abroad period culminating in the production of a report in the target language.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10318	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Houssaine Afoullouss	Module Teacher	Christina Krug, Julián Guzmán

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Participation in and engagement with the module tasks and activities over the 4-day module block.	70%	n/a
Report(s)	Production of a guided, reflective report in the target language on their first semester abroad.	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content and materials
● Materials, tasks and activities to be provided by the course coordinator. Some activities will require the sourcing and preparation of material and language resources by the students. ● Interactive exercises through the target language relating to various aspects of the study abroad experience and the academic requirements of an exchange. ● Participative cultural and intercultural exercises related to the students’ target culture. ● Material and exercises related to assignment completion and the production of reports in the target language.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None