Archived October 2003 ebulletin

News summary

The monthly Subject Centre e-bulletin gives information on events, news items and newly available resources.

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This bulletin contains information on the following:

  1. English language and linguistics: from 'A' to BA - CiLT, London - 31 October 2003
  2. Call for papers - Teaching methodology, philosophy and social theory in Area Studies - Area Studies Project Event - Scottish CILT, University of Stirling - 04 February 2004
  3. Call for papers - Navigating the new landscape for languages 2-day conference - School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London - 30 June and 01 July 2004
  4. Opening an umbrella for the Area Studies Community - CILT - 5 November 2003
  5. Selling languages: Challenges and solutions - The Women's Library, nr. London Metropolitan University, London - 12 November 2003
  6. Intercultural learning: IALIC Forum - University of Lancaster - 16 December 2003
  7. Foundation degrees - CILT, London - 19 December 2003
  8. LLAS Notes - Order your free copy now
  9. Atlas: the Bulletin of the Area Studies Project
  10. Teaching across Cultures: Anglophone Area Studies and Student Diversity in an International Context
  11. New Publication: Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education
  12. C & IT Workshop using Powerpoint in Language Teaching
  13. European Forum Seminar Series - University of East Anglia, Norwich - various dates
  14. Student Retention Conference - University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus - 14 November 2003
  15. 3rd Portsmouth Translation Conference "Using Corpora or Databases in Translation" - Uni. of Portsmouth - 15 November 2003
  16. Independent Language Learning: New Research Directions Conference - The Open University, UK - 4-5 December 2003

Subject Centre events

1. English language and linguistics: from 'A' to BA

Friday 31 October 2003 - CiLT, Covent Garden, London
This event will be exploring the content of English Language 'A' levels and their relation to first year undergraduate Linguistics programmes. It aims to bring together colleagues involved in the teaching of English Language at both levels and will include contributions from the 'A' level awarding bodies, the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority, HE academics and Local Authority School Advisors. It will provide a cross-sectoral discussion forum and will be of interest to anyone who is actively involved in English Language teaching and/or curriculum development at both 'A' and undergraduate (BA) level. Provisional programme and online registration form available on the English language and linguistics event page.

2. Call for papers - Teaching methodology, philosophy and social theory in Area Studies

Area Studies Project Event - Scottish CILT, University of Stirling - 04 February 2004.
Papers are invited for the next Area Studies Project event 'Teaching methodology, philosophy and social theory in Area Studies' which will be held on 04 February 2004 at Scottish CILT, University of Stirling, Scotland. Please submit proposals to John Canning (j.canning@soton.ac.uk). DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 31 Oct 2003.

3. Call for papers - Navigating the new landscape for languages

2-day conference at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
We are now inviting proposals for papers or workshops to be presented at this two-day conference, jointly organised by the Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies and CILT - The National Centre for Languages, in partnership with key subject organisations in languages and related studies in higher education: UCML, SCHML, AULC and ALL. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 24 October 2003

4. Opening an umbrella for the Area Studies Community

Wednesday 5 November 2003 - CiLT, Covent Garden, London.
The Subject is brokering this event to set up an Area Studies Association. This event will be of most interest to representatives of the Area Studies Associations. See the Opening an umbrella events page for further details and provisional programme.

5. Selling languages: Challenges and solutions

Wednesday 12 November 2003 - The Women's Library, nr. London Metropolitan University.
This event will look at some of the findings of recent research into attitudes towards language learning at post 16 and post 19 level and will explore some of the curriculum developments that can and are being adopted to switch students back on to language learning and to respond to the 'changing needs of students'. Examples will be offered of ab initio degree programmes, the 3-year degree and the development of foundation degrees. We will also look at the ways in which the proposed 'Language Ladder' relates to progression in language learning at HE level. If you would like to register for this event please visit the Selling Languages events page. PLEASE NOTE there will be a charge of £40 per person for this event to cover costs. Your institution will be invoiced for this amount nearer the date. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

6. Intercultural learning: IALIC Forum

Tuesday 16 December 2003 - University of Lancaster.
Affiliated to the 4th Annual Conference of IALIC (International Association for Languages and Intercultural Communication) this forum will look at intercultural education in general (where, when and how it is delivered) and will explore specific issues relating to the learning, teaching and assessing of intercultural skills. It will present examples of practical approaches to intercultural teaching (tasks, tools and methods) and consider research findings on the impact/outcomes of intercultural learning. It will also consider the role of the educator - (inter)cultural attitudes, values and being.

The forum will be chaired by Mike Byram (University of Durham) and will combine formal presentations and workshop/ discussion sessions.

The event is being sponsored/organised by the Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS)*

The Pedagogical Forum is open to non-delegates of the conference who can reserve a place by completing our event registration form. The programme for the forum will be available soon on the Subject Centre website.

Details of the IALIC conference can be found at: www.cf.ac.uk/encap/langcom/ialic/2003conference/index.html

Please note: There will be a charge of £40 per person to cover costs BUT conference delegates do not need to register separately for the Pedagogical Forum as it forms part of the overall conference package.

7. Foundation degrees

Friday 19 December 2003 - CiLT, London.
The Subject Centre is proposing to organise a one day event on Foundation Degrees. At this stage we would like to gauge any interest or demand for this event. To register please send an email to llas@soton.ac.uk

Subject Centre publications

8. LLAS Notes - Order your free copy now. Online Feedback Form now available.

This is a reminder that free copies of the new LLAS notebook are now available. Simply complete the online order form. The notebook includes the updated "Why Study Languages?" CD, featuring new presentations on Linguistics and Area Studies, in addition to a directory of contact details for associations in each subject area, information on studying at university and statistical tables and graphs relating to the provision of courses in each area. If you have already received your copy of LLAS Notes, the Subject Centre is interested to hear your views so please fill in the feedback form.

9. Atlas: the Bulletin of the Area Studies Project

Contributions are invited for the next edition of Atlas:the Bulletin of the Area Studies Project. See notes for contributors for further information. Please submit articles to John Canning (j.canning@soton.ac.uk) by 31 October 2003.

Other items

10. Teaching across Cultures: Anglophone Area Studies and Student Diversity in an International Context

The Centre for Australian Studies in Wales, in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, is currently running a nationwide online survey aimed at gathering information about the teaching of Anglophone area studies to a culturally diverse student population. The survey has been created with the assistance of a grant from the LTSN Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies. The data is being gathered with the intention of disseminating good practice in interdisciplinary teaching and the development of intercultural competence amongst our students. To participate visit our news page.

11. New Publication: Setting the Agenda for Languages in Higher Education

Eds. David Head, Michael Kelly, Elspeth Jones & Teresa Tinsley
Published by CILT in association with the Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies and in collaboration with UCML and SCHML this new book examines emerging policies towards languages in higher education and aims to enrich the debate about their place within the curriculum and within society as a whole. It provides material from a number of perspectives - global, international, and European, as well as a detailed consideration of key UK issues, including a foreign-policy perspective. Papers also provide a strategic perspective on the issues of on-line learning and the growth of language centres. Featured contributors include David Crystal, Wolfgang Mackiewicz, Uschi Felix, Hilary Footitt and Michael Kelly. A full description of content, together with purchasing information can be found at: www.cilt.org.uk/publications/higher.htm

12. C & IT Workshop using Powerpoint in Language Teaching

The Subject Centre and CILT are proposing to organise a one-day hands-on course focusing on the exploitation of PowerPoint in language teaching in Higher Education. We plan to run the course in May 2004. At this stage we would like to get a feel for the level of interest and demand for such a course and would be grateful if you would complete five short questions using our on-line form.

Conferences and seminars

13. European Forum Seminar Series

Various dates - University of East Anglia in Norwich
The seminars will take place on Fridays at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free. The sessions are opened to anybody with a general interest in Contemporary Europe. For further details about the European Forum and directions to the UEA, please contact Dr Nieves Pérez-Solórzano at n.perez-solorzano@uea.ac.uk or 01603 593408

14. Student Retention Conference

University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus - Friday 14 November 2003 9.45 - 3.45pm
The University of Ulster in collaboration with the FDTL projects SPAT (Student Progression And Transfer) and STAR (Student Transition and Retention) is organising a conference on Student Retention. The aim of this one-day conference is to raise awareness of issues associated with student retention at an institutional and practitioner level and to promote the use of effective practices. This conference is being funded by DEL and HEFCE through the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund. The conference will be of particular interest to those interested in: Institutional policies promoting student retention, Developing curricula which promote student retention, Assessment methods which facilitate student transition into higher education, Using progress files to support student retention, identifying classroom practices which support student retention. Further details and booking forms are available at: www.ulster.ac.uk/staffdev/studentretention/index.phtml

15. 3rd Portsmouth Translation Conference "Using Corpora or Databases in Translation"

Saturday 15 November 2003 - University of Portsmouth
For full details on this conference, programme and booking form, please consult: www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/slas/translationconference or Ian Kemble ian.kemble@port.ac.uk

16. Independent Language Learning: New Research Directions Conference

Thursday/Friday 4-5 December 2003 , The Open University UK
Conference themes are: Learner strategies and strategy training , Independent Language Learning , Computer-Mediated Communication, Intercultural competence, Materials and curriculum design, Portfolios, Study Abroad, Translation. To view the conference programme, or to register, please go to http://dol-conf.open.ac.uk. 'Early bird' registration rate expired on 30 September, but if you mention the Subject Centre E-bulletin when registering, the deadline is extended to 20 October.


We would be grateful if your would forward this bulletin to colleagues and relevant mailing lists. Please do not hesitate to contact the Subject Centre if you have any queries regarding this bulletin.

Jane Copeland
Subject Centre Secretary
Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies
School of Modern Languages
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton SO17 1BJ

tel. 023 8059 4814
email ljc2@soton.ac.uk