Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literatures and Cultures

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This degree allows you to study two complementary disciplines, both of which ask you to think carefully about culture and to pay close attention to detail while comprehending and analysing language.

Students on this course will join two leading departments with researchers in a great diversity of fields and will be encouraged to develop expertise and research skills relevant to both subjects, while also considering the relationships between them.

You will explore a rich variety of texts in their social, political and historical contexts and will develop excellent critical and communication skills in English and German. You will also have opportunities to study aspects of history, film and linguistics as part of your German programme.

You will spend a mandatory year abroad in a German-speaking environment to improve your language skills and global citizenship.

All English and German students complete a dissertation during their final year, bringing together the skills you have developed while studying both disciplines.

Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures degree offers an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in both depth and breadth. You will study global literatures and cultures in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science and critical theory. Texts will be read in English translation.

Core units in years one and two currently include What is Comparative Literature and How Do We Practise It?; Introduction to Visual Cultures; Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture; Migrations of Culture. Additionally, you will have a wide choice of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures.

You will spend your third year in an Italian-speaking country, where you will undertake university study, a British Council assistantship or a work placement. You will follow a programme of study in Italian, developing linguistic skills enabling you to communicate easily in writing and orally. For more information about the year abroad, visit Global Opportunities.

In year four you will complete an innovative supervised independent project, consisting of an extended essay on a topic of your choice and a public-facing element presented to the entire cohort (e.g. prospectus, interview, museum catalogue entries, newspaper article).

You will be taught by experts in the field and teaching is informed by staff research interests. The course is delivered in varied ways, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision. You will participate in small-group teaching and may be asked to give introductory talks to initiate discussion.

This programme encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work and creativity. It will instil habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for a career in various sectors.

This course combines film with the study of German. It will suit those with an enquiring mind and a passion for exploring the culture of another country and society.

In the Department of Film and Television, guided by leading scholars and practitioners, you will explore the history of film and television. You will consider theoretical perspectives, appreciate how films are made and engage in practical filmmaking activities.

You will study film alongside German language, history and culture units, choosing from a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests. Both departments offer a vibrant learning environment with research-led teaching.

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is the most common second language in the US. Studying a modern language in the context of its speakers' history, literature, experience and outlook can broaden horizons and challenge preconceptions, including those about one's own language and country.

In the Department of Film and Television, guided by leading scholars and practitioners, you will explore the history of film and television. You will consider theoretical perspectives, appreciate how films are made and engage in practical filmmaking activities.

You will study film alongside Spanish language, history and culture units, choosing from a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests. Both departments offer a vibrant learning environment with research-led teaching.

You will spend your third year abroad on a work or study placement in a Spanish-speaking country, refining your language skills and cultural understanding. For further details of year abroad opportunities visit Global Opportunities.

In your final year you will return to Bristol, where you have the chance to undertake a placement in the creative industries.

This degree combines theatre with the study of French, which is spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world. The course offers an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges and a wide range of options that will allow you to pursue your own interests.

Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, resulting in a vibrant learning environment as staff incorporate new research into their classes.

The theatre course will allow you to develop your understanding and practical skills by exploring critical and historical frameworks alongside practical workshops. There are opportunities to engage with professional theatre makers and our museum-accredited archive, the Theatre Collection.

For French, as well as following a structured language course, you will build your practical skills and explore critical and historical frameworks through literature, film, history, thought, politics, linguistics and culture. You will spend your third year abroad in a French-speaking country, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more.

When you return to Bristol for your final year you will have the opportunity to undertake an independent practical or written research project and/or a work placement in the creative industries.