In this course you will investigate the sounds, words and grammar of the English language. You will discover where English comes from, how it developed over time, how it varies across the UK and further afield, and how it is used in different situations. You will acquire the skills required for analytical language study alongside the means to apply those skills to the study of historical and present-day English. In addition, you will practise key transferable skills, such as essay writing and how to give a presentation. The course also aims to provide students with a firm grounding in Mandarin Chinese and in contemporary Chinese culture, society, economy and politics as well as China's changing relations with the West. Students will study Mandarin Chinese throughout the course. The core language teaching in Mandarin Chinese enables you to develop various linguistic skills: speaking and writing accurately; understanding and analysing audio, video and written material; using different registers; speaking to a group with confidence; and translating with appropriate sensitivity.