Student and tutor module reviews

The content of the module was interesting. I could see the links between language and culture and what it was trying to achieve, although in part this was because I have lived and worked in another country other than my birthplace. Many areas were very interesting and covered a broad and balanced range of academic ideas.

The support from the OU was fantastic. My tutor was very good at giving feedback and conducting tutorials and helped me learn and improve. I was used to scientific academic practice but had to adapt to languages studies. Visiting other tutorials demonstrated that face-to-face teaching was of high quality. The materials were easy to access although the online app could be improved, as I could not always access it when I needed it (it appeared to need an internet connection) and the whole of the last book did not make it on my app.

Overall an interesting and well-taught module.

Keith Brown

Course starting: October 2018

Review posted: August 2019

The course was incredibly interesting and eased me into studying very quickly and comfortably.

I would recommend it to anyone, the tutor was very helpful and was always ready to answer any questions or queries.


The content of the course left me feeling eager to learn all throughout the year!

Julia Ksiazek

Course starting: October 2015

Review posted: August 2016

I studied L161 in its first presentation and this module seemed to be one which students either loved or hated. I already knew most of the content of a few units but I found a lot of the other material interesting and thought provoking. However now that I am attempting language modules at the higher levels I have realised just how useful it was for me to have studied this module beforehand.

The focus on academic writing has helped me to write my essays in the other languages and the actual content of L161 has given me a good insight into some of the material in my current level 3 module.
My advice to anyone studying this module is to maintain a sense of humour! If you feel you already know a lot of the information then think of it as easy points towards a degree.

Enjoy the units that interest you while using the module to fill in any gaps in your knowledge or academic skills. And don't over think the TMAs!

Course starting: October 2014

Review posted: February 2016