SPN-90003 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Spanish 2 or equivalent (e.g. GCSE grade lower than C/0-3, CEF level A1)

Barred Combinations

Description for 2020/21

Spanish is one of the world's major languages and is growing. Language skills can be very useful to employers and will help you get a lot more out of travel to Spanish-speaking countries.
For those studying International Relations, History, Politics, American Studies or doing Geography or Geology fieldwork in Spain, this module will equip them with an essential insight of Spanish language varieties and Hispanic cultures.
This module is designed for students with a basic level of Spanish -Spanish 2 or equivalent (e.g. CEF level A1, GCSE grade C or lower). It consolidates previous grammatical knowledge and widens vocabulary through practical exercises, guided conversation, games, songs, etc. and develops their communicative skills. Topics include your daily routine, relationships, hobbies, etc. Various aspects of contemporary Spanish life as well as of the Hispanic world (e.g. timetables, celebration of death, Christmas traditions) will be discussed in class and students will gain a basic understanding of these topics.
The course will unable you to sustain a basic conversation, incorporating the socio-linguistic functions of apologising, offering help and suggestions, inviting, rejecting an invitation and showing agreement and disagreement, etc.
We will use a course book which will give a basic outline and structure to the course, but the book will be supplemented by regular video work and other materials. You will also have the opportunity to practise and reinforce vocabulary and language structures by using computer exercises in Keele Learning Environment (KLE), linked to the weekly classes.
The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level A2 in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR -A2).

To consolidate written, reading, oral and listening skills in the target language, as well as providing students with an understanding of Spanish/Hispanic life and culture.
To develop and reflect upon strategies for successful language learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand phrases and the high frequency vocabulary related to areas of immediate personal relevance: 1,2
communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics: 1
use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in their family, other people and living conditions: 1,2
write simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something: 2
use familiar and formal register and recognise different varieties of Spanish (Spain and countries from Latino America): 1,2
identify and act upon basic cultural differences as encountered in everyday situations: 1,2
read short, simple texts and can understand short, simple personal letters: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours of synchronous and asynchronous class time
100 hours class preparation and revision and private study
22 hours revision for and completion of written exam
8 hours preparation for and attendance at spoken interaction exam

School Rules

Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language level self-assessment form
Students can only take one Spanish language module per semester.

Description of Module Assessment