SPN-90008 - 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 7 or equivalent (e.g. AS-level grade A, A level C, CEF level B1)

Barred Combinations

Description for 2020/21

The sheer size of the Spanish speaking population world-wide, the communications revolution and the emergence of a global economy mean there are more opportunities to use the language and more economic incentives.
This is a Spanish post-advanced course for those who have a good familiarity with the language. It is specially relevant for those studying American Studies, International Relations, History, Politics, International Law or doing Geography and Geology in Spain.
You will develop advanced communication skills in Spanish in everyday situations as well as in more complex contexts, in particular in discussing a range of topical issues in different varieties of Spanish or understanding contemporary Spain and the Hispanic world. This will be of great advantage for future employment .
You will both consolidate the skills you have acquired at previous levels and build on them by moving beyond the situations of everyday life to more challenging and stimulating tasks such as to organise a debate, simulate the editorial board of a journal or in a reality-show, reflect on the world of feelings and relationships, design an useful object, or prepare a competition about knowledge of Latin America. In order to perform these tasks, some problematic aspects of Spanish grammar will be dealt with, including uses of subjunctive, conditional tenses, passive voice, past tenses etc.
The main linguistic functions involved: express hope, wishes, complaints, demands, define the known and unknown, giving advice and recommendations, etc. All language skills - reading, listening, speaking and writing as well as the pragmatic-socio cultural dimension of the language- are integrated in every tutorial. We will also enquire into the ways we learn and acquire a language, where the contributions of students will be of vital importance.
There will be a course book which will be supplemented by a range of video material and there will be a variety of tasks and exercises during each class, such as discussion and role play; listening comprehension and reading and writing tasks and students will be required to complete a range of self study tasks. Furthermore, we will make an extensive use of Spanish/Latin American resources available on the Internet to consolidate vocabulary, grammatical structures and themes dealt with in class. There will be further self-study opportunities via KLE. Feedback on formative and summative assessments will be provided at regular intervals.
Upon successful completion of this module, students will normally have reached level B2 of the Common European Language Framework (CEFR - B2)

This module aims
to build on students' existing knowledge of Spanish and consolidates all areas of grammar, while at the same time expanding the vocabulary base
to process book-length material in Spanish.
to analyse relatively complex grammatical structures of Spanish.
to process standard oral Spanish delivered at native-speaker speed.
to make full use of reference works relevant to language study
to use Spanish online resources including Spanish/Hispanic media.
The course is also designed to inquire in further depth about cultural differences of Spanish speaking countries.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand some TV news and current affairs programmes: 2
take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts: 1
present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest: 1,2
write detailed text on a range of subjects: 2
use Spanish online resources including Spanish and Hispanic media: 2
demonstrate awareness of correct grammar, register and style and of different varieties of Spanish: 1,2
demonstrate awareness of cultural issues in Spanish speaking countries: 1,2
understand contemporary literary prose in different varieties of Spanish: 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 are only allowed to take one Spanish language module per semester.

Description of Module Assessment