LN121     
Spanish Language and Society 1 (beginner)

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Ms Maria Lourdes Hernandez Martin PEL.6.01.L and Dr Roser Martinez-Sanchez PEL.6.01.G

Availability

Available as an outside option to all undergraduate and General Course students. Students can take this course in any year of their studies following approval from the teacher responsible and subject to their own programme regulations.

Pre-requisites

  • No previous knowledge of Spanish is required; students with limited prior knowledge may be considered for the course subject to an interview with the course co-ordinator.
  • Please contact one of the teachers responsible before registering for this course.
  • If you are thinking of taking this course in your 2nd or 3rd year, it is advisable to contact one of the teachers responsible before the summer vacation.

Course content

  • Beginners to intermediate study of the Spanish language through themes related to Spanish-speaking societies within the framework of social sciences and culture.
  • In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops all four language skills (i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing) through individual and group work, topical discussions, authentic and studio-based multi-media materials.
  • The focus is on accuracy as well as communication that advance students’ language competence, transferable skills and cultural critical awareness.

Teaching

60 hours of classes in the MT. 60 hours of classes in the LT. 6 hours of classes in the ST.

Week 11 of MT and LT will provide structured learning activities related to the course.

Six hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topical work; (b) oral practise; (c) grammar and vocabulary work; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using IT and web-based materials.

Formative coursework

Students will be required to complete weekly tasks.

Indicative reading

  • Students will be advised on relevant materials at the beginning of the course

Assessment

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Oral examination (20%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (40%) in the MT and LT.

Language courses map to the Common European Framework for Language Learning.  This framework defines linguistic proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at different levels.  To pass this course, students are therefore required to achieve a pass mark in each element of the assessment (continuous assessment, oral and written exams), as these test all four skills.

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
First 37.5
2:1 39.6
2:2 14.6
Third 4.2
Fail 4.2

Key facts

Department: Language Centre

Total students 2018/19: 15

Average class size 2018/19: 8

Capped 2018/19: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication