Spanish Language and Cultures: Upper intermediate - LAN00058C
Module summary
This module explores the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world—from Spain and Latin America to Africa and Asia—while critically examining the role of the Spanish language in shaping history, identity, and power. Students will engage with the experiences of multilingual communities across the Hispanic world and consider their role in preserving and transforming cultural heritage. This interactive and discussion-based course offers a unique, decolonial perspective on Spanish through authentic texts, literature, media, and lived experiences.
Related modules
A-level in Spanish or successful completion of the module Spanish Language and Cultures: Intermediate or equivalent level of proficiency.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module helps students strengthen the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to communicate confidently in Spanish at an upper-intermediate level. It also supports the development of plurilingual and intercultural competence. Students will work individually and in groups on a range of communicative activities, focusing on three key areas: (1) understanding spoken, written, and audiovisual texts; (2) producing spoken and written language; and (3) interacting in oral, written, and online settings. The module is taught in Spanish. It also encourages students to reflect on their language learning and explore social and cultural issues related to the languages they speak or study.
Module learning outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:
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understand with a degree of independence authentic texts on both familiar and unfamiliar topics
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describe and present the topics studied with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail
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interact with an appropriate degree of accuracy, fluency and spontaneity
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sustain views convincingly by providing relevant explanations and arguments
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interpret cultural cues appropriately in the culture concerned, and reflect on, and explain, particular ways of communicating across diverse cultural contexts.
Module content
Students will actively participate—individually and in groups—in communicative tasks that develop all three modes of communication.
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Reception: understanding spoken, audiovisual, and written texts through activities such as video analysis, podcast listening, and close reading of cultural texts
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Production: expressing ideas and arguments in both oral and written formats through presentations, essays, creative texts and personal reflections,
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Interaction: engaging with others through debates, collaborative writing, and forum discussions.
Throughout the module, students will explore key topics that highlight the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world, such as:
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The origins and evolution of Spanish, from its roots in Latin and Arabic influences in medieval Spain to its standardisation and global spread.
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The historical expansion of the Spanish language through colonisation and empire, including the Americas, the Philippines, and North Africa.
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The presence and evolution of Spanish in Guinea Ecuatorial and the Philippines, with attention to local cultures and identities—for example, the use of Spanish alongside Fang and Bubi in Equatorial Guinea, or the development of Chavacano (a Spanish-based creole) in the Philippines.
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The dynamics in multilingual Spanish-speaking societies, such as the coexistence of Spanish with Basque, Catalan, and Galician in Spain, or with Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní in South America.
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Linguistic and cultural diversity in Latin America, including the revitalisation of Indigenous languages like Mapudungun in Chile, or the cultural significance of Afro-Caribbean creoles like Palenquero in Colombia.
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Language prestige, discrimination, and the idea of “neutral” Spanish within different cultural frameworks, illustrated by media preferences for certain accents, or debates over “correct” versus “popular” varieties of Spanish in education and broadcasting, which challenge common assumptions about language authority.
Each lesson will also include targeted grammar revision and practice, supported by in-class exercises and independent study.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60.0 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60.0 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40.0 |
Module feedback
Formative assessment and feedback
Formative tasks done individually and/or in groups throughout the module.
Students will be given:
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written comments for written formative work
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oral feedback during class discussions
Summative assessment and feedback
Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenor(s) in class and/or via the VLE at the start of the semester.