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Spanish Language and Cultures: Elementary - LFA00223L

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Cathy Dantec
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: F
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The aim of this course is to enable students to develop language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in Spanish in everyday, predictable situations. Upon completion of the module, students will have the basis to progress to the module Spanish Language and cultures: Low Intermediate.

Related modules

The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, or those who have successfully completed the module Spanish Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24
B Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in Spanish over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:

1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);

2) production activities (oral and written production);

3) interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).

The mediums of instruction are English and Spanish.

Module learning outcomes

  • Ability to understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g., lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and to read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.

  • Ability to produce simple texts on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g., lifestyles and culture, stories), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.

  • Ability to give a short presentation and to manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.

  • Ability to recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g., different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately.

Module content

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand general and detailed information and communicate in a standard speech on a range of everyday issues.

  • use a variety of idioms and structures to express yourself.

  • participate more fully in conversations that might occur in everyday situations with improved fluency and pronunciation.

  • demonstrate insight into some important aspects of the culture and everyday life and respond appropriately when interacting with native speakers in simple situations.

  • grasp the meaning of short articles and information from a range of authentic German sources, such as websites, newspapers, instruction leaflets, and videos

The course will include topics such as:

  • Talking about plans, future ideas, and forecasts.

  • Expressing preferences.

  • Talking about family, generational changes, customs and traditions.

  • Shopping, grocery shopping, and expressing quantities.

  • Ordering food at a restaurant and asking about dishes.

  • Talk about emotions and mood.

  • Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.

  • Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Spanish Language and Cultures: Elementary		 2 hours 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Exam		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

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 convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.