LfA Spanish Elementary - LFA00263L
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. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level and provide a foundation for further study.
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 LfA Spanish Beginner / Spanish Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 to 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 year. 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:
- reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
- production activities (oral and written production);
- 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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Departmental - attendance requirement | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Pass/fail & Non-reassessable
Additional assessment information
The course is non-assessed but students will receive an LfA Certificate of Completion if they participate in at least 13 sessions out of 18.
Indicative reassessment
None
Module feedback
Regular homework tasks will provide opportunities for ongoing feedback on progress.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete coursework. Its purpose is not to provide a summative assessment of students’ performance but to provide the basis for relevant tutor’s feedback and feedforward.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the year.