Mr Rafael Penas Cruz TW3 6.01 H

Student should have previously learnt and be confident using ...see description of "Communicative content" of Level 5 Standard (LN790) and "Structural Content" of (LN805). A high level of oral fluency expected from students. Admission into the course upon completion of online level test and tutor's approval during the needs analysis session. Student profile: Students should be motivated to study and research independently.

Course aims:

This is a proficiency course with a focus on current issues.

• To attain competence in a broad range of complex and non-routine tasks in a variety of contexts.
• To extend the ability to use Spanish effectively for purposes of general communication in a great variety of academic, social and work-related contexts.
• To develop a high degree of linguistic independence and flexibility in Spanish.
• To understand and analyse complex texts about culture and society in Spanish speaking countries.
• To familiarise students with the latest developments and current issues in Spanish-speaking countries.
• To establish specific linguistic skills and strategies required to communicate about current issues in Spanish speaking countries.
• To bring the students to level C1/C2 of CEFR.

Communicative content:

• Advanced Spanish language with reference to the Spanish Current Issues through selected texts covering a number of key current topics/areas.
• Logical argumentation. Issues of group dynamic.
• Reading, summarising and processing information of complex texts.
• Understanding and using complex and authentic language.
• Leading a discussion: expressing an opinion, agreement, disagreement.
• Exchanging specific information.
• Topics related to: Economic issues in Latin America (ALCA, USA and Europe interests in Latin America).
• Human rights issues in Latin America.
• Impunity (Guatemala, Peru, Argentina and Chile).
• Nationalisms in Spain: Basque case.
• Colombia: Armed conflict, drugs and child soldiers.
• Structural content: Contextualised revision of structural content of LN803

8 hours of classes in the MT. 11 hours of classes in the LT. 1 hour of classes in the ST.

This is a 20 hour-course. Please refer to the LSE timetable for course teaching arrangements.

Use of a selection of original written work from key authors, films, video footage and resources available on the World Wide Web.

Continuous assessment (50%) in the MT and LT.
Oral examination (30%) and in class assessment (20%) in the LT.