LN121     
Spanish Language and Society 1 (beginner)

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Ms Maria Lourdes Hernandez Martin PEL.6.01d and Dr Roser Martinez-Sanchez PEL.6.01g

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.

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.It is possible that this year some of the teaching may be delivered via virtual classes.

This course has reading weeks in week 6 of Michaelmas and Lent terms.

 

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

(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)

Classification % of students
First 31.1
2:1 42.2
2:2 20
Third 0
Fail 6.7

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Language Centre

Total students 2019/20: 16

Average class size 2019/20: 8

Capped 2019/20: Yes (24)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

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