LN220     
Spanish Language and Society 4 (proficiency)

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Ms Mercedes Coca PEL.6.01i and Ms Maria Lourdes Hernandez Martin PEL.6.01.d

Availability

This course has a limited number of places (it is capped) and priority will be given to Language Centre BSc students and students from other Departments following a Language Specialism. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and on the MA in Modern History. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

All students should seek approval from the teacher responsible before completing course selection. Please see information on seeking approval for undergraduate modern language degree courses https://www.lse.ac.uk/language-centre/undergraduate-degree-courses/degree-courses-as-part-of-an-undergraduate-degree

Pre-requisites

Completion of the Spanish Language and Society 3 (Advanced) course (LN120) or its equivalent is required. An interview with the course co-ordinator prior to registration is compulsory.

Course content

Further advanced (up to proficiency) 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 awareness.

Teaching

10 hours of lectures and 20 hours of classes in the AT. 10 hours of lectures and 20 hours of classes in the WT. 1 hour of lectures and 2 hours of classes in the ST.

Three hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topical work; (b) oral practice; (c) grammar and vocabulary work; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using IT and web-based materials.



This course has reading weeks in week 6 of Autum Term (AT) and Winter Term (WT).

Formative coursework

The students will be required to complete weekly language exercises

Indicative reading

  • F Matte Bon, Gramatica comunicativa del español, Tomo 1 y Tomo 2, Edelsa, 1998

The following works are recommended:

  • J P Fussi & J Palafox, España: el Desafio a la Modernidad 1808-1996, Espasa 1997;
  • P Preston, El Holocausto Español, Debate 2011;
  • G Garcia Marquez, Fantasía y creación artística en América Latina y el Caribe 1981;
  • N Chomsly, América Latina. de la Colonización a la Globalización, Cátedra, 2003;
  • C Fuentes, El Espejo Enterrado, Taurus Bolsillo, 1998.

Students will be advised to buy any relevant materials at the beginning of the course.




Assessment

Exam (30%, duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes) in the spring exam period.
Oral examination (30%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (40%) in the AT and WT.

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.

Key facts

Department: Language Centre

Total students 2023/24: 11

Average class size 2023/24: 7

Capped 2023/24: Yes (16)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

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