Spanish Level 3

On successful completion of this module, you will be better prepared to:

• participate in oral interactions, producing connected and comprehensible spoken language to deal with a range of familiar topics and personal interest matters;
• respond to and produce written texts of moderate complexity, applying your grammatical and lexical knowledge at a CEFR B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference, threshold level);
• demonstrate the relevant level of intercultural awareness in your handling of routine social interactions in Spanish and in your use of language;
• use a basic range of digital language-learning tools independently to support your production and expand your knowledge.

In this module, you will revise basic structures, such as:

• the conjugation of irregular verbs;
• past tense contrast;
• ser/estar;
• direct and indirect object pronouns;
• the subjunctive and its uses;
• impersonality.

The study of linguistic structures will be embedded within topics, such as:

• lifestyle and traditions, among other cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries;
• the world of work;
• the world of science.

In line with MFL communicative and active learning methodologies, in-class activities cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and include: pair work (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion and collection of key terms/ideas followed by report to plenum); group work (discussion, creation of posters); individual tasks, such as presentations (with PowerPoint as well as video uploaded to the Virtual Learning Environment); discovery and formulation of rules; critical evaluation of texts, audio and video material. Homework and coursework tasks give you the tools required to participate in class and the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills while developing an awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. This approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks but also supports different learning styles.

Your coursework will be marked and returned within two weeks. Rubrics and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each coursework. You will receive detailed feedback alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.

The module includes formative as well as summative assessment. Homework tasks (theory revision, reading, writing, listening, etc) are set every week on the Virtual Learning Environment, following a flipped-classroom approach to ensure face-to-face time is devoted to interactional learning and communicative skills acquisition. This means that you will be provided with materials to study independently beforehand, and then apply these during classroom time. Your lecturer will provide you with support materials and guidance to reinforce topics covered at your own pace.

You will need to complete two pieces of summative coursework (set during mid-autumn term and mid-spring term), which will include rubrics and revision guidance to ensure you are supported when completing your work and so that you are aware of the assessment expectations. There will also be a 1-hour in-class examination (scheduled at the end of spring term), and one practical - in the form of an oral examination (at the end of spring term or during the summer term). The coursework, examination and practical contribute to your final grade.

• Coursework (20%): Integrated skills set of tasks, in mid-autumn term: writing, listening, speaking (including essay of c. 200 words).
• Coursework (20%): Integrated skills set of tasks, in mid-spring term: listening, writing, speaking (including essay of c. 250 words).
• Examination (30%): In-class test, run on the Virtual Learning Environment (Bring Your Own Device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of spring term. It will include a grammar/ lexicon quiz, a reading comprehension and a writing task (220-250 words).
• Practical (30%): Oral exam in the summer term, including graded, open conversation on topics seen in class and a prepared communicative task (e.g. summary, description, role-play, Q&A) (approx. 20 minutes).

Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
• Available to take for credit towards your degree, where your department allows. Also available for extra credit. The Module options by department page has a full list of the credit options.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebook

Aula Internacional Plus 3 – B1 (Students’ book with downloadable mp3), Jaime Corpas, A. Garmendia, C. Soriano, N. Sanz. Ed. Difusión, 2021. ISBN:  9788418032226.

Additional material

Other material produced by the teacher will be provided in class: grammar work sheets; articles on contemporary Spain from various sources; scientific texts and audiovisual material will also be used. Further sources of review and information will be provided through Blackboard.

Further grammar support

• Students' Basic Grammar of Spanish: Book A1-B1, Jose Plácido, A. Ed. Difusión, 2013. ISBN: 978-8484434375
• Gramática básica del estudiante de español (A1-B1), by Rosario Alonso Raya et al., Difusión, ISBN: 978-84-8443-726-0

Further information

Further information for Year Abroad/Year in Europe Students

Further information for BSc Hons and MSc Language for Science Degrees