Spanish level 5
A module in Spanish language and culture for students who have completed Level 4 or equivalent
Module details
- Offered to 2nd, 3rd & 4th Years
- Monday or Thursday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
- 2 term module worth 7.5 ECTS
- Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
- Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
A communicative module providing a base for the study of Contemporary Spain, social and demographic trends, cultural and economic issues, science and technology.
This module is intended for students in their second year of Spanish study post A-level or in their third-year post A/S level.
This module aims
- To further your competence in the command of complex grammatical structures and vocabulary
- To examine various types of discourse and function, e.g. to present topics of a technical or scientific nature to the class and discuss the presentation of others
- To study scientific and technical texts and to allow students to present scientific / technical topics to an audience confidently
- To introduce students to a range of current political and economic issues and history
- To offer you as much experience as possible in using the language relevant to topical issues and debates in Spain
By the end of the module, students should have reached approximately the B2/C1 standard of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
To be eligible for this module you need to have done one of the following: -
- Successfully completed Spanish Level 4
- Already achieved B2 or equivalent on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
This module is not intended for native or near-native speakers.
Information blocks
Learning outcomes
This module will equip you with the ability to:
- Communicate freely and accurately both in speech and in writing using Spanish flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.
- Compare, contrast and analyze statistical information relating to current socio-economic, political and cultural issues.
- To formulate ideas and opinions with precision.
- Write essays or commentaries on the basis of notes taken in class and after some additional reading.
Indicative core content
This module provides a base for the study of Contemporary Spain, social and demographic trends, cultural and economic issues, science and technology. It offers advanced language work aimed to make you aware of the style and register of various types of discourse and their purpose and function in practical situations.
Language practice will comprise essay writing, reading and analyzing texts, including texts relating to their main field of study, presenting, commenting, debating and reporting on issues of current interest. A substantial amount of reading in Spanish will be expected.
Assessment
- Coursework 35% - 4 pieces of written coursework (may include in-class tests)
- Written examination 35% - A two-hour written examination at the end of the Spring term
- Oral examination 30% - A 25-minute oral examination at the end of the module
Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad
Key information
- 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.
- You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.
Coursebook materials:
Aprende gramática y vocabulario 4 by F Castro Viúdez & P Díaz Ballesteros, SGEL 2006.
España Contemporánea by Cristina López Moreno, SGEL 2005
Gramática de uso del español. Teoría y práctica. Nivel superior (C1-C2) by Luis Aragonés & Ramón Palencia, SM, 2010, ISBN: 978-84-675-2109-2.
Developing writing skills in Spanish by Javier Muñoz-Basols et al, Routledge, 2012, ISBN: 0415590833
A large dictionary, such as the Oxford (Bilingual) Dictionary or María Moliner (Monolingual), ought to be purchased from the start.
Additional audiovisual materials (i.e. films, TV programmes) on specific topics will be provided when required and a short list of relevant books will also be made available in the Library for consultation. Extra support materials will be provided through Blackboard.
Further information for Year Abroad/Year in Europe Students
Further information for BSc Hons and MSc Language for Science Degrees
"A very enjoyable module. It was the perfect learning experience that acted as an escape from my main degree. There was a good balance between grammar and speaking in class on different topics."