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Spanish Level 5

Module details

Offered to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Years
Monday or Thursday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
Two-term module, worth 7.5 ECTS
Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
Extra Credit, or Degree Credit where your department allows

Degree credit module options by department How to enrol

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-AS level.

This module aims to:

Further students' competence in the command of complex grammatical structures and vocabulary
Examine various types of discourse and linguistic function
Develop students' ability to present scientific/ technical topics to an audience confidently
Introduce a range of current political, historical, and economic issues

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.

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year.

Learning outcomes

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

comprehend extended native speech with ease, identifying details of complex arguments and recognising culturally relevant meanings;
interact fluently, spontaneously and accurately in Spanish in a variety of social and professional contexts producing a natural flow of language and adapting to the needs of the communicative context;
critique and react to a broad range of written productions in terms of content and style, including formal academic and sophisticated creative works;
write detailed, well-structured texts on a wide range of complex subjects, registers and styles, applying sophisticated linguistic structures from the CEFR-C1 range (Common European Framework of Reference, proficiency);
demonstrate an understanding of the target cultures by comparing cultural and socio-political practices and perspectives and by relating these to your own background and contexts of practice;
demonstrate the ability to learn independently using a range of digital language learning tools to tackle sophisticated linguistic material and identify relevant sources to support your research.

Indicative core content

In this module, you will:

consolidate relevant advanced linguistic structures;
explore the style and register of various discourse types, identifying their purpose and function in practical situations;
read and analyse texts (including texts relating to your main field of study);
write and present data in a variety of formats;
debate, critique or report on current affairs.

Language work will be contextualised within a varied range of topics related to contemporary Spain, ranging from:

social and demographic trends;
cultural and economic issues;
scientific and technological developments.

Learning and teaching approach

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 (presentations [with PP as well as video uploaded to Blackboard]; 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 efficiently. 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.

Assessment

Coursework (15%): Mid-autumn term. Research based essay and data discussion (c. 400 words).
Examination (10%): In-class test, run on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of autumn term. Writing based on video/ audio pack (min. 300 words).
Coursework (20%): Mid-spring term. Recorded presentation/ podcast (8-10 minutes).
Examination (20%): 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. Writing task (min. 450 words).
Practical (35%): Oral exam in the summer term, including presentation/ commentary on dossier and unprepared discussion (approx. 25 minutes).

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.

Support materials:

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

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."