Module SPAN1121: THE UNITY AND DIVERSITY OF SPANISH

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (SPANISH)

SPAN1121: THE UNITY AND DIVERSITY OF SPANISH

Prerequisites

• At least grade B at A-level in a foreign language, or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Spanish Language 1A(I) (SPAN1011) or Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072). Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to a range of sociolinguistic issues relating to the Spanish-speaking world, including Bilingualism and the acquisition of Spanish as a first and second language.

Content

• The first part of the course will provide a basic introduction to sociolingusitc theory and will concentrate on examples and phenomena from Spain and Latin America (including the United States).
• The second part of the course will concentrate on the study of bilingualism, pidgins and creoles, and the acquisition of Spanish as a first and second language.
• Lectures and seminars will be conducted in English.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have gained:
• enhanced understanding of language change and variety (including some of its most salient phonological and syntactical aspects) in Spain and Latin America,
• an insight into the social and linguistic implications of Bilingualism,
• an awareness of the processes involved in the learning of languages.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• There will be a weekly general lecture which will deliver key information on the module and a weekly seminar with smaller groups of students which will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.
• The commentary and summative essay are based on topics covered during the Michaelmas term.
• The examination questions cover the work carried out in the other terms and test the students' understanding of topics under controlled conditions.
• The mixture of summative essay and final examination responds to student requests for this mode of assessment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University