Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module SPAN2061: CATALAN 2

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (SPANISH)

SPAN2061: CATALAN 2

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Pass at A-Level in a European Language or equivalent qualification, or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • See Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Portuguese 2 (SPAN2051).

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the language and culture of the Catalan-speaking parts of Spain.

Content

  • This module will offer an introduction to the Catalan language and the culture associated with it.
  • The emphasis will be on language acquisition, using material available from Catalonia, including a series of video language programmes.
  • The module will also include a component of twelve lectures on aspects of the cultural context of the Catalan language.
  • Two literary texts (one modern novel, one contemporary poet) will be studied.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module students will have gained:
  • a thorough understanding of the key grammatical structures of modern Catalan and will be able to generate them in spontaneous speech and in writing,
  • a grounding in the use of different linguistic registers, and will be able to analyse and to comment on samples of modern Catalan writing.
  • In addition, students will be conversant with basic concepts in the history and culture of Catalonia and will be able to appreciate the historical context in which its identity was formed.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

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

      • There will be two weekly language classes supplemented by a series of video lessons, at a time to be agreed. All classes will be given in Catalan. Students are required to attend all classes, including video classes, and are expected to prepare themselves for them and participate actively in discussions.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 12
      Language Practicals 30
      Supervised Video Work 15
      Preparation and Reading 143
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      one-hour written examination 100%
      Component: Listening Comprehension Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      one-hour listening comprehension 100%
      Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      15-minute oral examination 100%
      Component: Essay Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      1000-word essay 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Weekly language assignments; 2 essays (1500 words), one in English, one in Catalan

      ■ 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