This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module SPAN2061: CATALAN (BEGINNERS)
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)
SPAN2061: CATALAN (BEGINNERS)
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Grade B at A-Level in a European Language, or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.
Corequisites
- For BA in Modern Languages, Joint Honours including a Modern Language, and Combined Honours: Spanish Language 2A (SPAN 2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111) AND one other module in Hispanic Studies. Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.
Excluded Combinations
- None
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 video material.
- The module will also include study of a collection of short stories and their cultural context.
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 demonstrate good comprehension of short texts in Catalan.
- 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
- Intermediate-level speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Catalan.
- Ability to discuss elements of Catalan social and cultural history.
Key Skills
- Written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to gather and process information from a range of sources.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- There will be two weekly language classes. Classes will be given in English and Catalan. Students are required to attend all 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Practicals | 42 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 42 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 158 | ||||
| Total SLAT hours | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 25% | Written Examination | 1 hour | 100% | Yes |
| Listening Comprehension | 25% | Listening Comprehension | 1 hour | 100% | Yes |
| Oral Examination | 25% | Oral Examination | 15 minutes | 100% | Yes |
| Summative Essay | 25% | Summative Essay | 750 words | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Weekly language assignments; 1 essay (750 words) in Catalan.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.