Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module SPAN1072: SPANISH LANGUAGE 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN1072: SPANISH LANGUAGE 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap 56 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade B or above A-level in a modern foreign European language.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Spanish Language 1A (SPAN1011); Beginners Spanish (MLAN1011); Spanish in its Context (MLAN1051)

Aims

  • To establish a sound basis of grammatical knowledge of the Spanish language, to develop communication skills in spoken and written Spanish.
  • Students are expected to reach a level equivalent to that of A-level by the end of the first year.

Content

  • Discussion and practice of grammatical structures.
  • Speaking and listening practice in small groups.
  • Students will also be expected to make use of audio materials provided by the Department.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • a grasp of the basic topics of Spanish grammar covered and are able to put these basic principles to use accurately in grammatical exercises and other more free-style forms of written work;
  • a basic vocabulary based upon the topics covered;
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the course students will be expected to demonstrate that they:
  • are able to conduct a basic conversation in Spanish which is reasonably fluent and accurate;
  • have acquired basic listening and reading in skills in the Spanish language.
Key Skills:
  • The development of general written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to gather and process information and evidence from a range of sources.

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

  • Classes for this module are held four times a week. One hour per week the general class, is dedicated to grammar and is conducted in English. The remaining three class hours each week are called practica classes and consist primarily of oral practice. The format of the practica classes varies according to the area of language being worked on, but there will be a lot of talking: by the student.
  • As they form an important learning tool, the student is expected to attend all classes. In addition to the four compulsory class hours, students are expected to spend up to 8 hours per week devoted to independent study which takes the form of preparation for class, exercises from the Activity Book at accompanies 'Claro que si', revision and class follow-up, and short pieces of written work to be submitted an corrected.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Grammar Classes 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Language Classes 63 Weekly 1 hour 63
Grammar practice 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Preparation and Reading 295
Total SLAT hours 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 12.5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 10 minutes 100% Yes
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reading Comprehension and Grammar Examination 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Listening and Writing Skills Examination Component Weighting: 37.5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Listening Comprehension & Writing Skills Examination 1.5 hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular written assignments/oral practice.


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