Module MLAN1541: Catalan Beginners (Durham Campus)

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)

MLAN1541: Catalan Beginners (Durham Campus)

Prerequisites

• • An AS level in a Romance language (French, Italian or Spanish), MLAN1311 (Spanish Stage 2), MLAN1391 (French Stage 2) or other equivalent qualification in a Romance language equivalent to a minmimum A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • SPAN2061, SPAN3211. Not available to students studying for degree programmes in the School of Modern Languages & Cultures

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

• 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 communicate in the present, past and future tenses 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 and recordings 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.

• Intermediate-level speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Catalan, approximately equivalent to A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference
• Ability to discuss elements of Catalan social and cultural history.

• Written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to gather and process information from a range of sources.
• demonstrate the ability to identify their own learning needs and address them effectively.

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

• There will be three 1-hour language classes per week.
• 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly language assignments;

■ 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