This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module MLAN1541: Catalan Beginners (Durham Campus)
Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)
MLAN1541: Catalan Beginners (Durham Campus)
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2016/2017 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- • 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 Combinations
- • 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
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 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.
Subject-specific Skills
- 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.
Key Skills
- 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
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Seminars | 63 | 3 per week | 1 hour | 63 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 137 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening Examination | 20% | Listening Comprehension | 45 minutes | 100% | Yes |
| Oral Examination | 20% | Oral examination | 15 minutes | 100% | yes |
| Written Examination | 60% | Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Weekly language assignments;
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.