Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)
Module SPAN2061: CATALAN (BEGINNERS)
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)
SPAN2061: CATALAN (BEGINNERS)
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2023/24 | Module Cap | 30 | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Grade B or above at A-Level in a foreign 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 Combination of Modules
- 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 and one weekly seminar.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Practicals | 42 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 42 | ■ |
| Seminars | 21 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 21 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 137 | ||||
| Total SLAT hours | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written Examination | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination | 1 hour | 100% | Yes |
| Component: Listening Comprehension | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Listening Comprehension | 1 hour | 100% | Yes |
| Component: Oral Examination | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Oral Examination | 15 minutes | 100% | Yes |
| Component: Summative Essay | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Summative Essay | 750 words | 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