This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module SPAN1011: Spanish Language 1A

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN1011: Spanish Language 1A

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	1	20	Available in 2025/2026	None.	Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

Grade A in Spanish at A level or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the moduleâ€™s language coordinator

Corequisites

At least one additional level 1 module in Hispanic Studies

Excluded Combinations

Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072); any MLAN or MLAS coded Spanish Language modules.

Aims

To consolidate and extend grammatical knowledge developed for A Level, to enhance communication skills in written and oral Spanish.

Content

Reinforcement of knowledge of grammatical structures acquired at 'A' level: speaking and listening practice in small groups, including listening and comprehension exercises with recorded materia.
The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Subject-specific Skills

The primary skills developed in this course are those of writing, reading, oral and aural skills in Spanish.

Key Skills

In addition we aim to improve self-confidence, communication and presentation skills, by encouraging active participation in discussion;
IT skills, through the requirement that all coursework is to be word-processed.

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

There are two teaching hours per week and students are required to attend all classes. They will also be required to prepare specific topics on a regular basis.. Classes will be conducted in Spanish but English will be used when necessary, for example to explain complex grammar points. The more students put in to the course the more they will benefit from it.
Summative assessment of reading/writing skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of an end-of-year examination.
Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Language and Computer Classes	40	2 per week	1 hour	40	Yes
Preparation and Reading				160
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Oral Assessment	25%	In-class continuous assessment of oral skills		100%	10-minute oral examination
Examination	75%	Written Examination	2 hours	100%

Formative Assessment

Regular written assignments/oral practice.

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.