Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026
Module SPAN1181: Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)
SPAN1181: Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2025/2026 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Grade B or above at A-Level in a foreign European Language, or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.
Corequisites
- For BA in Modern Languages, Joint Honours including a Modern Language, and Combined Honours: Spanish Language 1A (SPAN 1011) OR Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072). Others: see Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To provide an introduction to Catalan language and culture.
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
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- 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:
- Beginner-level speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Catalan.
- Understanding of 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 one weekly grammar class and one weekly oral class.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar Classes | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | ■ |
| Language Classes | 20 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 20 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 160 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| On Campus Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Oral examination | Component Weighting: 30% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Oral Examination | 10 minutes | 100% | |
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 10% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 300 words | 100% | |
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