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 SPAN1181: Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN1181: Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture

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

Pre-requisites

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 Combinations

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	Attendance Monitored
Grammar Classes	20	Weekly	1 Hour	20	Yes
Language Classes	20	Weekly	1 Hour	20	Yes
Preparation and Reading				160
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting
Written examination	60%	On Campus Written Examination	2 hours	100%
Oral examination	30%	Oral Examination	10 minutes	100%
Essay	10%	Essay	300 words	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.