LA1PS1-IWLP Spanish 1

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PS2 IWLP Spanish 2 LA1PS3 IWLP Spanish 3 LA1PS4 IWLP Spanish 4 LA1PS5 IWLP Spanish 5 LA1PS6 IWLP Spanish 6 SP1L3 Advanced Spanish Language 1 SP1L1 Beginners Spanish Language SP1L2 Intermediate Spanish Language SP2L3 Advanced Spanish Language I SP2L4 Advanced Spanish Language II SP3L6 Advanced Spanish Language III SP3L6C Advanced Spanish Language III (3-year programme) SP2L2 Intermediate Spanish Language
Current from: 2020/1

Email: d.lazo-gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at beginners with little or no knowledge of Spanish. On successful completion of the module students will have achieved CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1.

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the Spanish language, concentrating on its communicative use in everyday situations. It will develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Reading University allows students from any year to take this module. Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non- routine. In language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for learning and practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected occurrences. Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills. They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups.  Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking.  For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with the ability to survive in typical situations met by visitors when travelling in Spain for a short time; an introduction to the nature of language and language learning; an introduction to countries where Spanish is spoken.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The ability to communicate in Spanish by speaking and writing at a simple survival level, to make appropriate use of the dictionary and to apply simple grammatical structures. Students will be able to understand simple spoken and written texts on familiar, everyday matters and to obtain specific details about such matters from signs, notices, short texts etc.

Additional outcomes:
Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing to develop oral skills. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture.

Outline content:
Students will learn:
-to give, request and understand personal information;
-to express and understand simple opinions, forms of address, greetings and leave-taking;
-to make simple arrangements and transactions on a practical level.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role playing, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by various media, including audio and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final Written exam (Reading and Writing) – 40% (2 hours)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Spring Week 11 – Multi-part Portfolio – 30% 

Summer Week 2 - Oral exam = 30% (10 minutes) 

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which on-going feedback is provided. Additional feedback, with opportunity for self-reflection and feedforward is provided in week 11 of the Autumn term, through tests and other tasks to be included in the Portfolio??

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Min. 40% overall for UG students, 50% for PGT students.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 January 2021