LA1PS3-IWLP Spanish 3

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: LA1PS2 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PS5 IWLP Spanish 5 SP1L3 Advanced Spanish Language 1 SP2L4 Advanced Spanish Language II SP3L6C Advanced Spanish Language III (3-year programme) LA1PS4 IWLP Spanish 4 SP1L2 Intermediate Spanish Language SP2L2 Intermediate Spanish Language SP2L3 Advanced Spanish Language I SP3L6 Advanced Spanish Language III SP3L6C Advanced Spanish Language III (3-year programme)
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Denisse Lazo-Gonzalez
Email: d.lazo-gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is aimed at students with an entry level of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2.1/A2.2. On successful completion of the module students will have achieved CEFR B1.

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain confidence in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in order to develop their ability to interact with native speakers of Spanish. They will gain precision and accuracy in expressing themselves in and understanding oral and written Spanish.

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 enable students to cope in a wide range of everyday situations in a Spanish-speaking country and in those they would typically meet while studying or working there. It aims to extend their cultural awareness; to develop strategies for coping with less common linguistic, social and cultural situations.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students may expect to achieve competence in the use of the most important grammatical structures of the language for their level and a knowledge of the vocabulary which is required to read, write and talk about the everyday topics and situations covered in the module. Students may expect to be able to present themselves well and interact adequately with sympathetic native speakers.

Additional outcomes:
Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing and will gain experience in oral presentations and joint activities. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture. They will be able to understand the main points of any standard written or spoken text dealing with familiar topics.

Outline content:

Students will learn:

• to discuss topics of both personal and wider interest;


• to express their opinions orally and in writing;


• to interact effectively with native speakers in a social and practical context;


• to extract information from a standard spoken or written text.

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 such as audio and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.

Recommended textbook (P):

Aula Internacional 3 Nueva Edición, (2014), Editorial Difusión, ISBN 9788415640110.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 20 minutes oral exam.

A two-hour final written examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A project in the language consisting of a piece of written work submitted electronically and an oral or listening in-class test.

A listening comprehension in-class test.

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 ongoing feedback is provided. 

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall for UG students, 50% overall 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: Students are required to buy the course book.


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021