LA1PS1: IWLP Spanish 1

Module code: LA1PS1

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Lourdes Barquin Sanmartin, email: l.barquinsanmartin@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE SP1L1 OR TAKE SP1L2 OR TAKE SP1L3 OR TAKE SP2L2 OR TAKE SP2L3 OR TAKE SP2L4 OR TAKE SP3L6 OR TAKE SP3L6C OR TAKE LA1PS2 OR TAKE LA1PS3 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 28 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is intended for students of any year of study with little or no knowledge of Spanish. On successful completion of the module students will have achieved CEF (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. 

The module aims at providing students with: 

• the ability to communicate at survival level in typical situations met by visitors when  travelling in Spanish-speaking countries. 
• a competence in basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate and  understand at survival level. 
• an understanding of the nature of language and language learning. 
• an insight into aspects of everyday life in Spanish speaking communities. 
• intercultural competence in comparing and evaluating aspects of culture.  
• the perception of diversity through the study of inclusive language. 

Our interactive classes are designed to equip students with communicative language skills in an engaging way. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Communicate in Spanish by speaking and writing at a simple survival level about a selection of defined everyday topics
2. Read and understand simple texts on a variety of everyday topics including obtaining specific details from signs, notices, short texts, etc.
3. Recognise and applybasic grammatical structures in both speaking and writing
4. Evaluate and develop awareness and strategies to work independently while maintaining the level of interest and motivation for the language

Module content

The module will introduce the language through communicative situations about selected areas of life: personal information, food, travel, shopping, etc.  

A solid linguistic foundation will be ensured by the study of grammar and vocabulary, always presented in context and in an accessible and engaging way. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role plays, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Language focus sessions and guided independent learning activities are also an important part of the teaching-learning experience. Learning activities are supported by a variety of digital and printed media.The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, please note that IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. In addition, students should be aware that spelling, grammar, and sentence structures are assessed. In this respect, the IWLP assessment is exempt from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking in almost all cases. 

Study hours

At least 60 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

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. 

Reassessment

Additional costs