module specification

In this module students will develop advanced Spanish language skills and work to becoming autonomous users of the target language. Students will learn how to use Spanish in a wide range of contexts, with appropriate register. Special attention will be given to the understanding of complex reading texts and genres and to appreciate language features such as style, tone, register.The course further extends the accurate use of grammatical structures and vocabulary. It also focuses on intercultural communication skills and cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries.
This is a 30 credit module taught on a year basis. The module is assessed by coursework and an oral test. The course is structured around class time, independent learning and guided Weblearn materials.

Completion of OSL076 or B2/C1 CEFR competence

The course is structured around class time, independent learning and guided Weblearn materials. Indicative contents will include:

• Development of accurate and coherent oral skills through presentation and group discussion of topics concerning the Spanish-speaking world. LO2
• Reading and understanding of a variety of complex texts from different sources: opinion articles, essays, literary/film review, political commentary. LO1
• Revision and extension of accurate use of grammar structures, lexis, register, syntax. LO3
• Writing expositive and persuasive texts for a variety of contexts (public, professional, academic). LO2, LO3

This course will follow a blended learning approach. Students will study Spanish during class and extend and consolidate this with the use of WebLearn and other online and paper based resources. They will develop independent learning skills and language learning strategies. Students will work together and alone, in and out of class and they will receive teacher and peer feedback to enable them to reflect on their learning.

The learning outcomes of this module are calibrated on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  On completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning and text genres conventions.

2. Use spoken language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

3. Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

• The module will be assessed through coursework and a presentation. The coursework will assess learning outcomes 1 and 3, and the presentation will assess learning outcome 2.
• Formative assessment supports students in developing for summative assessment.
• Feedback on assessment is timely, constructive and developmental.
• Processes for marking assessments and for moderating marks are clearly articulated and consistently operated by those involved in the assessment process.

• Butt, A., Benjamin, C. (2013) A new reference grammar of modern Spanish. London: Routledge.
• Castro, F. (2011)  Uso de la gramática española Nivel avanzado. Madrid: Edelsa. 
• Lewis, M. (1999) How to study foreign Languages. London: Palgrave.
• Collins Spanish Dictionary (2009). Glasgow: Collins.
• Diccionario Clave (2012). Madrid: SM Editores.

Websites:
• Real Academia de la Lengua (2018). Available at: http://www.rae.es/
• Wordreference (no date). Available at: https://www.wordreference.com/
• Zona Latina (1997). Available at: http://www.zonalatina.com/
• Prensa Escrita (2018). Available at: http://www.prensaescrita.com/espana.php
• Radio Televisión Española (2018). Available at: http://www.rtve.es/