Spanish Intermediate One
| Module title | Spanish Intermediate One |
|---|---|
| Module code | PLS2230 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Ms Jordina Sala-Branchadell (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
Spanish Intermediate 1 is intended for students who have successfully completed PLS1130 Beginners or who have a level broadly of GCSE A*-B grade (or equivalent). The module provides a systematic approach to building on essential grammar structures in a communicative context. The module is taught as far as possible in Spanish.
Spanish Intermediate One can be taken towards achieving ‘with proficiency in Spanish”, see http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/flc/undergraduate/proficiency/
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module is appropriate for students who either already have or may quickly regain a level of proficiency in Spanish broadly equivalent to that of GCSE Grade A*-B (or equivalent). The exit level of this module corresponds to the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference and aims to:
- Consolidate the essential structures of the target language, developing both vocabulary and range of language structures thus equipping students with the linguistic tools to enable them to communicate effectively in everyday situations.
- Further develop active and passive language skills, including comprehension skills in listening, productive skills in speaking, reading and writing.
- Deepen students' understanding and appreciation of the customs, culture and society of the regions/countries in which Spanish is spoken and to develop student awareness of the general social and cultural background of the language.
Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as pair / 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, video / DVD, and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.
Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate competence in the use of basic grammatical structures of the target language
- 2. Read and comprehend straightforward written and aural texts on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, study, leisure etc. in the target language
- 3. Communicate effectively on a broad range of general topics which are familiar or of personal interest, both orally and in writing, and produce short descriptive and narrative texts, formal and informal letters
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise your learning with guidance from the tutor
- 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, such as a reference grammar and bilingual dictionary, to consolidate your learning
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Give a presentation on a topic pertinent to everyday occurrences in your field and hold a conversation in the target language which may involve expressing opinions and making value judgements
- 7. Make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture
Syllabus plan
The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context and in accordance with the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
Main Grammar
- Grammatical terms
- Definite and indefinite articles
- Nouns and adjectives: gender and number
- Adverbs
- Numbers
- Possessives
- Prepositions
- Verb Tenses
- Present
- Perfect
- Preterit
- Imperfect
- Pluperfect
- Future
- Conditional
- Present Subjunctive
- The Imperative
- Structures to talk about plans
- Reflexive verbs
- Uses of ser, estar and haber
- Use of verbs like gustar
- Idioms with tener and hacer
- Comparative clauses
- Conditional clauses
- Relative clauses
- Time clauses
- Causative clauses
- Concessive clauses
- Final clauses
- Interrogative constructions
Main Topics
- Introductions, personal information and studies, personal qualities, talking about past holidays and giving biographical information
- Holiday plans and renting an apartment
- Talking about the recent past, problems and routine
- Describing how life used to be, talking about what has changed in your life
- Shopping, leisure activities and food
- Recounting an event in the past, following instructions
- Expressing hopes, wishes, wants, advising and doubting, telling a story in the past with more detail
You will be expected to spend time studying outside the class (between 3-5 hours per week) and we provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. For this module, you will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in Spanish. You will also be expected to complete comprehension and grammar exercises on a self-study basis, prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write short assignments and generally acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. You will receive regular feedback on your progress from class activities, homework assignments and coursework items.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 234 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 66 | Language classes |
| Guided independent study | 234 | Consolidate class work by learning vocabulary and structures, and by reading, watching or listening to material in Spanish. Prepare exercises and activities for class, write short assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. Learning activities are supported by various media, including audio, video / DVD, and, where appropriate, computer software. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 formative tasks covering some or all of the following areas: grammar, writing, listening, reading, speaking. | Variable | 1-5, 7 | Written and oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 25 | 25 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 50 | Variable | 1-7 | Written and oral |
| Written Exam | 25 | 1.5 hours | 1-5, 7 | Written and oral |
| Oral Exam | 25 | 8-9 min | 1,3-7 | Written and oral |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 1-7 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Written Exam | Written Exam | 1-5, 7 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Oral Exam | Oral Exam | 1,3-7 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – If you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
You will only be required to retake any failed assessments. Marks for any passed assessments will be carried forward. If you have failed any assessments but managed to pass the module overall, you will not be allowed to retake the failed assessments.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic Readings:
- Virgilio Borobio Carrera, Ele Actual: Libro del Alumno + CDs A2 (SM, 2011), ISBN: 9788467547474
- Virgilio Borobio Carrera, Ele Actual: Cuaderno de Ejercicios A2– New Edition (SM, 2011) ISBN: 9788467547481
Suggested Readings:
- A Spanish Learning Grammar, by Mike Thacker and Pilar Muñoz (Routledge, 2012). ISBN: 9781444157338
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | GCSE in Spanish (A*-B) or equivalent |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 31/01/2017 |
| Last revision date | 03/10/2022 |
