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Ab Initio Spanish Grammar - LAN00045C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module is intended to help students to develop a deeper understanding of grammatical knowledge and structures in the Spanish language. The focus will be on the active use of the language in a wide range of culturally and meaningful contexts.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims to introduce grammatical structures of Spanish at a very quick pace in order to develop the students' understanding and production of the systems of the language.

The grammar seminar will cover most grammatical aspects of the Spanish language and you will see and use them in context. By analysing grammatical structures you will become more aware of their meaning and use in oral and written communication and you will familiarize yourself with the necessary grammatical terminology. You will use interactive exercises or practice materials provided by the tutor and you will work through the grammar book and use online materials.

Module learning outcomes

After satisfactorily completing the module you should be able to show:

  • Increased understanding of the structures of the Spanish language
  • The ability to analyse grammatical structures and understand and produce them in context
  • Increased familiarity with grammar terminology
  • Grammar analysis and intensive self-study of the grammatical aspects discussed should lead to an increased awareness of their use in spoken and written Spanish
  • independent language learning skills and techniques that enable you to acquire the language through self-study

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 30
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 70

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 30
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 70

Module feedback

Formative work and feedback

  • Weekly formative exercises carried out.
  • Written comments given to individual students for practice essays, with opportunity for individual consultation.
  • Model answers may be given for class exercises with class discussion of difficulties.
  • Formative written work will be returned within two weeks.
  • Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written work. Given immediately both to individuals and to the group.
  • Oral commentary and dialogue on seminar presentation, written feedback sheet given to the individual presenter following the seminar.

There are two components to the final assessment:

  • Online exam in week 1, Term 2 (Paper 1):
    • Weight: 30%
  • Online exam in weeks 5-7, Term 3 (Paper 2)
    • Weight: 70%

Written feedback to be provided within 20 working days.

Indicative reading

Key textbook:

• Aragonés, L., Palencia R. Gramática de uso del español. Teoría y práctica, Ediciones SM-Ele ISBN 9788434893511.

Complementary study book:

• Butt, John, Benjamin, Carmen. A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish. 2011 Routledge. ISBN 97814441376999.

Other study materials will be provided by the tutor.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.