Studying at York
Spanish Language & Cultures: Elementary - LAN00074I
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. The aim of this course is to enable students to develop language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in Spanish in everyday, predictable situations. Upon completion of the module, students will have the basis to progress to the module Spanish Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.
Related modules
The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, or those who have successfully completed the module Spanish Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
| B | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in Spanish over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
2) production activities (oral and written production);
3) interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and Spanish.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
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Understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g., lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.
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Produce simple texts on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g., lifestyles and culture, stories), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.
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Give a short presentation and to manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.
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Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g., different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately.
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Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.
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Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.
Module content
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
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understand general and detailed information and communicate in a standard speech on a range of everyday issues.
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use a variety of idioms and structures to express yourself.
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participate more fully in conversations that might occur in everyday situations with improved fluency and pronunciation.
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demonstrate insight into some important aspects of the culture and everyday life and respond appropriately when interacting with native speakers in simple situations.
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grasp the meaning of short articles and information from a range of authentic German sources, such as websites, newspapers, instruction leaflets, and videos
The course will include topics such as:
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Talking about plans, future ideas, and forecasts.
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Expressing preferences.
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Talking about family, generational changes, customs and traditions.
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Shopping, grocery shopping, and expressing quantities.
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Ordering food at a restaurant and asking about dishes.
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Talk about emotions and mood.
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Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.
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Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Summative assessment and feedback:
-
Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.