Studying at York
Spanish Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate - LFA00221L
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: F
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
This course is aimed at students who already have a good basic level of competence in Spanish, i.e. students who have completed the Spanish Language and Cultures Elementary course or their higher GCSE in Spanish (or equivalent). The module will take students to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in the understanding and use of written and spoken Spanish.
Related modules
Higher GCSE Spanish, some experience of living in a Spanish-speaking country or successful completion of the module Spanish Language and Cultures: Elementary or equivalent.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
| B | Semester 2 2023-24 |
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 lower intermediate level, to about A2+ level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students will engage, individually and/or in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
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reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
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production activities (oral and written production);
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interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and Spanish.
Module learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
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understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g. lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and to read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.
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produce simple texts (e-mails, short letters etc) on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g. lifestyles and culture, stories), using relevant 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 cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately.
Module content
The course will include topics such as:
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introducing oneself (routine, holiday preferences, hobbies, language learning)
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talking about language learning, about learning and learning processes; about past learning experiences
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talking about accommodation
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talking about ways of life now and in the past, the environment, what type of consumer you are and long-term goals
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talking about past historical events; how society has changed, recounting and asking about past life events; narrating a past anecdote
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talking about sports and their health benefits, unhealthy habits and health problems
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talking about new technologies and their toll on health, health in the future
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finding out about social etiquette in various countries and in various situations, politeness, good neighbourly relationships, giving advice
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talking about work, job satisfaction and ideal jobs and wishes, avoiding conflicts at work
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end of semester exams.
Formative assessment and feedback
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Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module
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Feedback will include written comments for written formative work
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Oral feedback during class discussions.
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.