FLS3430 - Spanish Advanced One

2014/5 Module description

Staff - Convenor
Ms Ana Leon - Lecturer
Francisco Jose Alvarez Lopez - Lecturer
Dr Jose Tenreiro Prego - Lecturer
Credit Value30
ECTS Value15
NQF Level6
Pre-requisitesCompletion of FLS2315/2330 or equivalent
Co-requisitesNone
Duration of Module Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module description

Spanish Advanced 1 is intended for students who have successfully completed FLS2330 Spanish Intermediate 2 or who have a level broadly of A level (Grade A*-B) or equivalent. The module develops all four core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as advanced grammatical structures of Spanish, in a communicative context. The module is taught as far as possible in Spanish.

Spanish Advanced 1 can be taken towards achieving ‘with proficiency in Spanish’, see

http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/flc/undergraduate/proficiency/

Module aims

The module is appropriate for students who have an A-level (Grade A-B) in the foreign language or equivalent. The module develops all four core language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as advanced grammatical structures of the target language. This course is between B2 - Independent User and C1 - Proficient User of the Common European Framework for languages, and aims to:

ILO: Module-specific skills

  • 1. Demonstrate competence in the use of advanced grammatical structures of the target language
  • 2. Read and comprehend a wide range of demanding, longer written and aural texts on both concrete and abstract topics in the target language, including articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes and viewpoints.
  • 3. Communicate fluently and spontaneously, both orally and in writing, and use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes and produce clear, well structured written text on complex subjects, expressing points of view at some length.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

  • 4. Demonstrate increased autonomy in language learning, with reduced direction from the teacher.
  • 5. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, including an advanced reference grammar and specialist dictionary, to consolidate his/her learning.

ILO: Personal and key skills

  • 6. Give clear detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and examples.
  • 7. Work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team, reacting to situations as appropriate
  • 8. 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. It covers the following grammar / topics:

Main grammar

There is a focus on areas of grammar which students need to revise, correct or develop to help improve their written and spoken Spanish. Some topics will recur over the year (e.g. the use of the subjunctive and of ser/estar). The following topics are covered: -  grammatical terms, written accents, use & omission of definite & indefinite articles, subjunctive (present, perfect, imperfect & pluperfect), conditional & conditional perfect tenses, comparatives and superlatives, passive & impersonal forms, review of prepositions - especially para/por & a/en, structures which use the gerund or the infinitive, pronouns, adverbs, negatives, review of different past tenses & indirect style.

 

Main Topics

Leisure and culture, society, the Hispanic world, education, young people, the world of work, the environment, health, housing and transport. There will be some additional topics for 30 credit students which will include general conversation, items from the news & student life in Spain.

 

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.

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. You will also receive formal feedback on the In-Class Test, including suggestions for what and how to improve and identifying your own strategies for improvement.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
662340

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities66Language classes
Guided independent study234Preparation and self study

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
205525

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
In class test201.5 hour test1-5,8written
In Class Reading and writing Task1045 Minutes1-8written
Oral test2511-12 minutes1, 3-6written
Written Exam352 hour1-6, 8written
In Class Listening Task1045 Minutes1-8written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
In class testSee written exam1-6, 8Referral/deferral period
In Class Reading and writing TaskSee written exam1-6, 8Referral/deferral period
oral testOral test2,4,5,7,8Referral/deferral period
Written examWritten exam1-6, 8Referral/deferral period
In Class Listening TaskSee written exam1-6, 8Referral/Deferral Period

Re-assessment notes

Oral Test = 25%, Written Examination = 75%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Main course book:

Pasaporte al Mundo Hispano published by Continuum. (Pub. date: 09 May 2009, ISBN: 9780826493873) Details of the book and access to the audio & video resources can be found at: -

Recommended materials: Dictionary: Collins Spanish Dictionary and Grammar.

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/search.php?search=FLS3430

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

2010

Last revision date

March 2012

Key words search

spanish, advanced

Important please note

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the module descriptors for the Online Module Selection process, please be aware that on rare occasions it may be necessary to remove proposed modules for reasons beyond our control. In addition, there are still some new modules going through the accreditation process. These will be offered in due course by the relevant discipline.

All modules displayed below have been approved by the approval process but may require further minor amendments before the commencement of teaching.

We are committed to providing an outstanding education and high quality teaching. You can find out details of your modules and any potential changes on these pages. If you are a returning student, joining after the first year or a postgraduate student details of your module changes will be provided in August. 

Foreign Language Centre modules

Term 1 module codes listed above ending with C, i.e. FLF1115C, are only available to outbound students who are away in Term 2. Students studying all year must select the standard module across both Term 1 and 2.