LA421-4-AU-CO:
Intensive Beginners Spanish I

The details
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
16 May 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This term-long module introduces students to the target language with the primary goal of developing fundamental language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, preparing them for further studies. Emphasizing both accuracy and communication, the objective is to reach a proficiency level equivalent to Threshold Level A1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).


The module also acquaints students with the cultures and societies of the language’s respective countries. It further aims to cultivate intellectual skills such as critical reasoning, application of concepts, and problem-solving. Students will utilize a variety of resources available on Moodle and in class. Independent language study and engagement with native speakers will be facilitated using internet-based tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, students will be encouraged to participate in cultural events and activities related to the language, both at the University and in the UK.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To assist students in acquiring basic language skills, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

  • To expand students’ awareness of the cultures and societies of the countries where the language is spoken.

  • To foster the development of intellectual skills such as critical reasoning, the application of concepts, and the identification and resolution of problems.

  • To encourage the adoption of autonomous learning skills and an investigative approach to address grammatical and lexical challenges within a broader system.

  • To practice and expand transferable skills, including intercultural awareness and language mediation, communication and presentation skills, independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, reflective skills, problem-solving, team-working, disciplined time management, research skills, and the use of electronic media.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students are expected to be able to:



  1. Communicate effectively in simple, routine situations in the target language.

  2. Understand short, straightforward messages and announcements.

  3. Read short simple texts and extract specific information.

  4. Recognise familiar words and basic phrases related to their immediate concrete surroundings.

  5. Produce short writing tasks in various genres (e.g., letters, email messages, postcards).

  6. Make appropriate lexical and grammatical choices when speaking and writing in the target language.

  7. Have developed academic and transferable study skills.

  8. Plan and deliver oral presentations, show time-management, and ability to use electronic resources and media.

Module information

The objective is to reach a proficiency level equivalent to Threshold Level A1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).






Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • 5 one-hour seminars per week.

Bibliography*

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Portfolio assessment     30% 
Practical   Written assessment (reading and writing)    35% 
Practical   Listening/Speaking assessment     35% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Teresa Torres, email: torrmi@essex.ac.uk.
Teresa Torres and Victor Rivera Munoz
Teresa Torres / Room 4.213 / 872201 / torrmi@essex.ac.uk Mr Victor Rivera Munoz, 4.209, vr23613@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

Ms Maria Isabel Moros
University of Exeter
Senior Lecturer in Hispanic Studies
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 50 hours, 50 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.

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