Course Catalogue

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This is an intensive beginners Spanish language course aimed at complete beginners with no prior experience of Spanish. It covers basic grammar structures while simultaneously fostering the development of the four main areas of linguistic competence: listening; reading; writing; speaking. 

1 x 1 hour session and 1 x 1.5-hour session per week, over 2 days.

The course is open to students with:
- no prior experience of Spanish, OR
- a Standard Grade/GCSE, National 5 or equivalent over 3 years old.

If a Higher Spanish qualification was obtained more than 5 years ago, then a student could be considered for entry to this course, at the convenor's discretion.

1. At the end of semester 1 a class grammar test (5%) (ILO 1)

2. At the end of semester 2 a guided free composition in Spanish (20%) (ILOs 1 and 2)

3. At the end of the course a class oral mark (based on class participation and input) (10%)

4. At the end of semester 2 an oral exam (20%) (ILOs 3 and 4)

5. At the end of semester 2 a written exam (45%), which could include:

5. a) English to Spanish translation (20%) (ILO 5)

5. b) Reading comprehension (10%) (ILO 6)

5. c) Grammar exercises (15%) (ILO 1)

The aims of the course are:
1. To give students the necessary tools to observe and analyse the structures of Spanish, whether in its spoken or written form.

2. To provide students with the basic grounding in Spanish vocabulary, syntax and grammar that will ultimately empower them to comprehend, speak and write Spanish with a reasonable level of competence.
3. To help students develop: (i) their own language learning strategies, (ii) their capacity for independent language learning using a variety of sources, both written and audio-visual, and (iii) their faculty for problem solving and self-evaluation.

4. To prepare students to continue their study of Spanish to a higher level of competence, should they choose.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Analyse and manipulate Spanish language structures at beginners level.

2. Write a descriptive piece illustrating active command of vocabulary and grammar at beginners level.

3. Comprehend spoken Spanish at a normal speed.

4. Speak with confidence in Spanish on a range of topics covered in the course, using appropriate register, intonation and structures.

5. Analyse and translate intermediate texts on a range of topics from English into Spanish.

6. Read and understand a range of simple contemporary Spanish texts from a variety of sources

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.