Spanish level 2
A Post-GCSE or equivalent module in Spanish language and culture
Module details
- Offered to all Undergraduates
- Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
- Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
- 2 term module worth 7.5 ECTS
- Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
- Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
A communicative module for students with some prior knowledge of the Spanish language and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
This module aims to:
- Develop further all the basic language skills, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking
- Consolidate GCSE language topics and introduce more complex grammatical structures extending vocabulary accordingly
- Gain further insights into culture and daily life in the Spanish-speaking countries
By the end of the module, students should have reached approximately the A2+ standard of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
To be eligible for this module you need to have done one of the following: -
- Successfully completed Spanish Level 1
- Gained a Spanish GCSE Qualification
- Already achieved A1+ or equivalent on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
We recommend students moving from Spanish Level 1 to Spanish Level 2 to make sure they review topics covered in Spanish Level 1 during the summer and before the start of the following level.
Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year.
Information blocks
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- respond to and produce a range of simple spoken language within familiar everyday contexts;
- respond to and produce short written texts applying your grammatical and lexical knowledge at a CEFR A2-level (Common European Framework of Reference, waystage level);
- demonstrate the relevant level of intercultural awareness in your handling of routine social interactions in Spanish and in your use of language;
- use a basic range of digital language learning tools to support your production and expand your knowledge.
Indicative core content
In this module, you will revise all the basic structures of the language including:
- pronouns, prepositions, ser/estar and impersonal verbs;
- all indicative tenses (present, perfect forms, preterites, reflexives);
- comparative and superlative forms;
- reflexive and object pronouns, their use, position and combination;
- new structures such as the future tense and the imperative will also be introduced.
These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:
- leisure activities;
- real-life communication;
- health issues;
- tourism and holidays;
- lifestyle and traditions;
- personalities from Spanish-speaking countries;
- further aspects of the history, geography and culture of relevant countries.
Learning and teaching approach
In line with MFL communicative and active learning methodologies, in-class activities cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and include: pair work and groupwork (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion and collection of key terms/ideas followed by report to plenum); individual tasks (face to face and online); discovery and formulation of rules; work with texts, audio and video material to develop learning and communicative skills. Homework and coursework tasks give you the tools required to participate in class and the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills while developing an awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. This approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks, but also supports different learning styles.
Your coursework will be marked and returned within two weeks. Rubrics and revision guidance (how-to guides) will be included as needed with each coursework. You will receive detailed feedback alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.
Assessment
- Coursework (15%): Mid-term 1, integrated skills set of tasks: receptive / productive skills including writing (c 120-150 words).
- Examination (15%): In-class test run on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 1. It will include a grammar/lexicon quiz, a reading comprehension and a writing task (150 words).
- Coursework (20%): Mid-term 2, integrated skills set of tasks: receptive / productive skills including listening comprehension from a video/podcast (3-5 minutes).
- Examination (25%): In-class test run on the virtual learning environment (bring your own device). This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 2. It will include a grammar/lexicon quiz, a reading comprehension and a writing task (c. 200 words).
- Practical (25%): Oral exam in term 3 including graded open conversation on topics seen in class & describing an image (approx. 15 minutes).
Assessment information for students on a course with a year abroad
Key information
- 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
- Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
- You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.
Coursebook: Aula Internacional Plus 2: Student's book + Exercise book + Mp3 audio download, Jaime Corpas et al. Ed. Difusión, 2020, ISBN: 9788418032202.*
*Please note that purchase of the designated coursebook will be required as this is an essential tool for study and revision and will be used on a daily basis in the class.
Handout materials will be provided in class.
Extra grammar practice, exercises and recommended resources for independent learning will be available on Blackboard.
Further grammar support: Collins Easy Learning Spanish Grammar & Practice, Harper Collins 2016, ISBN: 9780008141646
"An amazing teacher who generates much enthusiasm and always teaches us about the culture of Spain as well as the language."
"The lessons are very interactive, and it helps me improve my speaking skills."
"My lecturer made each lesson stimulating interesting and fun. Coming to Spanish never felt like an obligation was always a pleasure."