SPN-90001 - Module Specification
Language Centre
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

Spanish is one of the world's major languages and is growing. Basic language skills can be very useful to employers and will help to get a lot more out of travel to Spanish-speaking countries. It's a multilingual world and companies are increasingly aware of the advantages of recruiting people with language skills. Whatever career you choose to follow, Spanish skills will help get more from life.
This module is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. It will develop basic communication skills in Spanish - mainly in a familiar register - in everyday situations. Alongside the Spanish language, students will also be introduced to some aspects of Spanish culture; traditions and customs; and culture-specific behavioiur.
The emphasis will be on oral communication skills and students will also develop their reading and writing skills. The course book will give a basic outline and structure and will be supplemented by regular video work and other materials. There will also be the opportunity to practise and reinforce vocabulary and language structures by using computer exercises in the KLE, linked to the weekly classes.
The language level of this module corresponds to the work leading to Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR - A1)
PLEASE NOTE THAT:
SPN-90001 is also offered as a 'stand-alone' module in the Spring Semester. The Spring Semester module does not allow direct progression onto Spanish 2 in the same academic year. If you are a first year student, the earliest opportunity for progression to Spanish 2 will not be until February of the following year. If you are entering your second year please be aware that you cannot take Spanish 2 as credit-bearing elective in your final year.
If you are considering progressing through further levels of Spanish and potentially graduate with an enhanced degree title '...with competency in Spanish' (https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/languagecentre/modernlanguages/enhanceddegreetitles/)you may wish to consider swapping your electives to allow enrolment to the Spanish 1 module in semester 1. This would give you the opportunity to progress to Spanish 2 in semester 2 after completion of the first module.

The module aims to provide students with a feel for the language, with a special emphasis on oral communication skills, and to introduce them to aspects of Spanish culture.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Fill in forms with personal details, for example entering their name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.: 2
Use simple phrases and sentences to describe themselves and people they know.: 1,2
Understand familiar words, basic phrases and sentences concerning themselves and their family and friends when people speak slowly and clearly.: 1
Interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat things at a slower rate of speech and help them formulate what they are trying to say.
: 1
Ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need.: 1
Recognize and act upon basic cultural differences as encountered in everyday situations, incorporating the socio-linguistic functions of greeting, thanking, and differentiating familiar versus formal forms of treatment.: 1,2
Understand familiar words and phrases, for example on notices and posters.: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours of synchronous and asynchronous class time
90 hours class preparation and revision and private study
22 hours revision for and completion of written exam
8 hours preparation for and attendance at spoken interaction exam

School Rules

Admission to the module must be confirmed through completion of a language-level self-assessment form
Students are only permitted to take one Spanish language module per semester.
Students can only take one absolute beginners' language module (90001) in any one academic year.
This module cannot be taken as a Level 3 elective.

Description of Module Assessment