Module Code - Title:
SP4157
-
SPANISH FOR BUSINESS 6
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
SP4165
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This syllabus is set at B2+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Building on previously acquired reading, speaking, writing and listening skills, the module aims to enhance further students' ability to engage with and express effectively ideas and concepts through the means of the target language. This is done in particular through analysing primary sources relating to institutions and policies of the EU and the place and role of Spain within Europe, as well as issues around phenomena such as Mercosur in Latin America. Students are given a wide range of opportunities to practise their oral and written skills (e.g. through video-viewing tasks), and an emphasis is placed on team-work and intercultural understanding.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at B2+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
There is no syllabus of linguistic items specific to this module, as the main grammatical structures, etc. of Spanish have been covered in previous modules and are consolidated and developed in this and the other remaining module of the course. This module provides students with a language-rich environment to further their knowledge and increase their confidence. Students are introduced to the main policies and institutions governing the European Union and issues regarding its unity and diversity. Students are taught the techniques necessary to make a detailed presentation on social or economic issues through the use of statistics, graphs and key phrases. In addition, through the study of TV documentaries and news bulletins students explore Latin American and Spanish societies and culture from a linguistic and socio-economic point of view.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students who successfully complete this module will have a degree of competence within Common Reference Level B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. As such, they will be expected to have acquired a high level of ability to: understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including semi-technical discussions in the field of business; interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without significant strain for either party; produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. (https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale)
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module students should be able to: evaluate with increasing empathy their own language progress and that of their peers and identify priorities; demonstrate increasing cross-cultural awareness.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will attend four tutorial hours each week. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom. All four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, are covered in a balanced manner and relevant translation activities are included.
As is appropriate to this level, and subsequent modules in this sequence, a set text/course book is no longer used. The main materials employed are contemporary (regularly updated), authentic texts from Latin American and Spanish media and other sources, with particular reference to themes of business, commerce and economics.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
John Butt, Carmen Benjamin. (2011)
A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish / Edition 5
, Taylor and Francis.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAINBUUFA - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BBBUSTUFA - BUSINESS STUDIES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
maria.palomares@ul.ie