Module Code - Title:
SP4231
-
SPANISH LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY 1 (BEGINNERS)
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The beginners course aims to provide the student with a strong basic knowledge of Spanish and of contemporary Spain and Latin America.
The course is designed to:
Enable the student to understand and use basic structures of Spanish grammar.
Expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow her/him to present her/himself to, and communicate with native speakers of Spanish.
To foster autonomous language learning skills.
To introduce the student to Spanish and Latin American cultures.
To develop listening and speaking skills in Spanish.
To equip the student with basic writing skills.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Lecture: introduction to Spanish and Latin American history, politics and cultures. These include: the Spanish language and the languages of Spain, socio-cultural and historical background to Spain and Latin America from the formation of the Spanish state and the indigenous cultures of Latin America to the mid-20th century.
Tutorials and lab: working with set text-book, back-up audio-visual an online materials, students are introduced to the concepts of gender, number, verb systems and to the basic structures of the Spanish language.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Engage with, and respond appropriately to, spoken and written Spanish texts on everyday topics.
Express themselves appropriately and accurately in spoken and written form on topics relating to their own lives.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Discuss basic aspects of Spanish and Latin-American cultures and societies.
Structure and assess own learning independent of the language classroom.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Conduct basic conversations in Spanish in a number of simulated environments.
Use comprehensible pronunciation and intonation.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The beginners course consists of six hours of Spanish per week:
Four language tutorials (grammar, vocabulary, communication skills).
One laboratory class (communication and listening skills).
One lecture on contemporary Spain and Latin America.
All these hours combine the development of linguistic and cultural knowledge relating to Spain and Latin America. Students will be engaged in active learning both inside and outside the classroom and will be encouraged to develop autonomous learning strategies.
Prime Texts:
Castro, F., F. Marín, R. Morales and S. Rosa (2003)
Nuevo Ven. Libro de Ejercicios
, Edelsa
Castro, F., F. Marín, R. Morales and S. Rosa (2003)
Nuevo Ven. Libro del Alumno
, Edelsa
Pérez-Reverte, A. (2005)
Captain Alatriste (Adventures of Captain Alatriste 1)
, Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Other Relevant Texts:
Llompart, A.C. and C. Styles Carvajal (2000)
The Oxford Starter Spanish Dictionary. Revised Edition
, OUP
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY, POLITICS, SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
paloma.valencia@ul.ie