LA1PS1: IWLP Spanish 1

Module code: LA1PS1

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Lourdes Barquin Sanmartin, email: l.barquinsanmartin@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE SP1L1 OR TAKE SP1L2 OR TAKE SP1L3 OR TAKE SP2L2 OR TAKE SP2L3 OR TAKE SP2L4 OR TAKE SP3L6 OR TAKE SP3L6C OR TAKE LA1PS2 OR TAKE LA1PS3 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 28 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is intended for students of any year of study with little or no knowledge of Spanish. On successful completion of the module students will have achieved CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1. 

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the Spanish language, concentrating on its communicative use in everyday situations. It will develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.   

The module aims at providing students with: 

• the ability to communicate at survival level in typical situations met by visitors when  travelling in Spanish-speaking countries. 
• a competence in basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate and  understand at survival level. 
• an understanding of the nature of language and language learning. 
• an insight into aspects of everyday life in Spanish speaking communities.    
• intercultural competence in comparing and evaluating aspects of culture.    
• the perception of diversity through the study of inclusive language. 

Our interactive classes are designed to equip students with communicative language skills in an engaging way. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Communicate in Spanish by speaking and writing at a simple survival level about a selection of defined everyday topics
2. Read and understand simple texts on a variety of everyday topics including obtaining specific details from signs, notices, short texts, etc.
3. Recognise and apply basic grammatical structures in both speaking and writing
4. Evaluate and develop awareness and strategies to work independently while maintaining the level of interest and motivation for the language

Module content

The module will introduce the language through communicative situations about selected areas of life: personal information, food, travel, shopping, etc.  

A solid linguistic foundation will be ensured by the study of grammar and vocabulary, always presented in context and in an accessible and engaging way. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role plays, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Language focus sessions and guided independent learning activities are also an important part of the teaching-learning experience. Learning activities are supported by a variety of digital and printed media. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language.   

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, please note that IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. In addition, students should be aware that spelling, grammar, and sentence structures are assessed. In this respect, the IWLP assessment is exempt from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking in almost all cases. 

Study hours

A