Advanced Spanish Language and Culture

Thursday 3 October, 4 - 6pm

Overview

This module is mapped against B2+ level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is for students who have completed Level 908/008 Advanced Spanish or who have advanced knowledge of the language, for example a recent A level with an A or a rusty B2 standard of the language in the Common European Framework of Reference. Through a variety of methods, you will further develop your advanced competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking and your understanding of advanced grammar. At the end of this 12-week module, you will be able to carry out complex tasks in the language. You will be able to understand and use elaborate phrases aimed at the satisfaction of most needs in a day-to-day context. You will be able to interact and participate effectively in advanced conversations. You will achieve a good understanding of aspects of life and culture of countries where the language is spoken and the intercultural skills necessary for your language proficiency level.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in line with the B2+ level in Spanish in the CEFR.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex structures in Spanish. 

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

Syllabus

Cultural Content:

  • Culinary tradition in Spain and Latin America
  • Iconic Spanish and Hispanic artists
  • Ideological evolution of flamenco
  • Salsa in all its forms
  • Bilingual regions in Spain
  • Languages and accents in Latin America
  • The Seventh Art: Cinema made in Spain
  • Historical overview of politics and society in Spain and Latin America
  • Spanish speaking countries around the world
  • Hispanic sports and national celebrations
  • Traditions and folklore in Spain and Latin America

Grammatical content:

  • Counter argumentative discourse markers
  • Conjecture conditional
  • Verbal Periphrases
  • Concessional sentences
  • The Subjunctive Pluperfect
  • Subjunctive tense: The Imperfect.
  • Explanatory and rectifying discourse markers
  • Formal and informal registers

Lexical content:

  • Arts
  • Sports
  • Politics
  • Music and cinema
  • Legends
  • Food

Week 1: Culinary tradition in Spain and Latin America

Week 2: Iconic Spanish and Hispanic artists

Week 3: Ideological evolution of flamenco

Week 4: Salsa in all its forms

Week 5: Bilingual regions in Spain

Week 6: Languages and accents in Latin America

Week 7: The Seventh Art: Cinema made in Spain

Week 8: Historical overview of politics and society in Spain and Latin America

Week 9: Spanish speaking countries around the world

Week 10:  Hispanic sports and national celebrations

Week 11: Traditions and folklore in Spain and Latin America

Week 12: Presentations. Completing the assessment is required for undergraduate students who would like to have the course recorded in their *HEAR.

*For all other students, completing their presentations is also strongly recommended, as a measure of their progress and learning.

Textbook details:

No textbook is required for this module.

Study Hours

The total number of study hours for this module is 150 hours, in line with undergraduate university modules. This includes class meetings, homework, individual preparation for your presentation and self-directed study in line with guidance from the course lecturer.

We recognise that the total number of hours that you may be able to study every week may depend on your availability and previous experience studying languages, however, expected contribution to classes, homework completion, and learning outcomes will not vary. 

Course Lecturer: Dr Lourdes Salgado

Born in Galicia, Northwestern Spain, Lourdes completed a MSc Psychology at the University of Liverpool and a PhD in Victorian Literature, which was awarded a Cum Laude, at the University of Salamanca, Spain. Her research focuses on power relations between servants and masters in Victorian sensationalist fiction from a Foucauldian and Chartist viewpoint. She has lectured on Spanish language and culture and Business Spanish for over ten years. She is an Assistant Examiner for the Spanish Diploma at the International Baccalaureate and a Cambridge Speaking Examiner. She has translated two books from English into Spanish and Galician language within the field of Children and Young Adults Literature in the 19th and 20th century and has several other publications. She is also a Portuguese freelance interpreter.

Fees for language courses are £190/£95.


Visit our fee bands page to see which fee applies to you.

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