Prospectus

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Spanish - Beginners

Course
2012-2013

Tag(s)

GC

Admission Requirements

N/A

Description

This course is organised around interactive and communicative activities that will allow students to build all language skills in the most effective way. Class proceedings will focus on submerging students in real-world Spanish language.

Grammatical structures and vocabulary will also be integrated into the learning process in meaningful contexts. Furthermore an important aspect of the course will be the cultural knowledge about Spain and Latin America, with a strong emphasis on intercultural communication.

The content of the course is based on coursebooks together with supplementary material prepared by the instructor and significant material on the Internet.

A substantial amount of independent study will be expected: several hours a week should be devoted to Spanish outside the classroom to complete work set by the instructor and practice reading, listening and writing skills.

Course Objectives

In terms of the CEFR of the Council of Europe, by the end of the first semester students will be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc; to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken; to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions.

Mode of Instruction

Communication in Spanish will be encouraged from the outset and classes will be conducted primarily in Spanish, enabling students to learn and practice the new grammatical structures and vocabulary covered in each session. In order to develop and consolidate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, classes will be highly interactive.
Students will often work in pairs or groups to practice their language skills.

During the course, students will give oral presentations about different topics, according to their increasing level of knowledge.

Assessment

Assessment: In-class participation
Percentage: 15%
Deadline: Ongoing

Assessment: Listening Comprehension Exam
Percentage: 20%
Deadline: Weeks 4 & 12

Assessment: Grammar & vocabulary & reading Comprehension
Percentage: 40%
Deadline: Weeks 7 & 13

Assessment: Presentations & discussions
Percentage: 15%
Deadline: Throughout the semester

Assessment: Compositions
Percentage: 10%
Deadline: Week 8, first session

Literature

VÍA RÁPIDA, Curso intensivo de español, María Cecilia Ainciburu et al., Libro del Alumno (+ 2 CD Audio) + Cuaderno de Ejercicios

A bilingual dictionary ( Oxford, Collins, or Larousse )

Recommended Reading:
Pilar Muñoz & Mike Thacker, A Spanish Learning Grammar (London: Arnold) [for beginners]

Contact Information

m.j.perez-rodriguez@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Weekly Overview

To be announced on Blackboard before the start of the first block.

Preparation for first session

N/A