Overview

This module comprises one advanced grammar lecture, one text-based workshop and one spoken skills class, which focuses on the development of key oral and aural communicative skills to prepare three-language students for their imminent year abroad. In the text-based workshop, students concentrate on translation, paraphrasing, reading comprehension exercises and report writing, while the grammar lecture consolidates advanced aspects of Spanish grammar. In the spoken skills seminar, students are exposed to a variety of audiovisual materials and are required to participate in class discussions and debates on a variety of Hispanic-related cultural and societal themes.

This first semester course intends to consolidate and expand the students' knowledge of grammar and vocabulary through the exposure to a variety of texts, ranging from newspaper articles to literary extracts, differing in register and style (to include very colloquial and very formal examples). Oral and aural skills will also be emphasised through special classes in which students watch/listen to extracts from films/TV and are encouraged to analyse and discuss their contents.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40-49%: A limited knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a limited ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Basic oral and aural competence.

-good -50-59%: A good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and a good ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Good oral and aural competence.

-excellent -70+%: An excellent knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and an excellent ability to translate and paraphrase the prescribed range of texts. Excellent oral and aural competence.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss topics of general interest and give longer, prepared presentations in the TL.

• Obtain information, opinions, and ideas from a range of simple and complex spoken registers, including the broadcast media.

• You will learn to express yourself more accurately in the TL in a wider variety of text types, making appropriate use of both formal and informal registers.