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SPAN2061: CATALAN (BEGINNERS)

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap 30
Location Durham
Department Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

Prerequisites

  • Grade B or above at A-Level in a foreign European Language, or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • For BA in Modern Languages, Joint Honours including a Modern Language, and Combined Honours: Spanish Language 2A (SPAN 2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111) AND one other module in Hispanic Studies. Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the language and culture of the Catalan-speaking parts of Spain.

Content

  • This module will offer an introduction to the Catalan language and the culture associated with it.
  • The emphasis will be on language acquisition, using material available from Catalonia, including video material.
  • The module will also include study of a collection of short stories and their cultural context.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of this module students will have gained:
  • a thorough understanding of the key grammatical structures of modern Catalan and will be able to generate them in spontaneous speech and in writing,
  • a grounding in the use of different linguistic registers, and will be able to demonstrate good comprehension of short texts in Catalan.
  • In addition, students will be conversant with basic concepts in the history and culture of Catalonia and will be able to appreciate the historical context in which its identity was formed.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Intermediate-level speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Catalan.
  • Ability to discuss elements of Catalan social and cultural history.

Key Skills:

  • Written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to gather and process information from a range of sources.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • There will be two weekly language classes and one weekly seminar.
  • Classes will be given in English and Catalan.
  • Students are required to attend all classes, and are expected to prepare themselves for them and participate actively in discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Language Practicals422 per week1 hour42Yes
Seminars211 per week1 hour21Yes
Preparation and Reading137 
Total SLAT hours200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written ExaminationComponent Weighting: 25%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination1 hour100Yes
Component: Listening ComprehensionComponent Weighting: 25%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Listening Comprehension1 hour100Yes
Component: Oral ExaminationComponent Weighting: 25%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Oral Examination15 minutes100Yes
Component: Summative EssayComponent Weighting: 25%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Summative Essay750 words100Yes

Formative Assessment

Regular written assignments/oral practice.

More information

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