ULSP51002 - Introduction to LEAP Spanish (A1.1)

  • Credits: 10
  • Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Spanish before.
  • Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure This course is not open to native or near-native Spanish speakers.
  • Anti-requisite: Students taking the unit for university credit as part of their degree must not have already taken the unit ULSP51010 – Beginners Spanish.
  • Taught during: Semester 2 (January - May).
  • Level of attainment: (A1.1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: Click here

Description

This course is for absolute beginners. It introduces students to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar, reading and writing while developing some basic communicative skills. It aims to teach students simple structures, lexis and phrases which will enable them to communicate in a limited number of common everyday situations in Spanish-speaking countries. 

The introductory course differs from ULSP51010 - LEAP Spanish 1 (A1/A2) in length, topics covered and learning outcomes. Both courses start at the same level (absolute beginner), but ULSP51010 - LEAP Spanish 1 (A1/A2) is a full-year course, and goes further and deeper into the language as it is approximately double the number of teaching hours plus double the number of self-study hours whereas the introductory level Introduction to LEAP Spanish is only one semester long.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Spanish;
  • understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages; 
  • communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
  • have some understanding of ways of life in Spanish-speaking countries.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching hours

36 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

75 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 50% weighting; held in May/June, during the University exams period

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback 

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Dr Sandra Torres

Taught by

TBC

Maximum entry

23 per group

Set text

  • ELE Actual A1 Libro del alumno (con licencia digital) + CDs A1 - 2019 ed. Flexibound – 19 July 2019 ISBN: 978-8413180373

Textbook will be complemented by tutor with extra contents and resources in line with the CEF standards for each level.

Recommended texts

Reading: Easy Spanish Reader Premium, Third Edition: A Three-Part Reader for Beginning Students ISBN  978-0071850193. Also available in Kindle edition ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00ZQ9J17S

Language practice: Collins Easy Learning Spanish Grammar, ISBN: 9780008142018 

Pathway

Fee-paying students can move on to the ULSP51010 - LEAP Spanish 1 (A1/A2), but should note that much of the material will be a repeat of the introductory unit. For the same reason, degree students cannot take ULSP51010 - LEAP Spanish 1 (A1/A2) for degree credits if they have already completed Introduction to LEAP Spanish. 

Students may be able to proceed to ULSP51020 - LEAP Spanish 2 (A2) subject to:  

  • achieving a mark over 75%  
  • agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of LEAP Spanish 1.  A1/A2 
  • an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor.  

By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk. Once they have enrolled on the course, they are not allowed to move back to ULSP51010 - LEAP Spanish 1 (A1/A2) or ask for a refund.