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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Cris Guntin
Semester 2: Cris Guntin
Autumn: Cris Guntin
Module TeachersCris Guntin
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

The purpose of this module is to increase the students´proficiency in their target language, consolidating linguistic structures learned in year 1, expanding their awareness of communicative functions and broadening their vocabulary range. Moreover, it will provide students with sociocultural knowledge needed to understand contemporary issues in Spanish-speaking countries. The module is conducted entirely through Spanish and students will perform individual and collaborative tasks to develop their confidence and competence in spoken and written production. SPA 1043 will also nurture the improvement of a range of transferable skills and lifelong language learning strategies such as collaborative work, creativity, critical thinking and digital literacies through a variety of activities and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the main arguments from a variety of authentic documents on a range of sociocultural topics.
2. Show ability to provide detailed descriptions, formulate opinions and develop arguments without much conspicuous searching for words and using some complex sentence forms.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and control of the language system (lexical, grammatical, semantic and orthographic) by completing a number of tasks at text and sentence level.
4. Produce content in a clear and coherent manner with a sufficient variety of cohesive resources.
5. Communicate orally showing control of the Spanish phonetic system, different intonation patterns and with a degree of fluency and dynamism in both pre-planned and spontaneous interactions.
6. Apply digital literacies to make an effective use of technologies and resources for the purpose of language learning and the development of creative skills.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars44These synchronous timetabled sessions are interactive and learner-centered. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion with individual contributions to the whole-class and in small groups.
Directed learning44Autonomous completion of prescribed work: this includes reading/watching the required materials before the synchronous session and completing any assigned activities.
Independent Study120Students are expected to take responsibility and work independently in a variety of activities required to successfully complete the course: engage autonomously in activities that will facilitate and foster their language and cultural acquisition, self-planned interaction with classmates to complete collaborative tasks, study of the subject matter using textbooks and online learning resources/tools, revision of content and feedback, consultation with teachers when needed, etc.
Assignment Completion40CA preparation and completion.
Total Workload: 248

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Materials used in this module are mainly pitched at CEFR level B1 / B2.1. Its content will build up on the previous module (Intermediate Spanish 1) and it will focus on the consolidation of oral and written language skills, with a stress on: i) Language functions and grammar elements according to the required level (ie. past tenses, express hypothesis, give advice, establish conditions, etc); ii) Vocabulary related to news, social media, tourism, sustainability, sports, traditions, feelings, etc; iii) Sociocultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries; and, iv) Creation of contents individually and in groups. Students will perform individual and collaborative tasks to develop their confidence and competence in spoken and written production as well as spontaneous interaction in the target language. They will work on the use of grammar and vocabulary in context and explore essential notions about the target cultures as they arise in the context of the selected themes. This module is organised around weekly timetabled synchronous seminars in which students both as a class and in small groups will engage in communicative practice. Specific individual and group activities are required to be completed in a timely fashion before the weekly seminars to maximize learning during the session and after the session to consolidate and elaborate on the material covered in class.

Module Resources
*The textbook will be confirmed by the lecturers before the commencing of the course. Other resources will be provided to students by their lecturer.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestCA1 In-class test 1: Reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary test, written expression. (End of Sem 1)30%n/a
In Class TestCA2 In-class test 2: Listening comprehension, grammar and vocabulary test, written expression. (Mid Sem 2)30%n/a
Group presentationCA3: Group Project: Presentation (End of Sem 2)40%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • J. Corpas, A.Garmendia, C.Soriano: 0, Aula Internacional PLUS 3 - Libro del alumno, Difusion, 9788418032
  • J. Corpas, A.Garmendia, C.Soriano: 0, Aula Internacional PLUS 4, Libro del alumno, Difusion, 9788418224461
Other Resources

None

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