Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module, conducted in the target language, is aimed at advanced learners, who are returning from their year abroad. In this module students are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of globalisation as a political, social and economic phenomenon in the contemporary world. Specific topics include: globalisation and current affairs, immigration, linguistic diversity, cultural identity, social movements, and global citizens. The methodologies followed are content & language integrated learning (CLIL) and task-based instruction, which will give students the opportunity to explore and present complex topics in a critical and interactive manner with a good degree of fluency and accuracy. Students will also develop intercultural awareness, understanding of current affairs, autonomy, responsibility, and reflective practice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate the ability to understand a wide range of spoken and written registers drawn from a variety of sources (including broadcast media, documentaries, films, radio and academic discussions, journalistic texts, literary pieces) and extract information, ideas and opinions at an advanced level. 2. Interact with native and non-native speakers of Spanish with a degree of fluency & spontaneity, displaying adequate oral comprehension in conversation, and take active part in discussions in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining/negotiating his/her views. 3. Present orally clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest and be able to explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options, privileging analysis and discussion over simple presentation of facts. 4. Produce written pieces to express oneself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length, presenting arguments and offering constructive peer critique, while selecting a style (formal or informal) appropriate to the reader in mind. 5. Show a relatively high level of grammatical control and connectors and a grasp of complex syntax and cohesive devices to enable full comprehension and a structured confident expression in a variety of contexts (formal and informal language registers). Display adequate proficiency in the pronunciation of Spanish. 6. Engage in activities to develop capacity for lifelong learning and transferable skills: Reflect on his/her own development and learning experience by making effective use of digital tools and resources; teamwork and negotiation skills. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Language Practice Based on the principles of content & language integrated learning, the purpose of this module is twofold: to improve Spanish language skills and to develop a better understanding of globalisation as a phenomenon. Taking into account the needs and interests of the class, the activities in this module include: (a) the study and use of vocabulary of contemporary issues, advanced grammar and styles related to genres and registers encountered in a variety of current affairs texts and media; (b) weekly practice of listening and reading skills through comprehension exercises based on advanced level podcasts, broadcasts, films, news reports, articles; (c) the exploration and guided discussion in small groups of social, political and cultural issues related to the target language context; and (d) the production of oral and written tasks (such as infographics, argumentative essays, video projects, etc.). Methodology This module includes weekly classes. It is essential that students complete the assigned work before each class session in order to be able to participate in class discussions. This module follows a task-based methodology so students will be required to complete one task/project in each of the blocks. Work format Coursework involves individual and pair/group work to complete oral and written tasks. Students will need to communicate with classmates during class as well as outside our timetabled sessions in order to complete group tasks and assignments. Beyond the classroom Students are expected to practice all skills (production, reception and interaction) outside the classroom, using all available resources provided by the teacher, library, and other cultural events. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Updates were made for version 2022/2023 by Lucía Pintado. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||