Spanish (B1.2 - B2.1)

lespa1803  2020-2021  Louvain-la-Neuve

Spanish (B1.2 - B2.1)
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
45.0 h
Q1 or Q2
Teacher(s)
Lorente Fernandez Paula (coordinator); Tirado Fernandez Alicia Maria (compensates Lorente Fernandez Paula);
Language
Spanish
Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
The aim of this course is to develop the systematic mastering of the communication and language skills (socio-lignuistic and pragmatic) needed in various productive, receptive, interactive and mediating situations, corresponding to a B1.2-level (threshold) and a B2.1-level (vantage) of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
To reach that objective, the themes tackled in the course differ from those that are usually addressed when only basic communication skills are aimed at.
Conversations, critical reflection and writing activites will be organized about character descriptions, everyday life, holidays and leisure, hobbies and interests, trips, education, food and drink, work, abstract and cultural subjects such as music, cuisine, history, cinema or advertising.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 At the end of this learning module, the student should be able to:
  • express themselves using a broad array of vocabulary on subjects linked to their field of studies as well as general subjects. The learner should be able to vary their discourse so as to avoid repetition, but lexical hiatuses can still provoke hestiation and paraphrasing (B2.1-level for vocabulary).
  • communicate with quite a good command of grammar. The learner does not make any errors that can lead to misunderstanding (B2.1-level for grammar).
  • use clear and natural pronunciation and intonation (B2.1-level for phonetics).
  • write clearly and understandably, following the rules of lay-out and structure. Spelling and punctuation are quite accurate but can still be influenced by the learner's mother tongue (B2.1-level for spelling).
  • have a conversation with native speakers without having to adapt their behaviour (B2.1-level for socio-linguistic skills).
  • adapt to changes of subject matter, style and tone typical for natural conversation and be able to adapt and vary the way of expressing themselves (B2.1-level for pragmatic skills).
  • use ready-made expressions, such as "that's a hard question", as hesitation devices and fillers (B2.1-level for turn-taking).
  • engage in a description or a clear narrative while developing and arguing salient points with the help of details and relevant examples (B2.1-level for discursive and thematic development skills).
  • make use of a lilmited number of connectors, while, from time to time, erros in consistency and coherence may occur in longish interventions (B2.1-level for discursive and coherence skills).
  • communicate with ease and spontaneity, which should enable regular interaction with native speakers without either party having to make an effort (B2.1-level for functional competence and speaking ease).
  • failthfully relay detailed information (B2.1-level for functional competence and accuracy).
 
Content
This learning module aims at developing all the language and communication skills entrenched in a communicative, lexical and grammatical approach. The methodology is very varied and includes carrying out various assignments throughout the course, linked to the themes tackled.
The learning module (using the action-oriented approach) starts from the premise that the language learner is essentially becoming a language user in various fields (personal, public, professional and educational) and situations (places, organizations, actors, objects, events, operations, texts), focussing mainly on spoken production.
Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The learning module is mainly taught in Blended learning, along with e-learning support on UCL platforms (Teams, Moodle and Mahara) and others platforms.
The learning module follows a Spanish foreign-lanuage learning handbook as well as its workbook, both aiming at the B2.1-level of the course. It adopts a PBL-approach (problem-based learning) using the principles of reflexive learning: the student is at the heart of their learning and is cognitively involved, so that they can construct knowledge and know-how by themselves as well as with the help of their peers. Thus, various forms of self-assessment and/or peer-assessment can be proposed throughout the learning module.
Tandems (exchanges) with native speakers are proposed and organized in the framework of this course.
In addition, the student will have to complete the course sessions with group tutoring (6 sessions) which will be organized online.
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Continuous assesment using various kinds of activities linked to communication or oral and written production skills, listening and reading comprehension, as well as mediating activities that have to be carried out throughout the semester, with a final exam on grammar and vocabulary.
To pass this learning module, you must obtain 50% of each part of the assessment, i.e. a minimum of 25/50, 5/10, 15/30. In case of failure at any single part, the lowest mark will become the overall mark (absorbent failure).
Depending on the sanitary measures in place, examinations could take place/be carried out remotely
Teaching materials
  • Alonso, R., Castañeda, A., Martínez Gila, P., Miquel, L., Ortega, J., & Ruiz Campillo, J.P. (2005). Gramática básica del estudiante de español
  • Sans, N., Martín Peris, E., Garmendia, A., & Conejo, E. (2018). Bitácora 4 NUEVA EDICIÓN (B2) - Libro del alumno. Difusión
  • Campus Difusión (support en ligne)
Faculty or entity
ILV


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Bachelor in French and Romance Languages and Literatures : General

Minor in Spanish Studies

Bachelor in Modern Languages and Literatures : General