Spanish Advanced level (B1.2 , B2.1)

Teacher(s)

Tirado Fernandez Alicia Maria (coordinator);

Language

Spanish

Prerequisites

Having met the objectives of the LESPA1302 course or show that the student has already met the required level thanks to a certificate or by doing a level test with the teacher. Having a B1.2 level at the outset.

Main themes

As far as the level is concerned, the students should reach the B2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The course has two parallel objectives:

1. the first aims at a general revision of Spanish grammar.
2. The second aims at raising the learner's awareness about the cultures of Latin-American countries and certain regions in Spain.

The course aims at developing the student's autonomy, more specifically in speaking and writing skills. The student will have to take part in several activities that will enable them to develop their communication skills in everyday situations. Special attention will be paid to the mastering of the morpho-syntactic basics of the language learned previously and to the broadening of one's vocabulary. This course is essentially practical.

Learning outcomes

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

understand the main contents of specific and/or abstract subjects in complex texts, as well as have a technical discussion about their field of expertise. communicate spontaneously and fluently with a native speaker, with the conversation leading to tension on neither side. express themselves clearly and in a detailed fashion on a vast array of subjects ; express an opinion on a current-events subject ; express the advantages and shortcomings of various options. write clear and detailed texts on various themes, as well as defend a viewpoint on topics of general interest.

Content

Mastering of specialized vocabulary and grammar, fluid communication, receptiveness to Spanish and Latin-American cultures.
This course is based on communication and uses the communicative approach. Both Grammar and vocabulary are integrated into meaningful contexts and grouped according to functional content. They are subsequently practised in the form of excercises requiring the development of a global communicative competence.
The didactic materials include very detailed grammatical referencing and drilling exercises common to the structural approach, but the typology of the exercises and the basic materials are very heterogenous : songs, games, debates, newspaper articles, advertisements, short comedy sketches, films, etc.

Teaching methods

The course follows the communicative notional-functional method.
The course is taught on site with the possibility of some distance learning sessions, as well as with e-learning content via UCLouvain platforms (Teams, Moodle) and external tools (Google). An B2.1-level book is used. 

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment
Students will be required to complete different assignments throughout the term.
Exams:
December session:

• Final exam Grammar and Vocabulary:  45%.
• Oral exam 40%.
• Continuous assessment (tests Moodle + other assignments):15%.   

Important: A minimum mark of 10/20 in each of the two exams is required to add the Continuous assessment results to the final mark.
September session:

• Final exam Grammar and Vocabulary:  50%.
• Oral exam 50%.     

Important: A minimum mark of 10/20 in each of the two exams is required to pass the course.
Warning: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) may not be used in this course. Their use will be considered as cheating.
*Depending on the health situation, the exams could be held remotely.

Other information

This course can be chosen as an elective by students from all UCL faculties, as well as members of the academic, scientific and administrative staff.

Online resources

http://moodle.uclouvain.be

Bibliography

• Manuel de cours: Aula Internacional Plus 4 (B2.1). Editorial: Difusión/Talenland
• Aussi conseillé (pas obligatoire): Gramática básica del estudiante de español. Editorial Difusión

Les participants au cours auront aussi la possibilité de bénéficier de ressources pédagogiques proposées par ses enseignantes via http://moodle.uclouvain.be 

Teaching materials

• Aula Internacional Plus 4 (B2.1). Editorial: Difusión/Talenland

Faculty or entity

> ILV