Programme Specifications

Languages, Cultures and Societies

September 2023

• to develop the learner’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, past and present, including its language, literature, culture and history;
• to develop a resource of intellectually-trained individuals capable of acting as bridges of understanding and conduits of knowledge between the Spanish-speaking and British cultures;
• to enhance by the addition of a Spanish element (amounting to approximately one third of the total programme) the learning experience of students following degrees predominantly in another subject;
• to develop and enhance students’ communication skills and their capacity both for independent and co-operative working;
• to release graduates into a wide range of employment contexts as lifelong learners.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

1. Spanish language (spoken and written);
2. Spanish and Spanish-American culture in its widest sense (including selective study of literature, film and art);
3. Spanish history and contemporary Spanish society;
4. key methods and concepts of literary, filmic and cultural analysis;
5. the position of some or all of the above in a wider European and world context.

Acquisition of 1 is through small-group classes and regular assessed coursework, with emphasis on group discussions/conversations. Additional support is provided through both assisted and self-access facilities for language learning in the Language Resource Centre. The year abroad provides total immersion in the target language and culture. Acquisition of 2-5 is through a combination of lectures/seminars in year/level 1, and subsequently developed through increasingly seminar-based teaching in later years. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and to consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of unseen written examinations (1-5), assessed coursework (1-5) in the form of essays, dossiers and presentations (1-5), oral examinations and classes (1), other set assignments or tasks undertaken under examination conditions (1-5), and extended essays (1-5).

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

• reason critically;

• apply literary and/or filmic and/or linguistic and/or other cultural concepts;

• identify and solve problems;

• analyse and interpre

• demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 10). Each course, whatever the format of the teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of material, and feedback for learners on work produced.

Assessment

The variety of assessment methods employed places great emphasis (as shown in their assessment criteria) on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-5 through the production of coherent written and oral responses either to problems or tasks set. Most learners produce at least one extended essay during their studies (specifically for the year abroad) which provides a vehicle for the demonstration of these skills.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills

• retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources;

• plan, undertake and report a bibliographically-based piece of research;

• speak, write and read Spanish at high or near-native level of proficiency;

• apply key methods and concepts of cultural and linguistic analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in libraries and elsewhere. Bibliographies are provided for each course at the outset, as are guidelines for the production of coursework essays and extended essays. Classes and tutorials are given on literary, filmic, historical and socio-political concepts, and on translation techniques. Students are required to read texts in Spanish for all courses (except SP10910). The year abroad promotes the active learning of language to a high level as well as the development of intercultural awareness.

Assessment

Skills 1-5 are primarily assessed through coursework (independently produced essays and translation assignments), which forms an integral part of the assessment for all courses in Spanish culture. Additionally, skill 4 is assessed in unseen written examinations in these areas. Language is assessed throughout in oral classes (in which a topic presentationand active participation contribute to the assessment), by coursework and by unseen written examination.

• Work independently
• Work in a team
• Respect the views and beliefs of others
• Listen
• Communicate orally
• Communicate in writing
• Communicate electronically
• Word-process
• Use the Web
• Manage time and work to deadlines
• Research issues
• Solve problems
• Adapt to change
• Develop career awareness