Module Catalogue 2024/25

SPA4007 : Spanish and Romance word analysis

SPA4007 : Spanish and Romance word analysis

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Ian MacKenzie
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
SML1019Introduction to Linguistics
SML1019Introduction to Linguistics
SML1019Introduction to Linguistics
Pre Requisite Comment

Students must have taken and passed SML1019 – or an equivalent module – in any of the previous three years. The prerequisite is waived for students on the QT19 and Q1R4 degree programmes.
Module is open to other students, provided:
(i) Good knowledge of Spanish (including ability to read academic articles in Spanish and ability to pronounce Spanish words correctly)
(ii) Having passed the Stage 1 introductory linguistic modules in SELLL (e.g. SEL1027 and SEL1028 or the equivalent)"

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To explore how Spanish grew out of proto-Romance (late spoken Latin), by considering (i) the sound changes that have affected the vocabulary and (ii) the associated restructuring of the language’s morphology. A comparative perspective will be adopted, enabling students to see how other Romance languages, such as French, Catalan or Italian, have taken different historical trajectories, having started from the same baseline.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics include:
1.       Changes affecting consonants
2.       Changes affecting vowels
3.       Creation of the modern Spanish noun system
4.       Development of “radical changing verbs”
5.       Where the modern pronouns come from
6.       Development of verb tenses
7.       Changes in inflectional morphology
8.       Syntactic changes

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A broad knowledge of the main developments in historical Spanish linguistics. A more detailed knowledge of specific aspects of the history of Spanish and Romance, particularly phonology and morphology. A more detailed understanding of etymology.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Development of ability to think critically about language
- Development of general logic and analytical capabilities
- Ability to selectively obtain information from the Internet
- Ability to use library resources
- Enhancement of practical command of a foreign language

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00Present-in-Person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00Present-in-Person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1167:00167:00Non-contact hours
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and small group teaching will provide hands-on learning support to deliver core technical and conceptual elements of the syllabus. Independent study will develop research skills, data retrieval and analysis, and organizational capabilities.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination502M30In-class assessment (multiple-choice).
Written Examination1202A70N/A
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written exams will test students’ practical ability to analyse and solve problems while under time pressure. They will also test their ability to present an argument in a clear and rational way.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.