SPA2021 : Introduction to Catalan
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Josep Cru
- Other Staff: Ms Laura Arbones Martinez
- Owning School: Modern Languages
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, this module aims to build on skills acquired at Stage 1 (languages learning skills and skills of cultural study) and provide students with an introduction to modern Catalan which will take them up to Lower Intermediate (post-GCSE equivalent) level.
This is an introduction to the Catalan language. It aims to give you a basic knowledge of Catalan grammar and vocabulary using written and spoken sources (this includes students’ ability to use and understand authentic material and produce their own written and spoken output). You will also learn to communicate orally in Catalan and understand varieties of the spoken language. You will also learn to identify the problems that beset a ‘minority’ language and its cultures and set these in the context of your knowledge of modern Spain and France.
Outline Of Syllabus
Work requirements:
Weekly language exercises: consisting of grammar, comprehension and translation exercises.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Structured online activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Online synchronous |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Present in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Structured Homework |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 98 | 1:00 | 98:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Online synchronous |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SPA2121 | Introduction to Catalan - Part 1 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Private study mainly in the Learning Resource Centre
As this is a beginners’ languages course, it is more classroom-based than the other optional modules, hence the higher number of contact hours (mainly funded by Institut Ramón Llull). The language teaching will be integrated (oral, aural, and writing skills), rather than compartmentalised, and thereby closer to a real-life situation. This explains why class tests and group learning are continuous.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | Test students’ ability to write or type in TL. |
| Oral Examination | 10 | 2 | M | 20 | Test students’ ability to produce and present their own output orally. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Set by the teacher according to course progress |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Set by the teacher according to course progress |
| Oral Presentation | 2 | M | In-class oral presentations set by the teacher according to course progress |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Written examination (80%) - Students will answer 3 sections:
a) Reading comprehension b) Grammar and vocabulary exercises c) Writing
Students will answer questions which directly related to skills learned during the course.
10 minute oral examination (20%). The oral exam will allow students to give evidence of their ability in spoken Catalan exercise based on an everyday situation. The oral examination is an integrated test of oral and aural skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SPA2021's Timetable