SPA2021 : Introduction to Catalan
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Josep Cru
- Lecturer: 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
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 2:00 | 44:00 | PiP Language seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 156 | 1:00 | 156:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SPA2121 | Introduction to Catalan - Part 1 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Private study mainly in the Language 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 (partly 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
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 | 40 | Assessing grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing |
| Oral Examination | 15 | 2 | M | 30 | Consisting of a role-play exercise and an informal conversation in Catalan. |
| Aural Examination | 60 | 2 | M | 30 | Listening comprehension exam based on comprehension questions |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Weekly grammar exercises and written tasks |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Weekly grammar exercises and written tasks |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | In-class oral presentation |
| Oral Presentation | 2 | M | In-class oral presentation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Written examination (unseen) (40%) - In the 120-minute exam students will answer 3 sections:
a) Reading comprehension with short questions
b) Grammar and vocabulary exercises
c) Write a composition in Catalan of 150-180 words on a personal topic. There will be two options.
Listening comprehension exam (30%) 1 hour, all questions to be answered in Catalan. Students will control the audio and listen to the recordings as many times as they wish. 5-6 short audio recordings with comprehension questions (gap-fill, true/false or multiple-choice questions). Exam to be held in the language lab at the end of semester 2.
Oral examination (30%) consisting of a short reading exercise followed by a role play and an informal conversation in Catalan based on the text and/or on students’ personal and academic interests. End of semester 2 (15 minutes).
In the 120-minute written examination students will answer questions which directly relate to skills learned during the course. In addition, the 15-minute oral exam will allow students to give evidence of their ability in spoken Catalan by taking part in a role-play exercise based on an everyday situation (e.g., ordering food in a restaurant, buying a train ticket etc.), which they will prepare in advance, and by answering some informal questions in Catalan about themselves, their studies, their hobbies and interests, etc.
In case of pandemic, the format of alternative assessment will be 24-hour take-home exam for written and listening exams and a live oral exam organised online.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SPA2021's Timetable