SPA2121 : Introduction to Catalan - Part 1
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Josep Cru
- Lecturer: Ms Laura Arbones Martinez
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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.
This module is for Exchange students studying at Newcastle University for Semester 1 only.
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 | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | PiP Language seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 78 | 1:00 | 78:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SPA2021 | Catalan I |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 15 | 1 | M | 30 | Consisting of a role play followed by a conversation in Catalan |
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 70 | Assessing grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Weekly grammar exercises and written tasks |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | In-class oral presentation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Written examination (unseen) (70%) - In the 60-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.
Oral examination (30%) consisting of a role play and a conversation in Catalan.
In case of pandemic, the format of alternative assessment will be 24-hour take-home exam for written exam and a live oral exam organised online.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SPA2121's Timetable