UCL CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES
& INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
SSCs 2015-2016
Spanish Medical Affairs and Culture
(Social, Historical and Political)
Prerequisite for entry
Successful completion of Syllabus Spanish for Medicine and Current Affairs at the UCL CLIE, a high ‘A’ level grade, if you
have spent an extended period of time in a German speaking country or if you have a very good grasp of the language
and are able to conduct a conversation without difficulty.
Course duration
Year 1 students: double-block (16 x 3-hour classes. Block 1: 8 x 3-hour classes; Block 2: workshops and tutorials related
to Project).
Year 2 students: single block (8 x 3-hour classes).
Self-Study
40 hours in total.
Course codes
LCSM6006.
Aims and Objectives
The course is designed for advanced level students and comprises knowledge and understanding both of the structure of
the language and of the cultural (social, historical and political) contexts in which it is currently used. It enables participants
to use their language skills in an academic environment. The course covers recent history, current affairs and the latest
issues in society as well as other related topics. Students will give presentations and are involved in roundtable discussions
and debates on a variety of current issues. Cultural awareness will be further developed and raised within a
European/global context. The course will enhance knowledge and use of linguistically complex structures (a variety of
styles and registers from a range of authentic material). Various transferable skills will also be further developed. Medical
related issues/vocabulary are an essential part of the course.
Functions
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expressing opinions, critical medical-related comments;
debating, commenting, negotiating;
suggesting, accepting, refusing;
analysing social and cultural issues;
defining cultural concepts related to medicine;
composing written pieces of information for medical purposes;
conducting presentations on complex specialised topics.
Course Content
Main topics/themes to be covered (selection, in no particular order):
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Effects on science in Spain as a result of Franco’s regime
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Spanish exiled scientists and their work
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Immigrants and health care in Spain
Alcohol consumption and health problems of young people in Spain
Alzheimer’s disease and care in Spain. Economic and social effects
Contagious diseases. TB in recent history and its comeback in Europe
Medicine in Cuba and its political and social effects
Chagas disease and its effect in society in South America
Skills
Reading
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newspapers (politics and culture): reading for gist, scanning for specific information;
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in-depth analysis of socio-political and cultural topics in major newspapers/magazines.
Writing
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exploration of literary sources;
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analysis and review of articles;
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note-taking from presentations;
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writing up presentations.
Listening
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radio, television, film;
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presentations.
Speaking
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formal and informal discussions, debates, round table;
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presentations.
Linguistic Structures
Grammar and Vocabulary
•
emphasis on vocabulary;
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revision of the most advanced and challenging grammatical items, e.g. subordination;
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use of the subjunctive:
- in clauses with "quienquiera que", "comoquiera que", "cuandoquiera que", etc.;
- in clauses like: ¡cómo creer que...!, ¡cómo pensar que...!
Discourse Strategies
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analysing/comparing various sources (different text types);
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preparing oral contributions for different audiences;
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cohesion.
Main Aspects of These Strategies
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structuring (logical structures);
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linking devices (lexical, grammatical);
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stylistic levels, formal registers and their usage;
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format.
Learning Resources
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Dominio, Curso de perfeccionamiento, Dolores Galvez (Edelsa) – ISBN: 9783060300464
Materials for the course will be drawn from:
Authentic written material from various sources such as El País, ABC, Cambio 16, etc., as well as literature.
Authentic audio and audio-visual material (radio, television and film).
In addition there is a wide range of language learning materials available for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.