If you need advice or guidance with
study skills, please go to MC125 to find
out what help is available
Learning and Teaching Guide 2015-16
5WL001- Basic Language (Chinese, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Russian & Spanish)
Module leader contact details
Jose Martinez
Language for You Coordinator & Spanish Senior Lecturer
Tel: +44 (0) 1902 322 472
E-mail: jose.martinez@wlv.ac.uk
Module team contact details
Eleanor Andrews
Senior Lecturer in Italian
Tel: 01902 322461
E-mail: e.andrews@wlv.ac.uk
Irina Moore
Senior Lecturer in Russian
Tel: +44 (0) 10902 323480
E-mail: I.Moore@wlv.ac.uk
Hildegard Norton-Uhl
Senior Lecturer in German
Tel: +44 (0) 10902 322454
E-mail: H.Norton-uhl@wlv.ac.uk
Tom Dickins
Senior Lecturer in Russian
Tel: 01902 322460
E-mail: t.dickins@wlv.ac.uk
Aims and learning outcomes
This module aims to take students with no prior knowledge of the target language to A1 standard in the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In specific terms the module will introduce
fundamental elements of grammar, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation; develop basic ability in all four
communicative competencies - writing, speaking, listening and reading; introduce and practise key
grammatical structures to develop basic accuracy and develop passive and active vocabulary for a set range
of simple contexts/topics.
A variety of activities will be undertaken in class, including pronunciation and listening practice, role plays,
reading and writing activities. The students will also enhance their skills through guided independent study
and blended learning, individually and in groups.
In parallel, this module aims to develop grounding in selected aspects of historical, socio-political and
cultural issues of the country/countries where the language is spoken, and to compare and evaluate the
students’ own cultural standpoint in reference to the perspectives of the target language
community/communities.
Learning Outcomes
On the successful completion of the module you should be able to:
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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I: Understand the spoken language in a range of simple formal and informal contexts: e.g. following
directions, extracting key information from the flow of speech, processing simple telephone messages and
announcements.
II: Respond appropriately and comprehensively when addressed in carrying out simple transactions or
conversing socially: e.g. giving information about yourself.
III: Initiate simple conversation in the language: e.g. in greetings, giving or asking for information.
IV: Demonstrate comprehension of the written language: e.g. signs, timetables, simple forms and letters, the
gist of simple newspaper items and documents.
V: Use the written language to provide information in carefully defined contexts: e.g. forms, simple
messages/letters.
Personal Transferable Skills
1: Communicate effectively in both written and oral form
2: Gather information from both written and oral sources
3: Develop appropriate language learning strategies
4: Organise yourself effectively using good time-management skills
5: Work effectively, both independently and in teams, in both written and oral contexts
6: Apply information technology skills (e.g. word-processing) and exploit the Internet
appropriately/critically
Module Description
Over the course of the 12-week in semester one, students will do a variety of speaking, listening, reading
and writing exercises. Lessons will include role play, work in groups and use of appropriate digital
resources. Students should expect to play an active role in lessons.
Assessment (See overleaf for full details)
Assessment
Tasks
1. Listening & Speaking.
2. Reading, Writing and Grammar.
% weighting
for items of
assessment
50% (25% for
each item)
50%
Hand in date
(Teaching
week)
Minimum pass
grade for
assessment task(s)
Week 10 (14-12-15)
40 %
Week 12 (11-01-16)
40 %
Indicative Schedule – Weekly Programme
Week 1
w/c 12-10-15
Introduction, explanation of programme.
1. Social conventions (Introducing yourself, talking about yourself, nationalities…)
Week 2
w/c 19-10-15
2. Work (professions)
3. Family
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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Week 3
w/c 26-10-15
4. Describing people (character and appearance)
Week 4
w/c 02-11-15
5. Describing places (town, city and home)
6. Public places
Week 5
w/c 9-11-15
7. Climate (describing the weather)
8. Likes and dislikes: free time/hobbies/ Leisure activities
Week 6
w/c 16-11-15
9. Asking for directions
Week 7
w/c 23-11-15
10. Booking a hotel room
Week 8
w/c 30-11-15
11. The daily routine
Week 9
w/c 07-12-15
12. Organisation of meals, daily schedule... (breakfast, lunch and supper)
Week 10
w/c 14-12-15
Revision week
Listening & Speaking exams
Week 11
w/c 04-01-16
REVISION & CONSOLIDATION Week
Revision of all the grammatical points covered during the course.
Week 12
w/c 11-01-16
Revision week
Writing exam
Learning Materials
Key Texts
French-Foundations French, 1, Bissar, Dounia; Tschirhart, Cécile; Phillips, Helen, 2nd edition
(Palgrave, 2008)
German- Menschen A1.1 Kursbuch+ DVD rom (Hueber 2012) ISBN 978-3-19-301901-1 (7.50 Euros +
postage from www.amazon.de and Menschen A1.1 Arbeitsbuch +CD (Hueber 2012) ISBN 978-3-19-3119018 (7.50 Euros + postage from www.amazon.de
Italian- Routledge Intensive Italian Course (Routledge 2004)
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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study skills, please go to MC125 to find
out what help is available
Russian-The Russian course is available at: http://gefix.net/sazov/ and other materials providing by the
teaching staff
Spanish- ELE Actual A1 (student book). ISBN 9788467547412
Other languages-TBC
Recommended Reading
French- French Grammar (Teach Yourself Series) 2003
French / English Dictionary (as costs allow)
Italian- Grammar (Teach Yourself Series) 2003
Italian / English Dictionary (as costs allow)
Spanish- C.Ross Contemporary Spain
Other languages-TBC
Learning Activities
All students will have 4 class-hours a week with a lecturer, in which you may;
-plays, simulations, discussions, video in class/online, audio in class/online,
listening comprehensions based on material prepared at home
ummarise or translate texts
Students should be sure to re-visit what has been covered in class after each lesson. Students need to
consolidate areas of vocabulary and grammar in a systematic and regular way, and can do so using materials
on the internet, their coursebook and resources available in the Harrison Learning Centre. Students should
try, if possible, to make contact with a native speaker of the target language; the Tandem Learning and
Language Café WOLF topics may facilitate this.
If you do not spend the recommended amount of time and effort on your studies (revising grammar and
vocabulary, preparing for forthcoming classes, preparing assignments) you will not make the necessary
progress. Your tutor will be pleased to advise you on how to make the most of your self-directed study.
Organise your time now!
Assessment Methods and Weightings
During the course students will be assessed in four distinct parts: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The weight of the different parts is distributed as follow: Listening (25 %), speaking (25 %), grammar,
reading and writing (50 %). The marks from the different parts will be averaged to form the overall grade for
the module. In order to pass the module you must gain a minimum of 40 %.
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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If you need advice or guidance with
study skills, please go to MC125 to find
out what help is available
Assessment Tasks
See above.
Details will be given during the course of the semester.
Assessment Criteria
Details will be given during the course of the semester.
Marking Scheme: UG New Percentage Marking Scheme from September 2013
Grade comparison
90-100
Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade - Outstanding
80-89
Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade- Excellent
70-79
Passing grade, equivalent to an A grade- Very good
60-69
Passing grade, equivalent to a B grade - Good
50-59
Passing grade, equivalent to a C grade- Satisfactory
40-49
Passing grade, equivalent to a D grade - Pass
30-39
Failing grade, may be compensated at upper end
20-29
Failing grade
10-19
Failing grade
0-9
Failing grade
Deadlines
See above.
Submission
You must keep a copy of any work whether it is submitted electronically or as a printed paper document.
N.B. A sample of students work will be retained for audit purposes as part of the quality monitoring process.
Referencing
Follow the recommendations specified by your Subject.
Academic Misconduct
The University takes academic misconduct very seriously. It can be defined as any of the following:Cheating is defined as any attempt to gain unfair advantage in an assessment by dishonest means, and
includes e.g. all breaches of examination room rules, impersonating another candidate, falsifying data, and
obtaining an examination paper in advance of its authorised release.
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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study skills, please go to MC125 to find
out what help is available
Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own. This includes
incorporating either unattributed direct quotation(s) or substantial paraphrasing from the work of
another/others. It is important to cite all sources whose work has been drawn on and reference them fully in
accordance with the referencing standard used in each academic school.
Collusion is when two or more people combine to produce a piece of work for assessment that is passed off
as the work of one student alone. The work may be so alike in content, wording and structure that the
similarity goes beyond what might have been coincidence. For example - where one student has copied the
work of another, or where a joint effort has taken place in producing what should have been an individual
effort.
Penalties
Where an offence is admitted, or a panel decides that cheating, plagiarism or collusion has occurred, a
penalty will be imposed. The severity of the penalty will vary according to the nature of the offence and the
level of study. Penalties will range from failure of the assignment under investigation to a restriction of the
award a student may ultimately achieve or a requirement to leave the University. Further information can be
found on-line on the University web pages or from the Students’ Union.
Return of Work/Collection Arrangements
The normal expectation is that student work will be returned within four working weeks from the date of
submission. Collecting your work is very important since the written feedback provided on it will help you
understand why you have received a particular grade. It will also help you to improve your work and
develop your skills and knowledge further.
It is your responsibility to collect your work. You can do this in the following ways:
 collect your work from the module leader
 if the assignment can be posted, attach a stamped addressed A4 envelope to it when you submit it to
the Student Office and it will be posted back to you. However, we accept NO responsibility for any
items lost during transit.
You must do one of the above.
Resit Information
The Group Tutor will contact students who have failed the module with details of what pieces of the
portfolio can be resubmitted.
Please note that Submission deadlines for resit coursework and examinations are published on subject
notice boards in MC building, outside Student Support MC125 and on WOLF.
Registration:
Students need to ensure they are registered on this module. You can check this on E:Vision.
Jose Martinez
September 2015
Valid 2015-16
Course Guide(s) can be accessed at:
https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/course-guides-2015-16/
and the undergraduate regulations at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policiesand-regulations/
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