Spanish Language Skills A
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1680
Students discuss in Spanish issues related to Spanish and Latin American culture through exercises
and communicative activities. For example: the language and culture of wine, letter writing, life in
Spain, Spanish on the Web, etc. Skills such as translation, essay writing, oral presentations and group
discussions are introduced, also aspects of phonetics and intonation to ensure that students have a
good pronunciation and a high level of aural comprehension. To some extent the areas of study are
determined by the members of the group. A book such as Grammar in Action, is supported by other
materials from the media.
Aims:
The course main aim is to give students a good level of competence in Spanish, both written and
spoken. They are expected to be able to express and share their opinions with other members of the
group and with Spanish speakers in a variety of contexts. Widening the knowledge of Hispanic culture
is also an aim of the course.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to:
•
Communicate fluently in spoken Spanish.
•
Demonstrate familiarity with grammatical terminology and a solid grounding in Spanish grammar.
•
Produce correctly the main features of Spanish pronunciation and intonation in a variety of
situations.
•
Show awareness of the linguistic and cultural challenges posed by translation and interpretation
of written or heard materials.
•
Show the skills required in the effective use of learning and reference resources: grammar books,
dictionaries, Internet based sources, etc.
•
Use some key transferable skills: e.g. the critical evaluation of heard texts or speech, the ability to
respond orally to ideas expressed by others, the ability to order thoughts and arguments and to
express opinions persuasively.
•
Demonstrate greater knowledge of cultural and social issues related to modern France.
Assessment:
100% Other assessment
Key Reading:
Butt, J and Benjamin, C, A New reference grammar of modern Spanish, 2000, Arnold, London
Corpas, J, Aula Internacional 4, 2006, Difusión, Barcelona
Pountain, C, Practising Spanish grammar : a workbook, 2000, Arnold, London
Trinity College, Authentik en español - With cassette, Authentik Language Learning Resources
Limited, Library Ref: 0791-3710
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Spanish Language Skills B
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1681
Students discuss in Spanish issues related to Spanish and Latin American culture through exercises
and communicative activities. For example: the language and culture of wine, letter writing, life in
Spain, Spanish on the Web, etc. Skills such as translation, essay writing, oral presentations and group
discussions are introduced, also aspects of phonetics and intonation to ensure that students have a
good pronunciation and a high level of aural comprehension. To some extent the areas of study are
determined by the members of the group. A book such as Grammar in Action, is supported by other
materials from the media. The focus here is on speaking, reading and writing.
Aims:
The course main aim is to give students a good level of competence in Spanish, both written and
spoken. They are expected to be able to express and share their opinions with other members of
the group and with Spanish speakers in a variety of contexts. Widening the knowledge of Hispanic
culture is also an aim of the course.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to:
•
Communicate fluently in Spanish, spoken and written. Reading and to a lesser extent listening are
also involved.
•
Demonstrate familiarity with grammatical terminology and a solid grounding in Spanish grammar.
•
Produce correctly the main features of Spanish pronunciation and intonation in classroom
exchanges.
•
Show awareness of the linguistic and cultural challenges posed by translation of written texts.
•
Show the skills required in the effective use of learning and reference resources: grammar books,
dictionaries, Internet based sources, etc.
•
Use some key transferable skills: e.g. the critical evaluation of texts, the ability to respond to ideas
expressed by others, the ability to order thoughts and arguments and to express opinions
persuasively in writing.
•
Demonstrate greater knowledge of cultural and social issues related to modern France.
Assessment:
100% Other assessment
Key Reading:
Butt, J and Benjamin, C, A New reference grammar of modern Spanish, 2000, Arnold, London
Corpas, J, Aula Internacional 4, 2006, Difusión, Barcelona
Pountain, C, Practising Spanish grammar : a workbook, 2000, Arnold, London
Trinity College, Authentik en español - With cassette, Authentik Language Learning Resources
Limited, Library Ref: 0791-3710
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Español 6: tertulia A
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1840
Este módulo sigue al de Español 5: intermedio avanzado A y B, el nivel es también intermedio avanzado.
El objetivo principal es desarrollar la habilidad de hablar en español. Se basa en una variedad de
actividades, desde la conversación en parejas a la discusión en grupo, debates y juegos de roles. Los
temas tratados dependen de los intereses del grupo y del libro de texto y se presentan a través de
varios medios de comunicación. La gramática, la comprensión y la escritura también se tienen en
cuenta. (Tertulia nf. Grupo de personas que se reúnen habitualmente para conversar amigablemente
o para algún pasatiempo honesto.)
Aims:
This module aims to:
• enable students to state opinions, debate topics of general interest, participate in conversations
and discussions in Spanish.
• improve the overall fluency and accuracy of their use of the spoken and written Spanish.
• expand and deepen their knowledge of the language and culture of the countries concerned.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to demonstrate:
• the ability to communicate in Spanish with relative ease and accuracy on a range of issues,
including social, political, and cultural.
• command of the basic skills involved in presentations and group discussion in Spanish.
• sufficient competence to organise and sequence ideas coherently going beyond simply descriptive
narrative and displaying critical and analytical skills.
• an understanding of the skills necessary for translation from Spanish into English.
• sufficient competence to listen or view materials in the target language for consultation in
preparation for activities such as a presentation or a composition.
• the ability to make informed use of a range of reference sources (dictionaries, library, ICT based).
Assessment:
100% Other assessment
Key Reading:
No key reading has been identified
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Español 6: tertulia B
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1841
Este módulo es la continuación de Español 6 intermedio avanzado A. El objetivo principal es
desarrollar la habilidad de hablar en español. Se basa en una variedad de actividades, desde la
conversación en parejas a la discusión en grupo, debates y juegos de roles. Los temas que se tratan
dependen de los intereses del grupo y se presentan a través de una variedad de medios de
comunicación para que los participantes puedan leer, ver y escuchar ejemplos de usos del lenguaje.
Se presta particular atención a aspectos de fonética como son la pronunciación y la entonación.
Aims:
This module aims to.
•
•
•
enable students to state opinions, debate topics of general interest, participate in
conversations and discussions in Spanish.
improve the overall pronunciation and intonation of the spoken language.
expand and deepen their knowledge of the language and culture of the countries concerned.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to demonstrate.






the ability to communicate in Spanish with relative ease and good pronunciation and intonation
on a range of issues, including social, political, and cultural.
command of the basic skills involved in presentations and group discussion in Spanish.
sufficient competence to organise and sequence ideas coherently going beyond simply
descriptive narrative and displaying critical and analytical skills.
an understanding of the skills necessary for translation from English into Spanish.
sufficient competence to listen or view materials in the target language for consultation in
preparation for activities such as a presentation or a composition.
the ability to make informed use of a range of reference sources (dictionaries, library, ICT based).
Assessment:
100% Other assessment
Key Reading:
No key reading has been identified
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Aspects of Spanish/Latin American Culture
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1727
This module is an introduction to the type of interdisciplinary studies involved in a modern languages
course where the study of aspects of culture and society are an integral part of the syllabus. The exact
topic will vary according to tutor availability. An example is the study of tourism which has made an
important contribution to the economic and cultural life of Spain and some Latin American countries.
The course explores the basic social structures and cultural traditions of the nations of Latin
America/Spain and the main characteristics of their present day societies. The module is taught in
Spanish
Aims:

Introduce learners to a number of different ways of approaching the acquisition of knowledge of
the cultures, communities and societies where Spanish is used.

Give learners access to cultural aspects of other societies in order to enhance their intercultural
awareness and understanding.

Enhance the language learning experience and develop communication skills in the target
language.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the students should be able to:

Familiarity with the key cultural and social issues studied in the module.


Awareness of the basic approaches to the study of society and culture.
Appropriate competence to access and extract information from basic primary and secondary
source material in order to enhance knowledge of the cultures, communities and societies where
Spanish is used.
An appropriate level of ability to organise and present ideas within the framework of a structured
and reasoned argument.
Sufficient linguistic ability to understand and communicate effectively in the target language.


Assessment:
An essay. 1,500 words (85%)
A presentation. 10 minutes (15%)
Key Reading:
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Getting Started with Research
Level: 1
Credit Value: 20
Module Code: ACE1880
This module provides you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills gained from other
modules and to engage in a small-scale piece of academic research. The aim is to introduce you to the
research process and to encourage the development of self-directed learning skills. Teaching is
structured around a number of group tutorials spread across the academic year.
Aims
This module aims to:
 provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills gained from other
modules and to engage in a small-scale piece of research;
 introduce students to the research process and encourage the development of self-directed
learning skills;
 provide students with the opportunity to pursue an academic project of particular personal
interest or significance;
 provide students with confidence in their ability to engage in academic research
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, a student will be able to demonstrate:
 an understanding of the research process;
 the ability to identify a research topic and formulate their own title;
 the ability to conduct a literature search;
 the ability to engage in a small-scale piece of academic research;
 the ability to produce a sustained academic argument in relation to their chosen research area.
Assessment
100% coursework - 1000 word report on literature search (25%), 2500 word project (60%), 500 word
reflective commentary (15%)
Key Reading
Descombe, M, The Good Research Guide, 2001, OUP, London
Hart, C, Doing a Literature Review, 2000, OUP, London
Northedge, A, The Arts Good Study Guide, 2001, OUP, London
Van Den Brink-Budgen, Critical Thinking for Students, 1999, How To Books, Oxford
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html
Study Skills in Higher Education Part A
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1786
By concentrating on developing the study and presentation skills necessary to gain an academic
qualification at a higher educational level, this module is intended to support learners entering higher
education for the first time. The focus of the course is on developing skills such as academic writing
and oral presentation, note-taking and revision, locating information, and managing deadlines and
heavy reading loads. It also emphasises techniques of self-reflection, so that learners can gain a
better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, and be able to utilise these on other
courses of study.
Aims:
The aims of this module are:
• To give students a grounding in the basics of higher education study and presentation skills;
• To develop best practice in academic thought, writing, and verbal exposition;
• To advance skills of critical reflection, so the student can develop independent responsibility for
her or his own learning;
• To support and nurture the student's confidence and orientation within higher education to lay the
foundations for success at university.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate:
• An awareness of good study practice in higher education;
• Experience of communicating effectively, in both spoken and written academic forms;
• The capacity to critically reflect on her or his own learning and recognise links between different
courses of study, and between academic and broader life experiences;
• A recognition of her or his individual strengths as learners, and how these can be put to best use
within higher education.
Assessment:
100% course work – a portfolio and presentation
Key Reading:
Stella Cottrell’s The Study Skills Handbook, second edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.
********* OR *********
Learning to Learn On-Line
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1757
This module concentrates on developing the research and writing skills necessary to gain a higher
education qualification. The focus of the module is on the practice of such skills as essay-writing,
correct referencing, analysing texts, locating information, and ways to approach heavy reading loads.
Also included are activities that encourage students to adopt a critical approach to a variety of
disciplines at undergraduate level. A range of subject-specific materials are provided for use in
developing skills in critical thinking. The module is primarily delivered online, at the student's own
pace, with face-to-face tutorials available upon request.
Aims:
This module aims to
• to give students a grounding in the basis of research and presentation skills.
• to develop students' critical skills by means of practice in analysis of texts
• to ensure students are aware of correct use of academic conventions, such as referencing
• to facilitate transference of skills to all modules undertaken.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the module, students will be able to;
• approach assignments with confidence and locate information from a variety of sources
• analyse a variety of different types of texts
• structure arguments and present work correctly
• relate and transfer learned skills to other units on their programme.
Assessment: 100% coursework – a portfolio of work.
Study Skills in Higher Education, Part B
Level: 1
Credit Value: 10
Module Code: ACE1787
Study Skills in HE Part B further develops and enhances the skills and knowledge gained in Part A, with
an emphasis on the effective use of ICT (information and communication technologies) in an
academic context. Students will increase their presentation and communication skills through written
practice, using a variety of appropriate software. Students' research skills will likewise be further
developed using on-line sources. The module will be delivered via blended learning using a
combination of workshops and on-line resources
Aims:
This module aims to

provide students with an understanding of the use of ICT in the context of academic study

provide students with the necessary IT skills to support their study efficiently and effectively

develop students' information and data handling skills

further develop students' written communication skills
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module, a candidate will be able to demonstrate

confidence in the use of ICT within an academic environment

transferable IT skills necessary for study and research

appropriate data handling and information skills to support their academic work

ability to communicate effectively using a variety of software
Assessment:
100% coursework – one project.
Key Reading:
Crystal, D, The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language, 1991, Cambridge, Cambridge
Northedge, A, The Arts Good Study Guide, 2001, OUP, London
Rose, J, The Mature Student's Guide to Writing, 2001, Algrave, London
Van Den Brink-Budgen, Critical Thinking for Students, 1999, How To Books, Oxford
Students who are already registered with TILL and who have a valid UCard can access full reading lists for
modules before they begin. They do so either via MUSE, under the "Library" tab, and "View Library resource
lists"; or via the "How can I find my reading lists?" link on http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/taught.html