• demonstrate a good grasp of the factual information about their chosen language area taught during the course,
• demonstrate a good grasp of the rules governing grammar in Spanish, and
• demonstrate the capacity to present a topic related to the curriculum, using suitable vocabulary and intelligible Spanish.

Spanish StudiesOne, First Semester,provides a basic historical and geographical introduction to Spain and Spanish America. Topics dealt with include: geographical and regional diversity, the historical links between Spain and Spanish America from colonisation to independence, the formation of the modern state as well as reflections on the changing role of key social institutions that are adapting to modern society, e.g. the family, political and civil society organisations. The course will also introduce basic concepts important to understanding sociopolitical and cultural development in the two regions, including: authoritarianism, political transition, democratisation and cultural identity.

The course is built up around two dimensions – content and language:

The content dimension provides a general introduction to the modern Spanish-speaking areas from a historical perspective. It also presents basic knowledge of politics, economics and culture in the students’ chosen region. The course broadly follows the thematic organisation of the parallel Globalisation Studies lecture series and draws on the addressed theories and concepts. These conceptual approaches are presented in conjunction with perspectives and concepts rooted in the specific language area, so that students develop an understanding of different theoretical traditions, and enhance their nationally specific knowledge as well as their cultural sensitivity.

The language dimension is aimed at improving students’ basic grammar skills, pronunciation and fluency; and their reading and aural comprehension. Emphasis will also be placed on learning and exercising phrases needed in order to make presentations and participate in class discussions.