Overview
This module is mapped against the B2+ level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is designed for students who have completed Level 908/008 Advanced Spanish or who already have an advanced knowledge of the language (e.g. a recent A level with grade A, or a rusty B2 standard). The main aim of the module is to strengthen students’ oral production, interaction, and debating skills in Spanish. Each week, students will engage with pre-lesson tasks (such as press articles, news clips, Instagram reels, infographics, statistical graphs, and social media comments) to spark ideas, build relevant vocabulary and grammar, and prepare for an interactive in-class debate. This “flipped classroom” approach ensures that class time is used primarily for spoken interaction, while written tasks and grammar/vocabulary reinforcement are integrated where necessary. By the end of the 12 weeks, students will have gained confidence in speaking Spanish in front of others, improved their ability to interact spontaneously in debates, and developed a deeper understanding of cultural issues from Spain and Latin America. In addition, they will consolidate their competence in reading, listening, and writing at an advanced level, while mastering complex grammatical and lexical structures to support their oral performance.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop advanced oral communication skills (speaking and interaction) in Spanish at B2+ level of the CEFR, with a particular focus on discussion, debate, and spontaneous exchanges.
- Apply advanced listening, reading and writing skills to engage critically with authentic materials and support effective oral production.
- Demonstrate accurate and confident use of complex grammatical and lexical structures in spoken interaction.
- Show intercultural awareness and the ability to discuss, compare, and debate aspects of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
Syllabus
Cultural Content:
- Culinary tradition in Spain and Latin America
- Iconic Spanish and Hispanic artists
- Ideological evolution of flamenco
- Salsa in all its forms
- Bilingual regions in Spain
- Languages and accents in Latin America
- The Seventh Art: Cinema made in Spain
- Historical overview of politics and society in Spain and Latin America
- Spanish speaking countries around the world
- Hispanic sports and national celebrations
- Traditions and folklore in Spain and Latin America
Grammatical content:
- Counter argumentative discourse markers
- Conjecture conditional
- Verbal Periphrases
- Concessional sentences
- The Subjunctive Pluperfect
- Subjunctive tense: The Imperfect.
- Explanatory and rectifying discourse markers
- Formal and informal registers
Lexical content:
- Arts
- Sports
- Politics
- Music and cinema
- Legends
- Food
Culture content (per week)
Week 1: Flavours of the Hispanic World: Food, Culture and Identity
Week 2: Artistic Icons: Spain and Latin America
Week 3: Evolution of Flamenco: A Spanish Treasure
Week 4: Migration and Identity in the Spanish-Speaking World
Week 5: Languages in Contact: Bilingual Regions of Spain
Week 6: Global Spanish: Linguistic Diversity and Prestige
Week 7: The Seventh Art: Cinema in the Hispanic World
Week 8: Current Social and Cultural Debates in Spain and Latin America
Week 9: Psychology in the Hispanic World: Popular Science and Mental Health in the Media
Week 10: Sport as a Cultural Phenomenon in Spain and Latin America
Week 11: Artificial Intelligence in the Hispanic World: Language, Culture and Society
Week 12: Assessment Week · Presentations. Completing the assessment is required for undergraduate students who would like to have the course recorded in their *HEAR.
*For all other students, completing their presentations is also strongly recommended, as a measure of their progress and learning.
Textbook details:
No textbook is required for this module.
Study Hours
The total number of study hours for this module is 150 hours, in line with undergraduate university modules. This includes class meetings, homework, individual preparation for your presentation and self-directed study in line with guidance from the course lecturer.
We recognise that the total number of hours that you may be able to study every week may depend on your availability and previous experience studying languages, however, expected contribution to classes, homework completion, and learning outcomes will not vary.
Course Lecturer: Dr Lourdes Barquín
My name is Dr Lourdes Barquín Sanmartín, and I have over a decade of experience teaching Spanish across British and Irish universities, as well as in French and British secondary schools. Originally from Spain, I have lived in the UK for several years, where I have taught both undergraduate programmes—including language and cultural studies—and courses in university language centres. I work with students at all CEFR levels, fostering interlinguistic and intercultural competence and offering guidance on the effective use of AI tools to support their learning.
Fees for language courses are £190/£95.
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Visit our fee bands page to see which fee applies to you.
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