Explore UCD

UCD Home >

SPAN10010

Academic Year 2026/2027

Spanish Language I a (SPAN10010)

Subject:
Spanish
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Katherine Brown
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed for students who have acquired an intermediate level of Spanish. It is conceived primarily for students pursuing Spanish to degree level, but will also be suitable for students of other subjects and disciplines to take as an elective.
The core aims of SPAN10010 are to introduce students to Spanish language learning in a university context and to develop competent independent learners who reflect of their learning; the module therefore focuses on two aspects of language learning: a) reading and writing texts in Spanish, with emphasis on socio-cultural aspects of the Hispanic world, b) the development of a strong grammar foundation and vocabulary acquisition, so students can progress to the high level of accuracy they need for in-depth study of Spanish. The module takes an integrated approach to language learning, thus requiring students to participate actively in class and to work autonomously outside the classroom if they are to progress well.
Students who have achieved at least a B grade in this module are deemed to be successfully progressing towards B1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- employ relevant language strategies to write and read texts in Spanish
- recognize and use a range of vocabulary when engaging with written texts and in oral interaction on topics arising from the contents of this module;
- demonstrate competence when listening to authentic Spanish texts;
- recognize and use a repertoire of sentence structures with an appropriate degree of grammatical accuracy;
- reflect on their language learning

Indicative Module Content:

Aula Internacional Plus 3 will used as a textbook encompassing grammar, vocabulary and communicative resources at an Intermediate B1 level.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Novice

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Novice

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Novice

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Not addressed

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Not addressed

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Novice

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Novice

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Novice

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Novice

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Not addressed

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1

Reduce inequality within and among countries 1

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 1

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 1

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
An integrated approach to the learning of the language is adopted, requiring students to participate actively in class, and to work autonomously outside the classroom.

Students will be fully supported in their learning in small group teaching and are required to interact with their tutors as well as their peers during class, mainly in Spanish. In addition to that, full engagement with learning materials and tasks accessible in the textbook and in Brightspace is expected every week. All are encouraged to practise the language as much as possible.

Please note that the use of generative AI is not permitted for the completion of assessments in this module. This corresponds to "No AI" on the AI Assessment Scale.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

To take this module, students are required to demonstrate a prior knowledge of Spanish at the level of at least Leaving Certificate Grade C (Honours) or equivalent.

Learning Recommendations:

Students who are unsure of their eligibility for this module should consult the co-ordinator as soon as possible. There are no transfers between Non-Beginners' and Beginners' modules.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
LANG10230 - Spanish Gen Purp 1, LANG10240 - Spanish Gen Purp 4, LANG10260 - Spanish Gen Purp 2, LANG20100 - Spanish Gen Purp 6, LANG20390 - Spanish Gen Purp 3, LANG20400 - Spanish Gen Purp 4, LANG20470 - Spanish Gen Purp 5, LANG20490 - Spanish Gen Purp 7, SPAN10140 - Intensive ab initio Spanish Ia, SPAN10150 - Intensive ab initio Spanish Ib


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Submission of a short video / multimedia presentation Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: In-class quiz Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Exam (In-person): Two-hour written exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
55
 No
Exam (Online): Grammar and audiovisual test Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive written feedback and scores from their grammar and audio visual test. They will also receive online automated feedback from online apps used for self-testing.

Students will need to purchase Aula Internacional Plus 3, which is available online at https://difusion.com/tienda/producto/aula-internacional-plus-3-edicion-hibrida-libro-del-alumno or at the Campus Bookshop. The cost is approximately €38.50 for the hybrid pack, which includes both a physical textbook and 12-month access to the online activity workbook. Though a digital-only version is also available, we strongly recommend that you purchase the hybrid pack so that you have continued access to the physical copy of the textbook throughout your studies of Spanish.

This book will be used for the entirety of first-year Spanish (Spanish Ia and Spanish Ib), so you will not need to purchase a new book in the spring trimester if you continue to Spanish Ib.

Name Role
Dr Lourdes Barquin Sanmartin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eva Bru-Dominguez Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Javier Carpes Salar Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mary Farrelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tara Plunkett Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Maria Rodríguez Villaumbrales Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Monica Galindo Gonzalez Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 2 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 2 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 5 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 5 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 6 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 6 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.