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SPAN10050

Academic Year 2026/2027

Spanish Language I b (SPAN10050)

Subject:
Spanish
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Katherine Brown
Trimester:
Spring
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 are progressing towards a high intermediate level of Spanish (Level B1 of the CEFR). 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. Students from the Languages Connect/ Languages For All strand are also welcome to enrol.

It builds explicitly on SPAN10010 and aims above all to develop competent independent learners; it therefore seeks to amplify the aspects of language learning established in SPAN10010: a) reading and writing texts in Spanish; b) the development of a strong grammar foundation so students can progress to the high level of accuracy they need for in-depth study of Spanish; c) developing listening and speaking skills through small group tutorials.

The module takes an integrated approach to language learning. Therefore students are required to participate actively in class and to work autonomously outside the classroom completing set activities as well carrying out independent study if they are to progress well.

Students who have achieved at least a B grade in this module are deemed to have reached the CEFR level B1.

PLEASE NOTE that this module focuses on practising and improving linguistic competence so participation in language classes is mandatory.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

- Employ relevant language strategies for comprehension when listening to authentic Spanish texts;
- Use a good range of vocabulary to express themselves with accuracy in written texts and in oral interaction in Spanish on topics arising from the contents of this module;
- Demonstrate a reasonable degree of grammatical control, accuracy and sentence structures in written and spoken language in Spanish;
- Employ sufficient communication skills to communicate in a natural dialogue on topics related to Hispanic culture;
- Express personal opinions about information arising from authentic materials (aural or written), showing a good grasp of verb tense and mood.
- Reflect on their language learning.

Indicative Module Content:

The tutorials are based on a textbook, Aula Internacional Plus 3, which encompasses grammar, vocabulary and communicative resources on various topics 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

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
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Small Group

24
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students attend 2 weekly small-group tutorials based on a textbook including written texts from varied sources, audio materials which show native speakers speaking naturally, and grammatical exercises. The language spoken predominantly in the tutorials is Spanish and students are required to participate actively and to form opinions and offer responses orally and in writing.

Before and after the tutorial students are expected to engage with all aspects of the module and continue their autonomous learning in order to reach the expected language level.

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:

Students wishing to take this module without having studied the Semester 1 module SPAN 10010 MUST have reached A2 of the Common European Framework and be progressing towards B1 of the Common European Framework.

Learning Recommendations:

SPAN 10010


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, SPAN10060 - Span Language I b (Beginners), SPAN10150 - Intensive ab initio Spanish Ib


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Written examination. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Exam (Online): Audiovisual and grammar test Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Oral examination (Week 13) Week 14 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 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
Summer 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

No matter what the nature of the assessment may be (i.e. combinations of reading, writing, speaking or listening), constructive collective and/or individual feedback will be given on-line through Brightspace or in person during consultation hours.

The textbook for this module is Aula Internacional Plus 3. Students who purchased Aula Internacional Plus 3 for Spanish Ia in the autumn trimester DO NOT need to purchase any additional materials for this module.

Students who did not purchase Aula Internacional Plus 3 for Spanish Ia in the autumn trimester will need to purchase it. The book 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.

Name Role
Dr Pascale Baker Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Katherine Brown Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eva Bru-Dominguez Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sandra Guerrero Garcia Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tara Plunkett Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Maria Rodríguez Villaumbrales Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mariama Alves Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Small Group Offering 5 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Small Group Offering 5 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Small Group Offering 6 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Small Group Offering 6 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
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