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SPAN10140

Academic Year 2026/2027

Intensive ab initio Spanish Ia (SPAN10140)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is a high-intensity language module aimed at ab-initio language learners. It is primarily recommended for students wishing to take Spanish to degree level. It is also suitable as an elective for those students who are willing to engage in an intensive study of the language. It seeks to develop independent learners who are prepared to devote 6 hours a week of personal study time outside the classroom focusing on grammar and written and aural skills to complement the 27 hours of class time. It also provides: a) an integrated approach to learning Spanish in which learners are required to actively use the four language skills: writing, reading, speaking and listening in the context of the classroom and to be able to practice writing, reading and listening autonomously, and b) a solid foundation in the grammar of the language. At the end of this module students should have covered most of the key linguistic elements of level A1 of the Common European Framework and be advancing to A2 on the CEFR. They should demonstrate an ability to manage their own learning through the completion of specified learning activities in the classroom and in the exam: written exercises, aural tests, grammar tests. Students who have achieved at least a B grade in this module are deemed to be successfully progressing towards levels A1 to A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference in the competencies of writing, reading and aural comprehension.
PLEASE NOTE that this module focuses on practicing and improving linguistic competence so participation in language classes is essential. Classes focus on the four language skills, and students should devote 6 hours a week autonomously outside the classes in order to achieve the learning outcomes. Exercises for before and after the classes have been set and it is essential that students follow this format to keep up.

AI usage: Amber (you may use generative AI for this assignment for certain purposes only under the guidance of your module coordinator and within academic integrity guidelines).


About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

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

1) Write short descriptive and narrative texts employing an appropriate range of vocabulary to introduce themselves. (Production)

2) Describe people and places, both orally and in writing, and accurately convey basic information about daily routines and everyday activities, orally and in writing. (Production)

3) Engage with basic Spanish aural and written material, measured through class exercises and online tests, and be able to understand their overall meaning and specific details relevant to the contents of this module. (Reception)

4) Communicate in basic interactions in a grammatically accurate way. (Production)

5) Display a precise command of verb morphology (present and perfect preterite and imperfect tenses, verbs like gustar and the imperative). (Production)


Indicative Module Content:

Frecuencias directo: A1-B1 digital e-book (teaching and learning) with hard copy if desired for student learning and work at home

In the first semester we will cover units 1-7. En el semestre 1 cubrirémos las unidades 1-7 (ver índice en libro digital).


Week 7: In-class writing test (35%)


Week 13: Oral exam (15%)

Exam Period (week 13 onwards: terminal exam: (60%)


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. Novice

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. Novice

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. Not addressed

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. Novice

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

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Tutorial

24
Specified Learning Activities

5
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Online Learning

24
Total

147

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small group tutorials. All timetabled classes are to be conducted in person. Office hours may be conducted online also. The approach is 'hands' on', teacher fronted but with students' active participation required online through Brightspace and students MUST do the work set before and after class and listed on Brightspace to keep up. This module models the flipped classroom or 'clase invertida' approach.

Students will be encouraged to practice grammar points/vocabulary in pairs or break-out groups as directed by the tutors. The 3 hours a week class time will be focused on the text book/ digital e-book, as indicated in the module content, but will also incorporate other relevant exercises: tests supported by technology, for example. There will be specified learning activities in the 3 hours class time and to prepare for the exam: written exercises, audio-visual tests, supported by technology. Some of these are graded and some are not. Students will be encouraged to work on their speaking, writing and aural comprehension skills in class and in the 6 hours self study outside class.

AI usage: amber (you may use generative AI for this assignment for certain purposes only under the guidance of your module coordinator and within academic integrity guidelines).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Minimum of a H4 in Leaving Certificate, or equivalent, in another Modern Language.

Learning Exclusions:

Students with prior studies of Spanish, and attainment of Leaving Certificate Spanish, A-Level or equivalent, are not eligible to take this module.

Learning Recommendations:

If you have taken Spanish for your Leaving Certificate, A-level or equivalent, you cannot register to this module.

We recommend an H3 in Leaving Certificate, or equivalent, in another Modern Language.

Students unsure of their eligibility for this module are urged to consult with the module co-ordinator.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
LANG10230 - Spanish Gen Purp 1, LANG10240 - Spanish Gen Purp 4, LANG10260 - Spanish Gen Purp 2, LANG20470 - Spanish Gen Purp 5, LANG20490 - Spanish Gen Purp 7, SPAN10010 - Spanish Language I a

Equivalents:
Span Language I a (Beginners) (SPAN10020)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Written exam testing students written and comprehension skills End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): In-class writing test Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
35
 No
Exam (In-person): Oral exam Week 14 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 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, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given on non-graded tests at the discretion of the tutor Individual feedback will be given on graded assignments Feedback may be given to the class, e.g. on a particular grammar point, where appropriate. Students will complete regular take-home tasks/tasks supported by technology on grammar and written compositions throughout the semester and an in-class test in week 8 The audio-visual test in week 10 to be supported by technology. The final exam will take place online.

The set text for the module is: 'Frecuencias directo' , published by Edinumen, either the hybrid version with a hard copy book and online environment, or the online version only if you prefer. Please note that the tutors will be teaching this trimester using the e-book version of 'Frecuencias', which contains interactive class exercises as well as the textbook.

There is no set grammar text but there are grammar explanations incorporated into the book and many grammar exercises that you can do in the book and the student digital extension that auto-correct. We also recommend that students do buy a grammar book to accompany their studies. Recommended is Batchelor, R. 'A Student Grammar of Spanish', Cambridge UP, 2005 and '¡Exacto! Third Edition, A Practical Guide to Spanish Grammar', Ane Ortega, Tita Beavan, Cecilia Garrido and Sean Scrivener, Routledge, 2018.

Name Role
Dr Pascale Baker Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Lourdes Barquin Sanmartin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Javier Carpes Salar Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sandra Guerrero Garcia Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Maria Rodríguez Villaumbrales Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Monica Redondo Tutor
Mr Julio Sanz 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 Fri 14:00 - 14:50
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 Fri 14:00 - 14:50
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 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Small Group Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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