Incoming students with no previous knowledge of Spanish are welcome on this course which covers all four language skills. You will develop the ability to communicate orally and in writing about daily topics. This course covers the first half of the A1 curriculum plan, i.e. A1 according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages.
In this first step in the learning process the course will provide the students with confidence to speak and will reinforce their autonomy in the learning process. The goal of this course is to generate active participation through discussion and creative activities that stimulate conversation. Short fiction, the news and the arts are also utilized to foster spontaneous communication and knowledge. Special attention will be paid to the culture, history and current issues of Spain.
Part of our purpose is for students to challenge their own preconceived personal and cultural frameworks, as well as to enhance their intellectual development and personal growth. To this end, the study of a language beyond one´s native tongue pushes students to communicate through different sounds, words and structures, and it provides an opportunity to gain deeper insight into practices of one's own and other cultures.
Furthermore, empirical research in recent years suggests that language learning is related to improved cognitive abilities such as attentional control, problem solving, memory, and verbal and spatial abilities.