Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
For students whose first language is not Spanish, covers special areas of difficulty in Spanish language, many of which result from geographical or cultural variations and are problematic even for native speakers. SPAN3110 aims to improve and enhance your communicative competence in the five language skills (listening, reading, spoken interaction, spoken production and writing). Mastering greater linguistic resources available in the language will equip you to communicate more accurately and spontaneously while increasing your confidence in the language.
This is a 2-unit advanced Spanish course (level B2.1) for students who already have a good knowledge of the Spanish language.
In this course, we will build on your previous knowledge of the language and work towards developing it further through consolidation and introduction of advanced grammatical features and vocabulary.
By the end of the course, you should have developed better communicative skills and gained more confidence ﾠin using the language adequately ﾠin a variety of contexts.
Throughout the semester we will:
- (i) review and learn new grammatical components (i.e. the use of past tenses, subjunctive, relative clauses and pronouns);
- ii) expand your range of vocabulary and register;
- iii) enhance ﾠyour listening and speaking skills; and
- iv) improve your reading and writing skills.
The prescribed textbookﾠwill increase your knowledge as will the teaching material prepared for this class (e.g. booklet, padlets, movies).
It is highly recommended that students dedicate a minimum of 6 hours a week for autonomous learning. This time is pivotal for consolidation of knowledge and immersion in ﾠthe Spanish language. Apart from revising the material covered in class, we strongly encourage you to readﾠSpanish newspapers, magazines, journal articles, to watch news and movies in Spanish (preferably without Spanish subtitles), and listen to podcasts and radio programs.ﾠ
You could also attend talks, seminars or lectures in Spanish that will help you develop not just your listening skills, but also your vocabulary and knowledge of interesting cultural issues.
In the Central Library you will find a large Spanish collection on literature, social and political studies, art, and history. The platform 'Kanopy' and the library itself contains a large selection of films related to the Spanish and Latin American World.
Regular class attendance is essential for successful completion of the course as it is to do the homework set after each class. There will be no time to go back over a class due to student absences.ﾠPlease arrive on time and turn off your mobile phone during class.
Course requirements
Assumed background
To undertake this course, students should have achieved an intermediate-advanced proficiency in the Spanish Language, (e.g. a minimum grade of 4 in SPAN2020). SPAN3110 is a course starting at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: CEFR language proficiency scale, and enabling you to reach a B2.1 level.
Students who come from other programs and universities are required to sit a placement interview with the UQ Spanish Program Coordinator before enrolling in this class. Please book a time through the School of Languages and Cultures website or contact the Program Coordinator Dr Roberto Esposto (r.esposto@uq.edu.au) to make an appointment. Adequate knowledge of grammatical concepts and terms at B1 level is assumed.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SPAN2020 or SPAN3330 or placement test
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Class attendance and homework are integral part of the course as they will not only develop and strengthen your knowledge of the language but they will help you understand the complex grammatical concepts that are studied at this level. This course is not designed to be attended asynchronously.
Public holidays: Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation: In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation.
Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
Develop and strengthen your knowledge of the language, history and culture of Spain and Latin America. The learning experiences in this course will offer you opportunities to expand your worldview and develop your intercultural perspectives and communication skills at B2.1 level which are highly sought-after transferable skills in contemporary society.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate advanced communication skills in the language at B2.1 level.
LO2.
Exhibit a proficient level of Spanish language grammar appropriate to B2.1 in writings, reviews, reflections and discussions.
LO3.
Comprehend texts (written and visual) and authentic real-world sources material in Spanish at B2.1 level.
LO4.
Maintain a conversation/debate and interaction in Spanish at B2.1 level.
LO5.
Identify and appreciate the different aspects that compose the culture, history and society of the Spanish speaking world and their connection to other cultures.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tareas evaluadas/Worksheets
|
20% (4 x 5% per task) |
WEEK 4 - Tarea 1 21/03/2025 WEEK 6 - Tarea 2 4/04/2025 WEEK 11 - Tarea 3 16/05/2025 WEEK 13 - Tarea 4 30/05/2025
Submit by 5pm via Blackboard. |
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Online Grammar Task (Prueba 1)
|
25% |
11/04/2025
Time limited task (60 minutes). Available on Blackboard (Assessment tab) on the scheduled date, between 7am and 5pm. |
| Presentation, Role play/ Simulation |
Oral group presentation
|
30% |
13/05/2025 - 15/05/2025
Presentations in Week 11 at the UQ Art Museum during regular class time. |
| Examination |
In-person Grammar Exam (Prueba 2)
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Tareas evaluadas/Worksheets
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20% (4 x 5% per task)
- Due date
WEEK 4 - Tarea 1 21/03/2025
WEEK 6 - Tarea 2 4/04/2025
WEEK 11 - Tarea 3 16/05/2025
WEEK 13 - Tarea 4 30/05/2025
Submit by 5pm via Blackboard.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
The completion of the exercises at the end of each chapter will assist in the consolidation of the teaching material learnt in class and will facilitate the progressive nature of learning a language. This assessment puts into practice the language learning skills of listening, comprehension, reading and writing. Therefore, it allows you to demonstrate competency at low B2 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Understanding (Listening and reading) and Writing. Students will also be able to identify any area that needs attention and find adequate help from lecturers in class and during consultation hours.
Each task consists of listening to audio material accompanying Aula Internacional Plus 4 B2.1 (audiofiles available in Campus Difusion or MP3 format) and 1-2 composition based on the content of each Unidad or an assigned film (Diarios de motocicleta, Nosotros los Nobles, El laberinto de fauno or La contadora de cuentos).
Students are required to use their own words when answering the questions (do not transcribe). The composition must include the relevant grammatical concepts studied in each Unidad. Please ensure that the worksheets are submitted through Blackboard Turnitin by 5pm pm the due date. E-mail attachments ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Maximum mark is 5% for each Tarea, accruing a total of 20%.
El completar los ejercicios al final de cada unidad te ayudará a consolidar los puntos gramaticales que hemos estudiado en clase y a identificar áreas que necesitan mayor atención y ulteriores consultas con tu profesora. Esta preparación te será de utilidad para las pruebas y el examen.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin (Blackboard Tab: Evaluaciones) by 5pm on or before the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Each task is designed to consolidate content covered in class for each of the six units covered by the course. This is a requirement to continue with the sequence of assessment tasks. The maximum extension length ensures that assessors can provide timely feedback, supporting the progressive, sequential, and cumulative nature of language learning that underpins this course.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Online Grammar Task (Prueba 1)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
11/04/2025
Time limited task (60 minutes). Available on Blackboard (Assessment tab) on the scheduled date, between 7am and 5pm.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
60-minute written assessment task on the grammar and vocabulary studied in class: Unidades 1, 2 and 3 of Aula Internacional Plus 4.
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at low B2 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Understanding and Writing.
Prueba escrita en la que se valorará el uso de la gramática y del vocabulario estudiados en la clase. Unidades 1, 2 y 3 de Aula Internacional Plus 4.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This assessment task will be available for completion via Blackboard link in Evaluaciones Menu Tab.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due.
Oral group presentation
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
13/05/2025 - 15/05/2025
Presentations in Week 11 at the UQ Art Museum during regular class time.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Students will deliver a presentation to the class as if they were Cultural Mediators. They will present on one or two works from the Exhibition, These Entanglements: Ecology After Nature at the UQ Art Museum. Students will visit the exhibition and select one/two artwork/s. They should inform their lecturer about their selection so that no other group can select the same artwork later. They can visit the exhibition as many times as they want. The Museum will be offering a guided tour, especially for SPAN3110 on 17 April at 2pm.
- Students are required to work in groups of three. However, assessment is individually marked (see Criteria & Marking). They should contact their lecturer if the group is not functioning effectively.
- Each student will present a 5-minute talk (15 minutes per group, plus questions). Reading is NOT allowed. Students can use one flashcard only to help advance their presentation (see Criteria & Marking in Blackboard).
- Student should incorporate in their discourse the grammatical construction studied in the course (Check Unidades 1-6 in Aula Internacional Plus 4, especially ‘organizadores de la argumentación’ and ‘conectores’: Unidad 2 and 4).
- If a group member requests an extension for whatever reason, the extension will be valid for the group member and not the whole group. Assessment for the oral presentation is individually marked.
The presentation should cover:
1 THEMES- presentation and analysis of the artwork, its importance, its relevance to the exhibition, its national or global context, the story/history behind the artwork. It should also include information on the artist that is relevant to the analysed work. You should connect the artwork to themes such as the Anthropocene, deep ecology, new materialism, posthumanism, embodied knowledges, and First Nations kinship and connection to Country. See the media kit for more information about this exhibit.
2 ORGANISATION- The presentations will take place in situ at the UQ Museum with the presence of the entire class. An important part of it is the interaction with the public. The lecturer and students will be asking questions at the end of each group presentation. Students should also prepare questions for the audience (since they are presenting as cultural mediators).
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at low B2 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Understanding and Speaking.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Each student will present a 5-minute talk role playing as cultural mediator (15 minutes per group, plus questions). Reading is NOT allowed. Students can use one flashcard only to help advance their presentation (see Criteria & Marking on Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Presentations require the presence of an audience to assess the students' oral interaction. Since this assessment takes place in Week 11, that leaves only one week to complete it in class, as Week 13 is dedicated to consolidating the content of the course before the final exam.
In-person Grammar Exam (Prueba 2)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Written task on the grammar and vocabulary studied in classes: Unidades 4, 5 and 6 of Aula internacional Plus 4. 60-minute task. Exam week. 10 minutes perusal. During planning time students are encouraged to review and plan responses to the exam questions. The exam is completed in person on a set date during Exam Period. This is a handwritten exam.
This assessment item allows you to demonstrate competency at low B2 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale for Understanding and Writing.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Please answer the questions in the spaces provided on the exam paper.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: None of the course requirements are met. The student'sﾠcommunicative skills in Spanish are lacking. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are not at the required levelﾠof proficiency for this course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to either demonstrate a basic understanding of the teaching material taught in the course or a proficiency level adequate to the course objectives. The student's communication in Spanish lacks both lexical range and grammatical accuracy. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstratesﾠa limited understanding of the new items introducedﾠto the course and rarely uses communication strategies adequately. The student's communication on Spanish present a limited range of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student does not use communication strategies very effectively. Understanding of spoken and written Spanish is generally good but details may not be fully comprehended. The student's use of vocabulary is limited with errors occasionally affecting meaning. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student occasionally uses effective communication strategies. Their understanding of spoken and written Spanish is generally good. The student's use of vocabulary is good. Fluency is subject to fluctuation. The student attempts to use a range of structures in Spanish; while errors occur, they do notﾠgenerally affect meaning. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student uses effective communication strategies. Their understanding of spoken and written Spanish is very good. The student consistently uses comprehensible sentences and responds fluently, appropriately and confidently. In speech and writing the student uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures with very little errors. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student effectively uses communication strategies. Their understanding of spoken and written Spanish is very good. The student consistently uses comprehensible sentences and responds fluently, appropriately and confidently. In speech and writing the student uses a wide range of vocabulary and structures accurately and attempts to use language creatively. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
It is essential that you regularly visit the course's Blackboard site and course Padlet for updated material and information.
Please bring/print the Cuadernillo (available for downloading onﾠ Bb), we use it in class and for your homework.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 1 Unidad 1 Course description. Unidad 1 starts. Review tenses of preterito. Preterito pluscuamperfecto. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Unidad 1-2 Passive voice. Verbs of transmission. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Unidad 2 Condicional. Imperfecto subjuntivo. Opinar, reaccionar, valorar. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Unidad 3 Hand in Tarea evaluada 1 Unidad 1 & 2. Expressing 'desconocimiento'. 'Aconsejar'. Expressing feelings. Recall 'situaciones imaginarias'. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Unidad 3 Express conditions. Recall imaginary situations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Unidad 4 Hand in Tarea evaluada 2 Unidad 3. Uses of prepositions 'por' and 'para'. 'Correlacion temporal en las frases de relativo'. Guided visit to UQ Art Museum Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Unidad 5 Written task 1/Prueba 1: Unidades 1 - 3. Relative particles. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Unidad 5 Relative particles. Speaking about 'ideas previas' or expectations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 9 Unidad 5-6 Film discussion 'Nosotros los Nobles'. Start Unidad 6. ANZAC DAY THURSDAY 25 APRIL -- no class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Unidad 6 Express indispensable conditions. Use of 'infinitivo compuesto'. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Oral presentations Oral presentations: Meeting at UQ Art Museum. Hand in Tarea evaluada 3 Unidad 4 & 5. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Unidad 6 Passive and impersonal structures in the future. Infinitivo compuesto. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Unidad 6 Film discussion 'El laberinto del fauno' or 'La contadora de cuentos'. Revision. Exam outline. Hand in Tarea evaluada 4 Unidad 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.