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
This course focuses on the development of advanced writing skills in Spanish (pre-writing, writing and revision techniques) through engagement with four composition genres: narration, description, exposition and argumentation. The emphasis of the course is on writing as a process and as a form of critical inquiry and it is based on the exploration of personal narratives, academic writing and various types of media sources as well as film and literature criticism from the Spanish-speaking world.
This course focuses on the development of advanced writing skills in Spanish. In order to advance students’ writing, learning activities will also focus on enhancing students’ lexical repertoire on various topics as well as on reviewing and consolidating relevant grammatical aspects in relation to discursive and textual levels (progression of tenses, conjunctions, discourse markers, etc.). SPAN3330 aims to progress students’ proficiency level towards the CEFR B2.1 “Vantage or Upper Intermediate” level of linguistic competency and prepare them to undertake further studies at advanced level. The use of Blackboard and its e-learning tools are an important part of this course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students enrolling in SPAN3330 are expected to be independent users of the language who have attained a B1 “Threshold or Intermediate” level of linguistic competency described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (e.g., a minimum grade of 4 in SPAN2020) [Click to self-assess your CEFR level]. SPAN3330 aims to progress students’ proficiency level towards the B2.1 “Vantage or Upper Intermediate” level of linguistic competency (particularly in writing) and prepare them to undertake further studies at advanced level. Students who have not studied Spanish at the University of Queensland need to have an equivalent level of Spanish language proficiency (e.g., from equivalent formal prerequisites gained interstate or overseas, or from residence in a Spanish-speaking country). This level is determined by means of a placement test administered by teaching staff in the Spanish and Latin American Studies Program (please direct any queries in this regard to the Course Coordinator). Please note that enrolments may be refused on the basis of such test and enrolment in a different course may be recommended.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(i) SPAN2020 and/or SPAN2310; or (ii) placement test
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is delivered through a three-hour, weekly interactive workshop. Regular attendance to class, active participation during class activities and conscientious completion of weekly homework tasks are essential to attaining the expected outcomes of this course and to the overall progression towards more advanced levels of Spanish language proficiency. It is highly recommended that students dedicate a minimum of 6 hours a week to private study concentrating especially on reading and writing tasks. In addition to prescribed activities, students are encouraged to regularly access authentic Spanish language material in range of media (online, radio, television, newspapers, etc.) as well as to attend public lectures and seminars on various issues relevant to the Spanish-speaking world.
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 .
Aims and outcomes
This course focuses on the development of advanced writing skills in Spanish (pre-writing, writing and revision techniques) through engagement with four composition genres: narration, description, exposition and argumentation. While listening and speaking are an important component of our interactive workshops, emphasis is placed on students’ development of reading and writing skills. Learning activities will also focus on enhancing students’ lexical repertoire on various topics as well as on reviewing and consolidating relevant grammatical aspects in relation to discursive and textual levels (progression of tenses, conjunctions, discourse markers, etc.).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Engage with the process of writing as a form of critical inquiry and self-reflection through various types of texts (personal narratives, academic texts and various types of media sources as well as film and literature criticism from around the Spanish-speaking world).
LO2.
Apply a wide range of pre-writing, writing and revision techniques in Spanish.
LO3.
Express your ideas in a coherent manner (introduction, development and conclusion) attending to the scope, discursive and textual conventions of specific genres under study.
LO4.
Reflect on your writing process and improve on your written work by proofreading it with an eye for logical connectors, grammar and vocabulary covered in the course as well as by peer- and self- editing it for content, organization, cohesion and style.
LO5.
Demonstrate enhanced, critical awareness of the linguistic and cultural diversity within the Spanish-speaking world.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Examination |
Narración
|
20% |
21/03/2025
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 4). Duration: 60 minutes, starting at 12pm. Expected word count: 400-450 words. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Examination |
Descripción
|
20% |
11/04/2025
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 7). Duration: 60 minutes, starting at 12pm. Expected word count: 400-450 words. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Exposición
|
30% |
23/05/2025 5:00 pm
Students can submit before the due date. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Argumentación
|
30% |
19/06/2025 5:00 pm
Students can submit before the due date. |
Assessment details
Narración
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/03/2025
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 4).
Duration: 60 minutes, starting at 12pm.
Expected word count: 400-450 words.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will write a narrative text. They must choose one out of two short stories available on Blackboard from Week 1. After selecting one of the stories, students will write an associated piece of creative writing. The narration genre explores the question: What happened?
This is an in-class assessment. Students have one hour to complete this task. Expected word limit: 400-450 words.
Students will handwrite this task using pen or pencil. Students will be given lined paper. Students can use a paper dictionary and one cue card written on one side (see permitted materials section); NO virtual, online electronic dictionary is permitted. NO mobile phones are permitted. To allow for corrections to be made clearly and easily please use double spacing. Please indicate number of words written.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Students can use a paper dictionary (Spanish-English), and one SINGLE SIDED cue card (A5) with handwritten or typed notes. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This is an in-person paper-based, in-class assessment. The assessment will be held during the first contact hour of the scheduled class: Friday 12pm.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If the deferral request is successful, you will have to complete your assessment in your lecturer's office, outside of class hours.
Descripción
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/04/2025
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 7).
Duration: 60 minutes, starting at 12pm.
Expected word count: 400-450 words.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will write a descriptive text, describing a photograph from the exhibition 'What do Objects want? The face of humanity' in the UQ Anthropology Museum: https://catalogue.anthropologymuseum.uq.edu.au/?page=subcollection&record=enarratives.85. The description genre explores the question: What/How is X?
This is an in-class assessment. You have one hour to complete this task. Extension: 400-450 words.
Students will handwrite this task using pen or pencil. Students will be given lined paper. Students can use a paper dictionary and one cue card written on one side; NO virtual, online electronic dictionary is permitted. NO mobile phones are permitted. To allow for corrections to be made clearly and easily please use double spacing. Please indicate number of words written.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Students can use a paper dictionary (Spanish-English), and one SINGLE SIDED cue card (A5) handwritten or typed notes. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This is an in-person paper-based, in-class assessment. The assessment will be held during the first contact hour of the scheduled class: Friday 12pm.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If the deferral request is successful, you will have to complete your assessment in your lecturer's office, outside of class hours.
Exposición
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/05/2025 5:00 pm
Students can submit before the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will write an expository text about a topic related to the Spanish speaking world, researching and referencing relevant sources. The purpose of this genre is to report, explain or inform. Minimum 850 words. Total number of words includes direct quotes.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: This written assignment should be submitted electronically for academic integrity purposes. The electronic copy should be submitted via the Turnitin link, accessible through the Blackboard site for the course. Assignments submitted by email will not be accepted.
FORMATTING: Students should type their assignment using double space (minimum 1,5), a clear font type (12 pts minimum), and with enough margin (2,5 cm minimum) to allow for
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 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.
The maximum extension length ensures that assessors can provide timely feedback, supporting the progressive, sequential, and cumulative nature of composition genres and 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.
Argumentación
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
19/06/2025 5:00 pm
Students can submit before the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will write an argumentative essay about a controversial issue, a film or a literary work preferably from the Spanish Speaking World. The purpose of this genre is to persuade the reader to accept a specific point of view as valid. An argumentative essay goes beyond the narration of the facts found in a text. It offers a personal reading or answer supported by textual evidence from the film/text itself. Minimum 950 words – Maximum 1200 words. Total number of words includes direct quotes.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: This written assignment should be submitted electronically for academic integrity purposes. The electronic copy should be submitted via the Turnitin link, accessible through the Blackboard site for the course by the due date.
FORMATTING: Students should type their assignment using double space (minimum 1.5), a clear font type (12 pts minimum), and with enough margin (2.5 cm minimum) to allow for corrections to be made clearly and easily. Please indicate number of words written.
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 on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Be aware that applying for the maximum extension length will affect the calculation and publication of final results/grade for 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.
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: The student fails to demonstrate understanding and application of the content introduced in the course, nor has developed proficiency level in the four skill areas of Spanish to carry out any of the course objectives. Constant grammatical errors impede communication. Insufficient vocabulary; frequent second language interference. Severe problems with orthography may interfere with written communication. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student uses very few communication and writing strategies and demonstrates a limited understanding of spoken and written Spanish at this level. The student's use of composition techniques introduced in the course is very limited. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student does not use written and oral strategies for communication very effectively. Understanding of written and oral Spanish is good but performance is not as important lexical and grammatical details may be missing. Significant second language interference. Pervasive errors of orthography. Limited vocabulary. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student occasionally uses the oral and written strategies learned in the course in relation to the four genres studied. The student understands written and oral Spanish generally well butﾠthere are problems ofﾠaccuracy and fluidity inﾠtheir performance. May have frequent errors in orthography and other conventions of the written language. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student uses the techniques and strategies learned in the course effectively and understand written and spoken Spanish very well.ﾠTheirﾠoral and written production is generally accurate. Creative use of language is attempted. Control of elementary structures and common verb tenses; frequent errors may occur in complex structures. Vocabulary appropriate but limited, occasional second language interference. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student uses the techniques and strategies learned in the course very effectively and understands written and spoken Spanish very well. The student participates in the oral exercises confidently, appropriately and with fluency. In their written production, the student demonstrates complex syntax and appropriate use of verbs; very good control of elementary structures. Conventions of the written and spoken language generally correct. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The studentﾠ demonstrates ﾠto have learned and used all the techniques and strategies taught in the course. Control of complex syntax and good use of verb conjugations, tenses and moods, although a few errors may occur. Rich, precise idiomatic vocabulary; ease of expression. Very good command of conventions of the written and spoken language. |
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.
Additional assessment information
All submitted written and homework tasks should be the work of the student and the student alone. This means that students are NOT to seek unauthorised outside help (which may include help from other students, teachers, private tutors, ghost writers, native speakers, or electronic translation software such as Google Translate, etc.) either in the preparation of written tasks or in checking for errors before tasks are submitted. Cases where students are suspected of having used outside help will be referred to the School of Languages and Cultures Integrity Officer for further investigation. Students who use outside help may be found guilty of academic misconduct which can attract significant penalties. The University’s policy on Student Integrity and Misconduct is available at http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04studentintegrityandmisconduct.
If students are having difficulties in completing their written tasks, they are encouraged to seek help from their lecturerﾠ during consultation hours or by appointment.
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
The prescribed textbook, ﾠDeveloping Writing Skills in Spanish and its companion website ﾠhttp://www.developingwritingskills.com/ﾠcontain ﾠa wealth of additional practice material.ﾠ
Additional learning ﾠresources will be made available to students weekly through the course Blackboard site. These include:ﾠ
(A)ﾠ lecture notes, exercises, models and examples for independent work;
(B) extra materialﾠ and suggestions for further work, including specific grammar exercises; andﾠ
(C) aﾠ selection of literary texts, models and examples to help youﾠdevelop your skill, your literary sensibility and your sense of style in different literary genres.ﾠ
Please log in regularly every week and use these resources wisely to make the most of the course.
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) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 1 - Narración Introduction to the course content and activities. Chapter one: El texto narrativo. Introduction to the main features of Narrative Writing. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 2 - Narración Chapter 1: El texto narrativo. Organización; Correlacion temporal; Narrator's perspective. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 3 - Narración Chapter 1: El texto narrativo. Organización; Correlacion temporal; Narrator's perspective. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 4 - Descripción First hour: in class assessment: 'Narración'. Please note that after the completion of the assessment, classes will proceed as normal. Introduction to Descriptive Writing. Chapter 2: El texto descriptivo. GRAM: Ser/Estar; Adjectives; Descriptive Vocabulary. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 5 - Descripción Chapter 2: El texto descriptivo. Ser/Estar; Adjectives; Descriptive Vocabulary. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 6 - Descripción Chapter 2: El texto descriptivo. Ser/Estar; Adjectives; Descriptive Vocabulary. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 7 - Exposición First hour Assessment: 'Descripción'. Please note that after the completion of the assessment, classes will proceed as normal. Beginning chapter 3: Chapter 2: El texto expositivo Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
SEMANA 8 - FERIADO/HOLIDAY FERIADO |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 9 - Exposición Chapter 3: El texto expositivo. Organización; Marcadores discursivos; Discurso indirecto; Voz pasiva y expresiones impersonales. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 10 - Exposición Chapter 3: El texto expositivo. Organización; Marcadores discursivos; Discurso indirecto; Voz pasiva y expresiones impersonales. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 11 - Argumentación Introduction to Argumentative Writing. Chapter 4: El texto argumentativo. Organización; Marcadores discursivos, Verbos y expresiones para introducir puntos de vista. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 12 - Argumentación Chapter 4: El texto argumentativo. Organización; Marcadores discursivos, Verbos y expresiones para introducir puntos de vista. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
SEMANA 13 - Argumentación Chapter 4: El texto argumentativo. Organización; Marcadores discursivos, Verbos y expresiones para introducir puntos de vista. 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.