SPAN 1003 - Beginners Spanish A
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code SPAN 1003 Course Beginners Spanish A Coordinating Unit European Languages, and Linguistics Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible SPAN 1001, SPAN 1002, SPAN 1003OL Assessment 8 x online quizzes - 25%, Mid-Semester test - 25%, Final test - 40%, Tutorial participation - 10% Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Paula Plastic
Dr Paula Plasti膰Lecturer in Spanish Studies
Department of European Languages and Linguistics | School of Humanitiese: paula.plastic@adelaide.edu.au
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
1 two-hour seminar X 12 weeks
2 One-hour tutorials per week X12 weeks.
Seminars and tutorials will be face-to-face. -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1 Correctly recognise, pronounce and use a wide variety of vocabulary in Spanish. 2 Write complete sentences and short paragraphs in Spanish. 3 Maintain a basic conversation in Spanish of ten minutes or longer. 4 Provide basic information about their country of origin in Spanish. 5 Understand and use the basic structures of the Spanish grammar. 6 Read and understand basic documents in Spanish. 7 Use the internet to further their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture. 8 Complete assessment tasks and language practices using digital technologies. 9 Work collaboratively with their peers in group assignments and practices to improve their use of the Spanish language. 10 To discover cultural differences between Australia and the Spanish-speaking world, and to make respectful comparisons between the two worldviews. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1, 2, 5, 6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
6, 7, 10 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1, 3, 4, 9 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
2, 5, 6, 7, 8 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
4, 7, 10 Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.
. Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
. Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
4, 10 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
You will need a workbook,(2022). This is a very inexpensive ebook that you will use in SPAN 1003 and SPAN 1004. You may print and bind it or use it in its digital form. All other materials will be provided via MyUni.Recommended Resources
You will be typing in Spanish when completing tasks. In order to spell words correctly, work more efficiently, and avoid penalties, make sure you add the Spanish keyboard to your devices. Here are some resources that may help you:
Online Learning
You will find additional videos and activities on MyUni.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
In this course, you will be asked to:
- Attend 1 x 2-hour seminar / week
- Attend 2 x 1-hour tutorial / week
- Complete homework/assignments (Vocabulary and Grammar Quizzes, Discussions, etc.)
- Revise content studied in class regularly
- Sit a midterm, a final, and an oral exam
Tutorials: Tutorials are even more practical. Students will revise vocabulary and complete reading, listening, and viewing activities, as well as prepare for the oral exam. Tutorials begin in week 1 of the semester.
Independent work: Learning a language takes time so you will be expected to complete homework and practice outside of class time.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
One two-hour seminar per week 24 hours per semester 2 x 1-hour tutorials per week 24 hours per semester 4 hours homework completion per week 48 hours per semester 3 hour online-quizzes preparation and completion (5 weeks) 15 hours per semester 2 hours reading per week 24 hours per semester 19 hours test preparation and completion per semester 20 hours per semester TOTAL WORKLOAD 154 hours per semester Learning Activities Summary
Schedule Week 1 Introduction to SPAN 1003
1. Structure
2. Expectations
3. Assessment
4. Resources
Communication
1. Saying hello and goodbye
2. Introducing yourself (name, age, origin)
Vocabulary
1. Greetings
2. Counting 0-25
3. The classroom
Grammar
1. Spanish as a linguistic, cultural, and emotional system
2. Modes and tenses within the indicative mode
3. Grammatical gender and number > Grammatical Agreement
4. Definite articles: el, la, los, las
5. Verbs: ser and estar (I)Weeks 2-3 Unit 1: Nos conocemos
Communication
1. Describing yourself and others
2. Expressing intention, motivations, and wants using the indicative
Vocabulary
1. Numbers 25-100
2. Nationalities
3. Professions and workplaces
4. Colours
5. Family
Grammar
1. Personal Pronouns
2. Verbal modes/moods
3. Presente del indicativo I: Verb classification > regular verbs
4. Verbs: gustar and querer
5. Verbs: ser and estar (II)
Pronunciation/Intonation
1. Asking personal questions
Culture
1. Spanish speaking communities
2. Family tiesWeeks 4-5 Unit 2: Mi semana
Communication
1. Talking about habits and expressing frequency
Vocabulary
1. Daily routine (activities, adverbs, days of the week, parts of the day, etc)
2. Leisure activities
Pronunciation / Intonation
1. Coordinated sentences
2. /s/ vs /θ/
Grammar
1. Presente del indicativo II: Verb classification > regular, irregular, pronominal, and verbs like GUSTAR
2. Building full sentences > S + V + C
Culture
1. Studying in Spanish speaking citiesWeek 6 Midterm Exam Weeks 7-8 Unit 3: ¡A comer!
Communication
1. Ordering food
2. Talking about eating habits and diets
Vocabulary
1. Ingredients, cooking techniques, utensils, restaurants
2. Numbers 100-1000
3. Ingredients, cooking techniques, utensils, restaurants
Pronunciation
1. /脡戮/ vs /r/
Grammar
1. Preposiciones: de, con
2. Verbs: poner and traer
Culture
1. Typical dishes
2. La sobremesa
3. Las patatasWeeks 9-10 Unit 4: ¿Dónde vives?
Communication
1. Describing towns, neighbourhoods, and cities
2. Asking for/giving directions
3. Talking about the weather
4. Comparing locations
Vocabulary
1. Weather, climate, seasons
2. Services and places in the city
3. Adjectives to describe places
Grammar
1. Prepositions of place
2. Ser, estar, tener, hay
Pronunciation / Intonation
1. Names of countries and cities in the Hispanic world
Culture
1. Countries and cities in the Hispanic world
2. Architecture, homes, and intergenerational householdsWeek 11 Review + Oral Exam Week 12 Final Exam Specific Course Requirements
This course is aimed at students with no previous knowledge of the Spanish language. Heritage speakers, students who already speak the language, and students who have studied Spanish in High School should contact Dr Paula Plastic to decide whether they can enroll in another course.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome Class Preparation, Participation, Attendance Formative and Summative 10% 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9,10 Homework + Quizzes Formative and Summative 20% 5, 7, 8 Mid-term Exam Formative and Summative 20% 1, 2, 5 Oral Exam Formative and Summative 20% 1, 2, 5 Final Exam Formative and Summative 30% 1, 2, 5, 6
Assessment Related Requirements
Students must attend and participate actively in all tutorials. Students must achieve a minimum of 80% attendance to tutorials in order to succeed in this course.Assessment Detail
Participation: Students are expected to actively participate in all activities, both in seminars and tutorials.
Homework: Students will be required to complete homework tasks on a weekly basis.
Mid-term Exam: The midterm exam will cover the content studied in Weeks 1-6.
Final Exam: The final exam will include all grammar points studied in class as well as a vocabulary section, a reading comprehension, and a listening component.Submission
Deadlines
Deadlines are not optional and they are the same for every student taking this course to make your learning experience as fair as possible. You are only allowed to submit one piece of homework or assignment late per semester. Any subsequent late submission will not count towards your grade for Homework + Quizzes.
Extensions are granted on medical, compassionate, or extenuating circumstances recognised under the University’s Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. The completed extension application form and any documentation (such as a medical or counsellor's certification) should be emailed to the contact listed on the form and submitted at least 5 days before the assessment due date. You will be notified of the result of your request.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
