Department of Spanish and Portuguese

Paper SP A1

Introduction to Spanish 1: Use of Spanish

This paper aims to take you to a level of linguistic ability roughly matching that of an A-Level qualification. This corresponds to level B1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. As well as supporting the literature, linguistics and translation work required by your course, the SPA1 paper equips you with the communicative resources to handle every day situations in Spanish, both orally and in writing. This includes the ability to discuss topics of general interest in the language. These are ambitious goals, but experience has shown us that they are achievable, provided you put in the necessary work. Your class teacher and supervisors will be there to offer all the support you may need.

Teaching for this paper takes the form of two language classes per week, which take you through the major points of the grammar of Spanish, while in a weekly supervision (in your College) you will practise writing in Spanish from day one. These supervisions follow the same topic-structure (the same book) as your oral supervisions in order to ensure that you acquire vocabulary and structures in a progressive way and that all parts of the course form a coherent whole.

The examination for this paper will last three hours and incorporates guided writing, a short translation into Spanish and grammar exercises.

Course material

You will need to obtain a copy of the following books:

• Coursebook (PLEASE NOTE: NEW BOOK FROM MICHAELMAS 2011): Vía rápida, (Barcelona: Difusión). Note: you do NOT need a copy of the Libro de ejercicios (Workbook).

• Grammar: A Spanish Learning Grammar, Pilar Muñoz & Mike Thacker (London: Arnold, latest edition). You will need to begin work on this book BEFORE you arrive in Cambridge.

• Grammar Practice: Uso de la gramática española - nivel elemental, Francisca Castro (Edelsa, Spain, latest edition). In the Lent term, you will also need a copy of the "nivel intermedio" book from the same series.

You can purchase these books from your local bookshop or order them online (e.g. from amazon.es). Cambridge bookshops (Heffers and Waterstone's) are aware of our reading lists. You may also be able to purchase second-hand copies of some of the books from Heffers (tel. 01223 568568). Whatever option you go for, it is very important that you get a copy of the books BEFORE your classes start.