Course Overview:
This course is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of the Spanish language and are looking to strengthen their skills to an intermediate level. Throughout the course, students will engage in various aspects of the Spanish language, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances, while improving their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities.
Module 1: Advanced Grammar – Tenses and Moods
Objective: To deepen understanding of Spanish verb tenses and moods beyond the basics.
Topics Covered:
Present subjunctive and its uses
Imperfect subjunctive
Future tense and future perfect
Conditional tense
Subjunctive in noun clauses and adverbial clauses
Review of irregular verbs
Activities: Exercises, quizzes, and discussions on tense formation and usage in real-world situations.
Real-Life Scenarios: Using different tenses in past, present, and future conversations.
Module 2: Vocabulary Expansion – Daily Life and Special Interests
Objective: To broaden vocabulary around daily activities and specific areas of interest.
Topics Covered:
Vocabulary for travel, food, shopping, and entertainment
Discussing hobbies and personal interests
Expressing opinions on movies, books, music, etc.
Using advanced adjectives and adverbs for description
Activities: Role-playing, creating scenarios related to the topics, and vocabulary-building exercises.
Real-Life Scenarios: Planning a trip, ordering food at a restaurant, and discussing past events.
Module 3: Advanced Pronunciation and Accent
Objective: To improve pronunciation and understand regional accents and dialects.
Topics Covered:
Stress and intonation patterns in different regions
Distinguishing between similar sounds
Pronunciation tips for tricky letters (e.g., the "r," "s," and "v")
Practice with regional variations (e.g., Castilian Spanish vs. Latin American Spanish)
Activities: Audio exercises, pronunciation drills, and conversational practice.
Real-Life Scenarios: Engaging in conversations with native speakers, adjusting to different accents.
Module 4: Conversational Spanish – Expressing Opinions and Debates
Objective: To build confidence in engaging in discussions and debates.
Topics Covered:
Expressing personal opinions and preferences
Agreeing and disagreeing with others
Giving reasons for opinions
Practicing debating topics such as politics, culture, and current events
Activities: Debates, discussions, and peer feedback.
Real-Life Scenarios: Debating the benefits of various societal issues, discussing news, and cultural topics.
Module 5: Spanish for Business and Professional Use
Objective: To enhance language skills in professional and business environments.
Topics Covered:
Business-related vocabulary and expressions
Writing emails and formal letters in Spanish
Negotiation and professional conversations
Presenting ideas and proposals in Spanish
Activities: Writing formal emails, practicing job interviews, and simulating business meetings.
Real-Life Scenarios: Practicing business conversations, job interviews, and business presentations.
Module 6: Reading and Comprehension – Intermediate Texts
Objective: To improve reading comprehension through various texts and written materials.
Topics Covered:
Reading short stories, articles, and news pieces
Analyzing literary devices in texts
Understanding idiomatic expressions and colloquial language
Developing critical thinking through text analysis
Activities: Reading comprehension exercises, group discussions, and analysis of various text types.
Real-Life Scenarios: Reading and analyzing a Spanish-language news article or short story.
Module 7: Writing Skills – Creating Complex Texts
Objective: To enhance writing ability, particularly in creating structured and coherent texts.
Topics Covered:
Writing essays, summaries, and critiques
Using connectors and transitions to create cohesive writing
Correcting common grammatical errors in writing
Writing personal narratives and reflections
Activities: Writing assignments, peer reviews, and self-reflection exercises.
Real-Life Scenarios: Writing a letter to a friend, composing a formal essay, or preparing a blog post.
Module 8: Spanish Culture and History
Objective: To deepen understanding of the cultural, historical, and social aspects of Spanish-speaking countries.
Topics Covered:
The history of Spain and Latin America
Regional customs, festivals, and traditions
Spanish art, music, and literature
Social issues in contemporary Spanish-speaking societies
Activities: Research assignments, virtual tours, and cultural projects.
Real-Life Scenarios: Attending cultural events, discussing Spanish history, or exploring literature and art.