English Courses Spanish Language and Culture Courses 2012-2013
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
FIRST (FALL) SEMESTER OFFERINGS Language and communication -6 ECTS This course explores the various ways human beings exploit language for distinct communicative ends. The course begins with a review of the building blocks of language and then examines the use of more abstract para- and extra-linguistic aspects of language. Next, the principle tenets of Sociolinguistics will be discussed. Both Correlational Sociolinguistics as well as the Sociology of Language will be explored. Additionally, the concept of bilingualism and the communication of human emotions will be studied. Anthropology (Annual) -6 ECTS This course seeks to study what is common to all human beings, that is, their nature, from a philosophical perspective, from the viewpoint of common first principles (archai) and a shared final end (telos). Insofar as the philosophical perspective should be open to inputs from other sciences, we shall pay special attention to contributions from Modern Happiness Studies and biotechnology regarding eudaimonia or the perfection of human nature. World literature -6 ECTS This course tries to convey fundamental notions concerning the most important ages, trends and authors of literature within the Western World. The approach is basically chronological. Thus, the program deals with of successive periods – Ancient World, Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Modern Times – although in the last few topics the different genres will be treated separately. The most relevant and significant literary works of those ages, trends and genres will be analyzed. History and memory -6 ECTS History and Memory is an introductory course. It aims at understanding a set of historical concepts through different historical periods. It also provides first year students with the necessary skills and abilities to enroll in further specialized courses. What history is will be explained while analyzing the most relevant historiographical models that have attempted to interpret history. Students will learn to use different tools for historical research and also, the most important questions of each historical period will be answered.
Language learning & attention to linguistic diversity -6 ECTS This course is designed to enhance the student’s theoretical knowledge regarding second language acquisition and the pedagogical practices which foster effective teaching of second languages. Practical pedagogical techniques centered round second language teaching methodologies are also studied. The course is divided into four thematic sections: first language acquisition, second language acquisition, issues in second language learning which impact the classroom and learning models and teaching methodologies.
SECOND (SPRING) SEMESTER OFFERINGS English language -6 ECTS This course seeks to provide university students with an in-depth knowledge of diverse areas of English and its development into a global “lingua franca�. Students will acquire basic concepts in linguistics and phonology aimed at improving their oral and written control of the language. They will also acquire basic academic reading, writing and speaking academic skills. Images and culture -6 ECTS The Image and Culture program aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the fine and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. It emphasizes the importance of visual analysis and an understanding of materials, techniques and quality in matters of identification, attribution and connoisseurship. Works of art are examined in relation to their social as well as their art historical context, and collecting and patronage form an important element of the subject. Sociology -6 ECTS This course is a theoretical introduction to the fundamental concepts of the social sciences today: its object of study, its methodologies and different investigation techniques. Also the most important sociological theories will be explained. The course will try to show how problems related to sociology affect our modern world. British and American literature -6 ECTS This course aims to identify different forms of literature in the English language, literary genres and styles. In addition the student should be familiar with basic critical techniques and strategies. History and culture of the English speaking world -6 ECTS In this course the student will learn how the English Speaking World developed once colonization on the American continent took place. In addition, the student will have an outlook to imperialism and to the different colonies the English people founded on Africa and Asia, such as India.
Business ethics -3 ECTS After a short introduction to the origins and development of business ethics, this course will present a more constructive approach based on the notion of “moral capital� or virtue. We shall also explain how the firm, through the proper ethical perspective, could actually be a potent force toward attaining the common good of society.
SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSES * SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES FIRST (FALL) SEMESTER OFFERINGS Español I (A1, A2, B1, B2) -6 ECTS Spanish I (A1, A2, B1, B2) The main objective of this course is getting to know Spanish grammar (according to your level). Each class consists in both explanations by the professor and use of the manual, which allow the student to practice and make several exercises for written expression and comprehension. Expresión escrita en español -6 ECTS Writing in Spanish The purpose of the following course is improving the written abilities of the student. The final goal is making sure the student reaches the written level established by the MCRE. Conversación en español I (A1, A2, B1, B2) –3 ECTS Conversation in Spanish I (A1, A2, B1, B2) The following course aims to teach the student the required abilities for oral expression, according to his level. The course gives the student the possibility of applying in conversation all knowledge learnt in Español I. Introducción a la traducción –3 ECTS Introduction to Translation This course aims to introduce students to translation, knowing its different types, procedures, its main difficulties, how to deal with false friends, idioms; as well as knowing the criteria for an accurate translation.
SECOND (SPRING) SEMESTER OFFERINGS Español II (A1, A2, B1, B2) –6 ECTS Spanish II (A1, A2, B1, B2) The main objective of this course is getting to know Spanish grammar (according to your level). Each class consists in both explanations by the professor and use of the manual, which allow the student to practice and make several exercises for written expression and comprehension. Redacción en español–6 ECTS Writing in Spanish II The purpose of the following course is improving the written abilities of the student. The final goal is making sure the student reaches the written level established by the MCRE. Español de los negocios –6 ECTS Business Spanish This course aims to teach the student, the specific language needed for the business world in Spain. It focuses on the main working fields, like Human Resources and administrative language. The approach of the course is on communicative skills (oral and written). Conversación en español II (A1, A2, B1, B2) –3 ECTS Conversation in Spanish II (A1, A2, B1, B2) The following course aims to teach the student the required abilities for oral expression, according to his level. The course gives the student the possibility of applying in conversation all knowledge learnt in Español II. Traducción ingles/español –3 ECTS English/Spanish Translation This course teaches the student the differences between English and Spanish, according to their grammar, orthography, etc. Connotations will be explained, as well as the correct translation of false friends and idioms. Moreover, the student will learn the differences between translating literary and commercial texts.
SPANISH CULTURE COURSES FIRST (FALL) SEMESTER OFFERINGS Grandes figures de la literatura en español -6 ECTS Great writers in Spanish language The course consists on a brief introduction to the main genres on literature, as well as on the study of the most representative Spanish and Hispanic works before the 20th Century. Its historical-cultural context is explained in order to get a better comprehension of the readings. Cultura y sociedad hispánicas –6 ECTS Hispanic culture and society The following course consists on explaining the student the different aspects of Hispanic culture; including its language, Spanish, daily life, different tradition and customs in Spain, its folklore and music. Arte español –6 ECTS Spanish art The goal of this course is showing the student the most important art and movie manifestations on Spanish culture. The most representative examples will be selected and therefore studied, while improving the communicative competences of the student. Historia medieval y moderna de España – 3ECTS Medieval and modern history of Spain This course offers the student the chance of getting in contact with the origins of the current Spanish identity. With this course the student will know some of the Spanish history and its geography. Antropología fundamental –3 ECTS Fundamental Anthropology This course will teach the student about the questions relating mankind and its sense of existence. It will be discussed what freedom is, and if we really are free or not. Good and evil will be deal with too, especially what means to be “good”. Finally, but not less important, morality will be discussed in class.
SECOND (SPRING) SEMESTER OFFERINGS Literatura del siglo XX en español –6 ECTS 20th Century Literature in Spanish Language After a brief introduction of the main genres on literature, this course will focus on the study of 20th Century Spanish literature. Its historical-cultural context is explained in order to get a better comprehension of the readings. Civilización y cultura hispánica –6 ECTS Hispanic culture and society II The following course teaches the student about Spanish economy and demography. Also Spain in the international world will be studied. In addition, the student will have a look at politics and the government system in Spain, while also knowing some of the actual issues and debates surrounding the country. Historia contemporánea de España y de América –3 ECTS Contemporary History of Spain and America The course focuses on the most recent Spanish history, since 1788 until nowadays. It teaches the student all political issues surrounding Spain and Latin America during this past centuries, which resulted on the world and political systems we know. Antropología social –3 ECTS Social Anthropology This course will teach the student about the questions relating mankind and its sense of existence. It will be discussed what freedom is, and if we really are free or not. Good and evil will be deal with too, especially what means to be “good”. Finally, but not less important, morality will be discussed in class.
*All ILCE courses are taught in Spanish. All levels are offered, from very beginners to advanced. There is a compulsory level test before to start the semester.
Also in English: PUBLIC SPEAKING SOCIETY In the Public Speaking Society you will learn by doing. You will learn to: become better more confident public speakers, improve presentation skills, how to persuade, motivate and inspire others, enhance your leadership skills and become more effective and focused listeners.
ENGLISH BOOK CLUB Weekly short stories from the Modern British Tradition (Waugh, Chesterton, Lewis, Wolfe and many more).