Presentation

The method seminars in foreign languages are not language classes in the classical sense.  Classes are based on the active participation of students and focus on general cultural questions relative to the countries of the languages studied. The lecturer aims to develop the students’ understanding of specific fundamental knowledge and methodology skills in both oral and written communication.  The course provides deeper insight into the political systems of the country/countries concerned and helps the students gain a better understanding of contemporary societies and of  the issues at stake in the main political debates in those countries. The class examines topics related to Spain and Latin America (key historical stages, political systems, geography, economic and social environment, contemporary society, cultural life,…) and aims to further  develop students’ written and oral expression skills (reinforcing basic linguistic skills, developing and broadening students' vocabulary, improving syntax,  learning to speak at length and to interact….)

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

A good command of the basic linguistic components: verb conjugation in all tenses and moods, ensuring agreements (between noun and adjective, and between subject and verb, etc.), linking words. Terminale level

Bibliography

• Bescherelle, el arte de conjugar en español (ed. Hatier).
• Syntaxe de l’espagnol moderne de Jean Coste et Augustín Redondo (ed.Sedes)
• http://www.rtve.es/television/informe-semanal/
• http://es.kiosko.net/ 

Educational formula

The work is based on texts (press or social science journal articles) or other types of audio or audio-visual documents. The themes are discussed in the form of presentations/debates: summary, commentary, press review, detailed presentation of an issue, debates, role playing... During the sessions, the emphasis is on oral communication; personal preparation prior to the class is mandatory. All preparatory work must be done in writing, for possible assessment by the lecturer.