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Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world

This module takes you to an upper intermediate level of competence in Spanish, which is equivalent to level B2 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference. You’ll further develop your cultural knowledge, and practical language skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and interacting in a variety of situations – ranging from everyday conversation to putting forward your point of view in a debate. You’ll also consolidate and further develop academic, digital and employability skills in Spanish-speaking contexts. A residential school takes place in Spain, or an online alternative will be provided.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code
L226
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60
Study level
To enable you to make international comparisons, the information provided shows how OU levels correspond to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ).
OU FHEQ
2 5
Study method
Distance Learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements
See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

This module further extends your language competence as well as enhancing your cultural knowledge and developing key skills necessary for studying at a higher level. The themes of the module cover different aspects of life in Spanish-speaking countries today.

You’ll work with online materials, and study a variety of texts, and audio and video materials that will develop your reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. The activities provided will also develop your academic, digital, professional and intercultural skills in Spanish-speaking contexts.

The module has six themes:

  • Work and education
  • Media and popular culture
  • Environment
  • History
  • Social issues
  • Individuals and institutions

Through each theme, you’ll gradually develop your knowledge and skills by:

  • consolidating and expanding your knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar
  • learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
  • studying with audio recordings and videos that explore topical issues in Spanish-speaking cultures and societies
  • engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
  • practising translation to support your language learning
  • consolidating and expanding your academic skills
  • using digital tools and resources to support your language learning
  • finding and using information from external sources
  • working independently and in collaboration with others
  • reviewing your personal goals and monitoring your progress using checklists and reflective questions.

The study materials provide confidence-building strategies to improve your learning skills. We’ve carefully structured these to equip you gradually with the key skills necessary for studying at a higher level.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll have a tutor to help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written and spoken tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). You can also ask your tutor for advice and guidance. This module usually includes a mix of face-to-face and online tutorials. Depending on where you live and on current guidance regarding face-to-face events, the mix will vary. Until July 2021, at least, all tutorials will be held online. Although you’re not obliged to attend, we strongly encourage you to take part, as they will provide you with plenty of opportunities to speak and listen to Spanish.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

The TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. The EMA tests your writing skills.

Residential school

A compulsory residential school takes place in Spain. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we may replace face-to-face events with an online alternative.

The one-week residential school runs in February/March and provides excellent opportunities to enhance and develop the skills covered in the module, to practise your Spanish in a variety of situations and learn more about the country. On most days, the programme runs from approximately 09:00 until 19:00, with breaks between activities.

If you can’t attend the school for reasons beyond your control, an alternative learning experience (ALE), which runs in April, must be completed. This is provided online using a computer conferencing system that allows you to speak with your tutor and fellow students in real time. However, the residential school in Spain offers a wider range of learning opportunities than the ALE.

To pass the module, you must take part in either the residential school or the ALE.

Residential school and ALE dates are provisional and subject to change.

Future availability

Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2021. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

    Course work includes:

    4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
    End-of-module assessment
    Embedded residential school


    Entry requirements

    There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.

    However, as this is an OU level 2 module, you’ll need appropriate knowledge of Spanish through any of the following:

    • Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)
    • En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140) – now discontinued
    • Spanish knowledge equivalent to the above

    If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.

    Preparatory work

    Anything you can do to keep practising your Spanish will be helpful. For example:

    • listening to Spanish radio broadcasts and podcasts
    • accessing authentic resources online
    • checking out the language materials available in iTunes U
    • borrowing Spanish books and films from the local library
    • reading a Spanish newspaper
    • redoing some of the activities in L116 (or L140)
    • watching and listening to the L116 (or L140) audio and video materials.

    You can also visit OpenLearn to explore the free materials available for Spanish.

    Register

    Start End Fee Register
    02 Oct 2021 Jun 2022 Not yet available

    Registration opens on 18/03/21
    This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2028.

    Additional Costs

    Study costs

    There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

    If your income is not more than £25,000 or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

    Residential schools

    This module includes a compulsory residential school for which you must pay an additional charge of £300 (2020/21) to cover the cost of accommodation and meals. You’ll pay this charge when you book the residential school, after you’ve enrolled on the module. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue. If you can’t attend the school for reasons beyond your control, you may apply for the online alternative (if accepted, the additional charge doesn’t apply).

    Ways to pay for this module

    Open University Student Budget Account

    The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

    You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

    • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
    • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

    Joint loan applications

    If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

    As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

    Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).  

    Employer sponsorship

    Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

    More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

    • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
    • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

    Credit/debit card

    You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

    We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

    Mixed payments

    We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


    Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and therefore the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fees and funding information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2021. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees. 

    This information was provided on 02/03/2021.

    What's included

    You'll have access to a module website, which includes:

    • a week-by-week study planner
    • course-specific module materials
    • audio and video content
    • access to the Open University online library that contains resources for Spanish
    • assessment details and submission section
    • online tutorial access
    • access to forums where you can communicate with your fellow students.

    You'll also be provided with a printed grammar book.

    Computing requirements

    A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.

    Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

    A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.

    The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

    To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).

    Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.

    If you have a disability

    The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L226 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

    If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find out more about what we offer.