Spanish studies 1 (intermediate)
This module takes you to an intermediate level of linguistic competence in Spanish, which is equivalent to B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference. You will develop your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in Spanish, as well as your knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking societies and cultures. In addition, the module is designed to expand your academic, digital and employability skills in Spanish contexts. You will have the option to study most activities in a book or as interactive online activities on the module website. The website uses authentic online resources in support of independent and collaborative learning.
What you will study
This module is based around six themes: Leisure and culture; Geography; Work, employment and unemployment; History; Celebrations, customs and traditions; and Society. Through each theme, you will gradually develop your Spanish knowledge and skills by:
- familiarising yourself with core vocabulary and grammar
- learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
- studying with audio recordings and videos featuring speakers of Spanish and their lives and environments
- engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
- practising direct translation to support your language learning
- working independently and in collaboration with others
- reviewing and monitoring your progress using checklists, and reflective questions.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.
Professional recognition
This module will develop your proficiency in Spanish to a level equivalent to B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You require a working knowledge of Spanish to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194) or who have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in Spanish-speaking countries, regular contact with Spanish-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in Spanish in everyday situations such as talking about yourself; your family and where you are from; booking a hotel; or asking for directions.
To help decide if you have sufficient Spanish to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your Spanish in any way you can. You could do this by: redoing some of the activities, watching and listening to the audio materials in Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194); reading a Spanish newspaper; using online resources; or watching some films in Spanish. Anything you can do to keep practising your Spanish will be helpful.
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a module guide
- a week-by-week study planner
- interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities, including audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- access to forums where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students
- online tutorial access.
You'll also be provided with three printed module books, each covering two blocks of study. The audio and video files needed can be downloaded from the website.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.
You’ll be asked to watch one Spanish-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. Suggestions for films and more information will be provided when you begin the module.
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.