Programme Title

BA Spanish and Portuguese Studies

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Arts

Programme Code

SPS-BA-S

UCAS Code

RR45

HECoS Code

100325

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Arts, English and Languages

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 6

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Languages, Culture and Societies (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Yes. All Single Honours Spanish degrees have University permission to be classified as follows: Level 1 - 10% Level 2 - 20% Year Abroad - 10% Level 3 - 60%

Programme Specific Regulations

Unless exempted by the Head of School on the basis of prior learning or exceptional personal/medical circumstances, students will be required to complete a year-long period of residence in both a Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking country between Level 2 and Level 3. Students will enrol for the MML3040 International Placement module and take the ‘Working and Studying Abroad’ module, SPA3050. Students who are exempted from residence abroad requirements may be required to undertake an alternative form of assessment.

Students will be required to study under the Erasmus programme at one of our partner universities, or to undertake an approved placement in a Spanish-speaking or Portuguese-speaking country.

Students with protected characteristics

The School works with placement providers and partner institutions to ensure that students with disabilities are able to complete residence abroad requirements.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

exercise sound, reasoned judgment;
think independently, originally, imaginatively and in a constructively critical manner;
appreciate a variety of textual and cultural perspectives on academic enquiry;
engage with and interpret layers of meaning within texts;
assess and appraise differing views on significant areas of academic debate;
discriminate between what is central and what is peripheral to the issue in question;
evaluate sources critically in their context;
synthesise diverse primary evidence and subsequent academic comment;
make judgments on the basis of varied and problematic evidence and according to the persuasiveness of the arguments or the reliability of the evidence used;
gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources, so as to formulate and support a line of reasoning, or argument;
identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems;
synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement, primarily through essay writing;
reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback;
manage their own learning self critically;
recognise the importance of explicit referencing and the ethical requirements of study, which requires critical and reflective use of information and information technology in the learning process;
produce intellectually coherent academic analysis under time-managed conditions and within word limits;
structure, manage and adapt strategies for self-directed independent research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests, collaborate with peers, negotiate the demands of teamwork and develop their understanding of a topic.

Through class discussions, sometimes assigned to pairs or sub-groups, students develop a comparative understanding of different approaches to material and the ability to formulate their own arguments and responses.

Student-centred learning situations encourage the ability to present and summarise knowledge to peers in a coherent, structured form, and to further enhance organisational and inter-personal skills.

Writing skills tutorials and lectures develop essay-writing on stylistic, structural, rhetorical and bibliographical levels. The ability to collate and obtain information is developed through introductory training in the use of libraries and online resources.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time.

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

Extended essays test their ability to order and shape information, and to recognise ways in which to present and prioritise material.

Creative responses to primary material encourage students to value knowledge as the basis for imaginative thinking and promote awareness of multiple intelligences

Coursework is required to be submitted in a specified form and to fixed deadlines, thus teaching students to learn to prioritise assignments and objectives and to hone their organisational and time-management skills.

Feedback is provided for each type and instance of assessment and students may seek dedicated feedback sessions with course tutors. Personal Development Planning facilitates student reflection upon academic performance and assists in developing strategies for improvement.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

detailed knowledge of oral and written forms of Spanish and Portuguese;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Language classes enable the development of grammatical accuracy, range of vocabulary and idiom, awareness of register, and fluency in Spanish and Portuguese. Language exercises may include comprehension, summary and report writing, essay, and translation.

Oral classes in small groups develop spoken-language skills.
The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written and/or practice-based exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.
Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.
Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

knowledge and understanding of the linguistic registers, structures and varieties of Spanish and Portuguese;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Language classes enable the development of grammatical accuracy, range of vocabulary and idiom, awareness of register, and fluency in Spanish and Portuguese. Language exercises may include comprehension, summary and report writing, essay, and translation.

Oral classes in small groups develop spoken-language skills.
The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written and/or practice-based exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.
Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.
Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

Knowledge and understanding of the application of postcolonial theory to the study of the postcolonial Portuguese-speaking world as well as an interdisciplinary approach to Brazilian culture and society.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Through class discussions, sometimes assigned to pairs or sub-groups, students develop a comparative understanding of different approaches to material and the ability to formulate their own arguments and responses.

The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish- and Portuguese speaking worlds.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity and of Spain and Portugal’s relations with the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Through class discussions, sometimes assigned to pairs or sub-groups, students develop a comparative understanding of different approaches to material and the ability to formulate their own arguments and responses.

The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish- and Portuguese speaking worlds.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

advanced understanding of how Hispanic and Lusophone cultures use language to express, communicate and develop its identities and interests;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Through class discussions, sometimes assigned to pairs or sub-groups, students develop a comparative understanding of different approaches to material and the ability to formulate their own arguments and responses.

The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish- and Portuguese speaking worlds.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

Students complete a series of written and/or practice-based exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.
Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.
Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Through class discussions, sometimes assigned to pairs or sub-groups, students develop a comparative understanding of different approaches to material and the ability to formulate their own arguments and responses.

The period of residence abroad allows students to improve their linguistic ability and their knowledge of the Spanish- and Portuguese speaking worlds.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

develop independent insight into central features of Spanish and Portuguese language and culture, and to appreciate and engage with a culture other than their own.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the course of their programme, students have the opportunity to study literary, linguistic, historical, visual or cultural topics.

Lectures and seminars together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly by means of the year spent abroad.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

deploy high-level critical concepts specific to linguistic, cultural, literary and language-based studies;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the course of their programme, students have the opportunity to study literary, linguistic, historical, visual or cultural topics.

Lectures and seminars together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly by means of the year spent abroad.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

deploy an appropriate range of vocabulary, structures and registers;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through the wide variety of exercises used in written- and spoken-language classes (presentations, debate, summary and report writing essay, comprehension, grammar tests, translation), a whole range of language skills is developed and assessed. These include: knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, and of the structures and registers of language; translation skills; the structuring and development of arguments in Spanish and Portuguese; fluency and idiom; summary and synthesising skills; planning and composing oral presentations/exposés. Grammatical knowledge is under constant review, and explanation, description and analysis of grammar forms an important part of language classes.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.

Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.

Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

communicate fluently and effectively with native Spanish and Portuguese speakers in both oral and written contexts;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through the wide variety of exercises used in written- and spoken-language classes (presentations, debate, summary and report writing essay, comprehension, grammar tests, translation), a whole range of language skills is developed and assessed. These include: knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, and of the structures and registers of language; translation skills; the structuring and development of arguments in Spanish and Portuguese; fluency and idiom; summary and synthesising skills; planning and composing oral presentations/exposés. Grammatical knowledge is under constant review, and explanation, description and analysis of grammar forms an important part of language classes.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.

Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.

Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

demonstrate a high level of understanding of oral and written forms of Spanish and Portuguese;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through the wide variety of exercises used in written- and spoken-language classes (presentations, debate, summary and report writing essay, comprehension, grammar tests, translation), a whole range of language skills is developed and assessed. These include: knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, and of the structures and registers of language; translation skills; the structuring and development of arguments in Spanish and Portuguese; fluency and idiom; summary and synthesising skills; planning and composing oral presentations/exposés. Grammatical knowledge is under constant review, and explanation, description and analysis of grammar forms an important part of language classes.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.

Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.

Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

synthesise ideas and develop arguments in Spanish, Portuguese and English drawing from a wide range of diverse sources;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the course of their programme, students have the opportunity to study literary, linguistic, historical, visual or cultural topics.

Lectures and seminars together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly by means of the year spent abroad.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

understand, evaluate and analyse a wide variety of texts and ideas from and about Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the course of their programme, students have the opportunity to study literary, linguistic, historical, visual or cultural topics.

Lectures and seminars together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts and real world contexts. They also provide specific contextual and theoretical information as well as offering practical examples of different critical approaches.

Seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly by means of the year spent abroad.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate coverage of material, appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument.

Written exams help students gain a knowledge of a topic that can be readily and directly applied to a set problem or question, and also test their ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic.

During the period of residence abroad, students complete a learning journal and a reflective report, in which they document and analyse their insights into the Target Language culture.

describe and analyse main grammatical features of Spanish and Portuguese, and draw on a wide variety of resources to refine and improve their knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Portuguese;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through the wide variety of exercises used in written- and spoken-language classes (presentations, debate, summary and report writing essay, comprehension, grammar tests, translation), a whole range of language skills is developed and assessed. These include: knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, and of the structures and registers of language; translation skills; the structuring and development of arguments in Spanish and Portuguese; fluency and idiom; summary and synthesising skills; planning and composing oral presentations/exposés. Grammatical knowledge is under constant review, and explanation, description and analysis of grammar forms an important part of language classes.

Methods of Assessment

Students complete a series of written exercises per semester. Individual feedback on these assignments enables students, with the help and guidance of the tutor, to address areas of difficulty and thus develop their linguistic knowledge and understanding.

Language examinations test students’ ability to translate into and from the target language, textual comprehension and their ability to formulate and structure arguments in the target language.

Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

demonstrate self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and intercultural awareness.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Placement abroad

Methods of Assessment

Learning journal and reflective report for the Working and Studying Abroad module

take notes and summarise accurately and effectively;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, seminars

Methods of Assessment

Essays and exams

use libraries and online resources;
use IT skills (word processing, use of internet resources, and further development of internet literacy, use of digital technology in editing);

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminar preparation, research for presentations

Methods of Assessment

Research for essays and presentations;
Coursework assignments (researching and writing)

reflect on intellectual and professional priorities;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Personal Development Planning facilitates student reflection upon academic performance and assists in developing strategies for improvement.

Methods of Assessment

Feedback is provided for each type and instance of assessment on a customised feedback sheet.

understand the role and use of feedback in assessing and improving performance;
respond constructively to criticism;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students may seek dedicated feedback sessions with course tutors.

Methods of Assessment

Feedback is provided for each type and instance of assessment on a customised feedback sheet.

present ideas and arguments orally in both formal and informal contexts;
work effectively and creatively both independently and in a team setting;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Individual and group presentations

Methods of Assessment

Individual and group presentations

manage time efficiently, work under pressure and to deadlines;
digest material from various sources;
evaluate and judge evidence and the quality of information;
present high-quality analysis cogently and succinctly;
collate and process information from an array of sources, including electronic media;
use their knowledge in cogent, communicable ways to present arguments and clarify complex issues in both oral and written forms;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Student preparation for seminars requires them to read a variety of material and discuss this with their peers and the tutor. They may make individual or group presentations analysing the material in class.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and essays require that students demonstrate appropriate methods of analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments and evaluate information, and the ability to form a cogent, independent argument.
Written exams test students’ ability to select relevant information and to write clearly and concisely within a set time. With coursework essays, students are required to adhere to strict deadlines.
Oral examinations enable students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, present material and pursue high-level discussion in the target language.
Creative responses (writing and practice-based) are designed to transform students from being ‘at risk’ in the evaluative process to becoming ‘risk managers’ and co-facilitators of the learning environment. They are also aimed at facilitating a broad range of intelligences among the student body and encouraging learning on a variety of levels.