School of Humanities and Social Sciences

English Courses

Spanish Language and Culture Courses

2012-2013

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).