Spanish B1 (Language for Specific Purposes-Business)

Faculty

Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences

Version

Version 2 of 26.02.2025.

Module identifier

22B1624

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

Spanish, German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

More information on frequency

Modul frequency

winter- and sommerterm

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Special features of the module

This module is supported by the Spanish department's tutorial program. 

The tutorial program is run by Native speakers who study at the university and come from different countries in the Spanish-speaking world.

Students on this module are entitled to free additional Spanish lessons, which offer support in learning Spanish and at the same time promote cultural exchange. Individualized exercises in grammar, pronunciation and speaking are made possible. 

The tutorial takes place in small groups, which makes it very effective and intensive, and can take place online or in person. 

Brief description

The Spanish B1 and B2 levels aim to prepare students for a semester abroad at a Spanish-speaking partner university. They therefore aim to provide a comprehensive linguistic, intercultural and economic study of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to Spain, selected countries and regions of Latin America play a central role. Preparation for a semester abroad is based on 4 pillars:

1. targeted development of specialist vocabulary from the economic and social sciences
2. repetition, expansion and application of linguistic structures (e.g. verb tenses, sentence structure, text structure) in subject-specific contexts
3. acquisition of knowledge about the target language country Spain
4. acquisition and application of academic working techniques in the foreign language such as reading and writing strategies, presentations and discussions 

Teaching and learning outcomes

Development of a basic vocabulary from the areas of companies, sustainability in companies and consumer behavior, current economic developments in Spain, the labor market and the situation of young people. In addition, vocabulary will be created from the presentation topics freely chosen by the students. These result from current topics in the daily press and can cover all areas of business, technology or society.

Repetition of past tenses. Introduction of subjunctive, future tenses 1 and 2 and passive voice. Word formation. Identification and use of key vocabulary. Sentence structure, text structure.  

Presentation of important Spanish companies (poster presentations). Social impact of youth unemployment, start-ups, migration, education. Other current topics from the press and other media.

Reading - Writing - Discussing on the basis of current short articles. Description of a problem and formulation of an opinion. Preparation and presentation of a paper in small groups. Discussion of the problem areas presented in the papers. Controlled and free text production.

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60SeminarPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
90Preparation/follow-up for course work-
Further explanations

The hours used in the instructor-led learning field are instructional hours.

Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio examination comprises a total of 100 points and consists of two written examinations (40 minutes each), a presentation and an oral examination. The respective written exam (40 minutes each) is weighted with 25 points. The presentation is weighted with 30 points and the oral examination with 20 points. (Elements: K40 + K40 + PR + M; Points: 25 + 25 + 30 + 20).

Exam duration and scope

Portfolio Exam:

  • Presentation: approx. 10-12 minutes
  • Oral examination: see general part of the examination regulations
  • Written examinations: see valid study regulations

The requirements will be specified in the respective concrete course.

Recommended prior knowledge

Solid knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary of general Spanish (Spanish A2 (advanced course) or passed placement test for level B1.

Knowledge Broadening

Students can understand original texts on Spain economic and social issues, reproduce them in a linguistically correct manner, and describe problem areas. They can research and present topics independently.

Knowledge deepening

Die Kenntnisse des Allgemein- und Fachvokabulars werden erweitert. Die Studierenden k?nnen Fachbegriffe aus verschiedenen Gesch?ftsbereichen in ihre Kommunikation integrieren.

Au?erdem erm?glichen komplexere grammatische, syntaktische und idiomatische Strukturen einen immer sicheren Umgang in fachlichen Zusammenh?ngen

Knowledge Understanding

Students are able to report on current topics, economic players and trends in the Spanish-speaking world and explain connections.

In addition, they develop a broader understanding of the cultural characteristics of the Spanish-speaking world in both a general and specialized context.

Application and Transfer

Students can distinguish and use subject-specific terms in the foreign language.

They are able to understand subject-specific contexts relatively independently and effectively write specialist articles,business letters,reports in Spanisch.

They will be able to conduct and participate in discussions and conversations by explaining, justifying, defending and responding to their own opinions, points of view and plans.

They are able to prepare and give subject-specific presentations.

Academic Innovation

Students are able to independently research, analyze and present specific topics of relevance to society as a whole.

Communication and Cooperation

Students are able to communicate relatively confidently in the foreign language in subject-specific and university-specific contexts.

They can communicate appropriately with foreign business partners/colleagues in the foreign language. 

They can respond to questions (on technical topics) and lead a discussion.

By learning the cultural characteristics of the respective language area and using extended vocabulary, students will be able to communicate relatively appropriately.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

Students are familiar with business terminology and case studies in an entrepreneurial context.

They have a good assessment of their own language skills and know how to improve them if necessary.

They develop a better understanding of specialized literature and are better prepared for future participation in Spanish-language specialized business meetings and conferences.

The skills acquired provide students with better opportunities for entering professional life.

Literature

  • eigenes Material
  • Zeitungsartikel und Fachtexte aus der spanischsprachigen (Fach)presse
  • diverses audiovisuelles Material aus dem Internet

Linkage to other modules

The module builds on previous Spanish A2 modules, in which the knowledge and skills listed under “Recommended prior knowledge” are promoted.

The module also prepares students for the specialization “Business Spanish”.

Applicability in study programs

  • Business Law (Bachelor)
    • Business Law, LL.B.

  • International Business and Management
    • International Business and Management, B.A.

  • Public Management
    • Public Management, B.A.

  • Business Management in the Health Sector
    • Business Management in the Health Sector, B.A.

  • International Management
    • International Management, B.A.

  • Business Administration and Management
    • Business Administration and Management, B.A.

    Person responsible for the module
    • Paulus, Ana Patricia
    Teachers
    • Unknown person
    • Paulus, Ana Patricia