Advanced Conversational Spanish: Daily & Practical Uses

The course has been created for students who have at least an intermediate level of Spanish and who, consequently, have an understanding of the basics of Spanish grammar and lexis, but who now wish to turn their focus on consolidating your understanding and expanding your ability to communicate through real practice. The main aim is to develop your oral communicative proficiency. To achieve the course goals, you will participate in active conversation inside and outside the class. Since successful communication always depends on the cultural context, a key part of the course will be discussing topics related to the social and cultural context in which the course is taught (i.e., Spain and Barcelona).

A secondary aim, but no less important, is to examine stereotypes about Spain and to learn about Spanish customs as they exist today, in the 21st century. You will discover the diversity and complexity of the country, its people and its culture and become aware of how current Spanish culture may not coincide with your notions prior to arrival.

Activities include: in-class discussions, debates, surveys, interviews, presentations, and job interviews. You will learn how to express personal preferences and speak by phone. Given the importance of using language in context, you will therefore experience the Spanish language and culture through real practice: for example, you will learn to talk about food by participating in a cooking course taught by local chefs. A key component of the course will be activities designed to promote direct contact with the host culture, via surveys, interviews, and language exchanges with Spanish students. This is an active course and to take full advantage of it, you must be motivated to learn and ready to participate. Only in this way will you make real and observable improvements in your oral competency.