Outline

Overview

This unit of study is for absolute beginners or for students who have no substantial prior knowledge of Spanish. It focuses on the basic vocabulary and grammar necessary to introduce and talk about yourself and other people, and communicate successfully in simple everyday situations, both by speaking and in writing. It also introduces elements of the history, society and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Spanish and Latin American Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	SPAN1601 or SPAN1611
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ruben Perez-Hidalgo, ruben.perez-hidalgo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Conversation	Oral task (YouTube Project) Group video project	15%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Jun 2026	800 words/ 5-6 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Written reflective project Written & audiovisual reflections due in weeks 1, 2, and 3	15%	Multiple weeks	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Awarded weekly based on 1) homework completion and 2) class participation	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Mock writing reflection. #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 02	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online language test 1 Online quiz	5%	Week 04	275 words, 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online culture test 1 Online quiz	7.5%	Week 06	400 words, 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online language test 2 Online quiz	5%	Week 08	275 words, 45 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Final online test Online grammar test	10%	Week 11	550 words, 60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Culture test 2 Online quiz	7.5%	Week 12	400 words, 30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Final in-class test In-class grammar and cultural test covering all topics	25%	Week 13	800wd-equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

2 Culture tests 15% of final grade (7.5% each test)
-These tests are online and consists of mainly two types of questions: multiple choice (with one or more choices for one question) and true or false questions. -The tests’ content will be based of both cultural texts in the course reader, audiovisual material seen in class or for class, and discussions generated during class time.
2 Language tests (online) 10% of final grade (5% each test)
Test 1	Test 2
2.5% Meta-linguistic knowledge 2.5% Traditional grammar knowledge (precision based)	2.5% Listening skills (precision based, but focused on cultural knowledge imparted during class time) 2.5% Reading skills (same as above)
1 Final online test 10% of final grade
5% Meta-linguistic knowledge 5% Traditional grammar knowledge (precision based) It includes all linguistic material covered throughout the course
1 Final in-class test 25% of final grade
Listening skills Reading skills Overall grammar knowledge Written critical reflection
Participation 10% of final grade
Graded based on completion of tasks assigned for class as well as actual participation during class time.
Written reflective project 15% of final grade
3 IN-CLASS written reflections (marked out of 100) 2 Audiovisual reflections (marked PASS or FAIL)
Oral task 15% of final grade
Group video project on a cultural topic discussed during the semester

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	WEEK 1 DAY 1 IDENTITIES MODULE CONCEPTS Expectations Latino identity - Introductions to the course LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT - Tips for learning Spanish - Learning how to use a dictionary - Reading and writing in Spanish - Discussion of “¿Quién es Latino?” by Carlos Lozada PRACTICE LANGUAGE Introductions in Spanish - Useful expressions - Infinitives	Tutorial (6 hr)
Week 01	IDENTITIES MODULE CONCEPTS Expectations Latino identity - Introductions to the course	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	IDENTITIES MODULE CONCEPTS Indigenous identity and racism in Latin America	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	LANGUAGES MODULE CONCEPTS Spanish in Latin America	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	LANGUAGES MODULE CONCEPTS The origins of Salsa	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	BODIES MODULE CONCEPTS The Origins of Salsa	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	BODIES MODULE CONCEPTS Dancing Salsa	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	EMOTIONS MODULE CONCEPTS Feeling the movies	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	EMOTIONS MODULE CONCEPTS Horror Films and Politics	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	BORDERS MODULE CONCEPTS Media and Immigration	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	BORDERS MODULE CONCEPTS Crossing Borders	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	MEMORIES MODULE CONCEPTS The Colonial Present	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	MEMORY MODULE CONCEPTS. Fixing the colonial past: Evo Morales	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Review and in-class final test Finalize YouTube project	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture Recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately two hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Before the commencement of classes you must have purchased the following :

Beginning Spanish Grammar: A Practical Guide to 100 Essential Skills. Luis Aragones, Ramon Palencia. ISBN 9780071840644. McGraw Hill.
Spanish-English bilingual dictionary
SPAN1621 course reader to be purchased at USYD Copy Centre

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. know how the Spanish language works grammatically at the sentence level
LO2. acquire an introductory solid practice of basic language skills such as reading and writing in order to progressively transition to practicing more advanced ones such as listening and speaking.
LO3. discover how essential concepts in the Spanish speaking world intersect with your own perceptions of the world
LO4. start doing cultural analysis in a second language.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SPAN1621: Spanish Level 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links