Programme description for Spanish, One-year Programme (2026–2027)

Upon course completion students will:

Knowledge:

• have knowledge of basic Spanish language structures
• have acquired basic theoretical and practical knowledge in the Spanish language
• be familiar with several varieties of the Spanish language
• be familiar with the history, culture and societal conditions of Spanish-speaking countries
• have knowledge about literature from the Spanish speaking world
• be familiar with various types of texts written in Spanish
• have knowledge about the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world

Skills:

• have practiced basic oral and written communication skills in the Spanish language
• master various oral and written communicative situations in Spanish
• be capable of analyzing the Spanish language in a reflective manner
• be able to find relevant bibliography
• demonstrate the ability to discuss various questions related to the Spanish language and societal conditions in Spanish-speaking countries
• master various academic genres in Spanish, both orally and in writing
• be able to describe social development and social conditions in the Spanish speaking world

• be able to read, understand and interpret literary texts in various genres

  • be able to communicate with intention, both orally and in writing

General competency:

• be able to present various topics in a comprehensible and structured manner

be able to reflect independently and critically on various subject areas

• be able to express their personal opinions about the topics' diverse themes
• be able to describe and assess their own efforts regarding learning language in general and Spanish in particular
• be able to produce oral and written academic texts with source references
• have developed increased multicultural and multilingual consciousness and competence
• be able to use ICT as a resource when working with Spanish as a subject, and in a lifelong perspective

The one-year programme in Spanish provides the students with the possibility to develop their oral and written skills and intercultural understanding. The students will acquire a broad insight in the Spanish language, literature in Spanish, as well as culture, society, and history in the Spanish-speaking world.

The programme is especially relevant to the UN’s sustainable development goals because knowledge about language, communication and culture is a condition for international collaboration. By studying a language, one acquires knowledge about how language both influences and is influenced by our understanding of the world.

Language proficiency is also important for critical evaluation of various presentations of the greater global sustainability challenges we are facing, such as poverty, climate change, equality, or migration. By acquiring background knowledge about history, culture and social conditions, the students develop an increased understanding of how these challenges transpire in the various parts of the language area.

The one-year programme in Spanish at the University of Agder gives particular insight in current challenges in Latin America through the course Global Development Issues in a Latin American Context which is offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Forms of assessment vary; see course the descriptions

The programme may be useful in a variety of professions where knowledge of Spanish is an important qualification, like culture work and the tourist industry. Furthermore it will be a solid foundation for work in the public and private sectors, in international and multicultural jobs that require language proficiency and cultural knowledge about Spain and Latin-America. The programme qualifies for further studies in Spanish. It may be included as the minor subject in several bachelor’s programmes at the University of Agder, and opens possibilities for further studies in various subject areas in the Spanish speaking world.

The programme can also be included as part of a course of study that qualifies for admission to practical pedagogical education (PPU-A) at UiA, and provide the opportunity for employment in upper secondary school and in grades 5-10 in primary and lower secondary school. From 2019, there is a requirement for a master's degree to take PPU.

Students with Further- and Continuing Education (EVU) in Spanish from HiA/UiA may receive ECTS-credit reduction.

The University of Agder (UiA) encourages increased use of digital tools in its study programmes. The aim is to utilize new forms of communication and to try new arrangements for teaching and academic supervision. Students at UiA will to an increasing extent be using computers in their daily academic work. A transition to digital examinations is an important part of this process. It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (laptop) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d.