Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies: English and Spanish pathway

Stage 1

Stage 1 comprises a broad range of options in languages and in English. Language modules are carefully designed and paced so that you can develop and build skills in all aspects of speaking and understanding the language, while exploring the life and culture in the countries where those languages are spoken.

Your module choices in Stage 1 will depend largely on your previous level of language study.

If you have little prior experience of studying Spanish you should start your studies with Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)Portales: beginners' Spanish::This key introductory Level 1 course – Portales: beginners’ Spanish – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple Spanish in everyday contexts. It takes you through a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out in Spanish-speaking countries. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for Hispanic cultures as well.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,L194,,1 (30 credits), followed by En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140)En rumbo: intermediate Spanish::En rumbo: intermediate Spanish follows on from Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194). It builds on your existing Spanish knowledge and teaches more advanced language in the context of Spanish and Latin American society and culture. Study resources – including printed course books and online interactive activities – are carefully designed to develop the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They provide clear learning objectives, guidance and model answers. This key introductory Level 1 course also teaches good study skills and language-learning strategies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,L140,,1 (30 credits). We strongly recommend all students study intermediate Spanish (L140), as this will provide you with the ideal preparation for further Spanish study at Stage 2.

For English we recommend you study Voices and texts (A150)Voices and texts::Designed to follow our key introductory course in arts and humanities, The arts past and present (AA100), which you are strongly advised to study first, this course focuses on language in a wide range of contexts and from the perspective of different academic subjects. These include subjects familiar from studying The arts past and present - classical studies, history, literature, music, religious studies - and two additional subjects, creative writing and English language studies. Voices and texts will help you to prepare for your studies at Level 2 by giving you opportunities to sharpen your analytical skills and to develop new approaches to your own writing.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,A150,,1 (30 credits), which explores language use from various academic perspectives, including creative writing and English language studies; this will provide an ideal preparation for studying English at Stage 2.

To complete this stage you have a choice; if you have prior experience of language study we recommend that you take another intermediate level language module in French, German or Italian. Alternatively you might want to study one of the Beginners’ language modules (Chinese, French, German, Italian or Welsh) or develop your academic language skills with English for academic purposes online (L185)English for academic purposes online::This completely online course aims to develop the communication skills you need for successful academic study in English. Throughout the course, you will work with a wide range of texts from different subject areas. By exploring different subject areas you will develop the academic English that is most relevant to your study. You will use your knowledge and experience as you explore ways of reading and writing academic texts. You will also develop your academic listening and speaking skills in an online environment.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,L185,,1.

Stage 2

Stage 2 comprises one Spanish and one English 60-credit module.

Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish (L204)Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish::This course builds on En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140), or equivalent knowledge. It will continue to develop your practical language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. By studying a variety of authentic audio, video and printed materials from Spain and Latin America, you will learn how to communicate in situations ranging from everyday conversation to putting forward your point of view in a debate. You will also have the opportunity to work on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. A compulsory residential school takes place in Spain (or you can study an online alternative).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,L204,,1 blends interactive online audio-visual and print resources to give you a structured overview of key aspects of life in the Spanish-speaking world today. Topics include: urban life, education, culture, the workplace, history, traditions and beliefs. You’ll also attend a residential school in Spain (or study an online alternative). On completing the module, your language proficiency will be at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Worlds of English (U214)Worlds of English::What are the origins of the English language? How has it spread internationally? Is the worldwide influence of English a cause for celebration or concern? How is it changing in response to social, cultural, and technological developments? These are just a few of the questions that you will investigate in this course which looks at the history, diversity, and use of English around the world. Using a combination of printed materials and computer-based resources you will be introduced to the major debates in the field, and to some of the ways language is described and analysed.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-3,module,U214,,1 (60 credits) explores how English has evolved in the British Isles, how it has diversified as it spread around the world, and how it is evolving in response to social, cultural and technological change. Using specially recorded audio and video material from across the English-speaking world, you’ll take a critical look at the significance of English in global contexts and analyse its power to simultaneously open up social and economic opportunities for some, and close them down for others. Using the example of English, you will also learn about how the building blocks of language such as grammar and vocabulary work to create the huge range of meanings human beings are capable of expressing.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.