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Dr. Robert Blake

Ready for the big game? Building on the vocabulary and skills that you have already mastered, this third course of the specialization will introduce new vocabulary that will prepare you to discuss sports, pastimes and politics -- important cultural elements of the Spanish-speaking world. You’ll also add new vocabulary relating to travel and living arrangements. This course also introduces the progressive tense and past tense and you will add to your vocabulary of helping verbs.

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Syllabus

Module 1: Talking About Sports and Pastimes
We will kick off this first module with a discussion of sports and favorite pastimes. You will build your Spanish vocabulary in these areas as well as practice talking about ongoing events. We will discuss how to use helping verbs with the present participle, and you will expand your understanding and use of the verb hacer to form new combinations and create new adverbs. We’ll also interact with a soccer (fútbol) player in the perspectivas portion of the module.
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to talk about sports, pastimes, travel, and living arrangements
Introduces new vocabulary and grammar concepts that are essential for Spanish language learners
Taught by Dr. Robert Blake, who has extensive experience teaching Spanish language and culture
Part of a specialization that provides a comprehensive introduction to Spanish language and culture
Requires no prior knowledge of Spanish language or culture

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Reviews summary

Spanish vocabulary: sports, travel, home & past tenses

According to learners, this course is a useful vocabulary builder covering practical topics like sports, travel, and the home. Many appreciate the cultural perspectives and find the vocabulary relevant and practical for real-life use. While the introduction to the progressive tense is generally clear, some students mention that the explanations of the past tenses (preterite and imperfect) are confusing and require additional resources for full understanding. Despite the grammatical challenges for some, it is considered a good continuation from previous courses in the specialization.
Builds upon previous courses in the series.
"Good continuation from the previous course."
"Good follow-up to the previous courses."
"I found it helpful having completed the courses before this one."
Interesting perspectives videos enhance learning.
"The perspectives videos were interesting."
"The cultural perspectives were a nice touch though."
"The perspective videos were a great way to hear native speakers."
"The cultural aspects add value."
Covers practical topics like sports, travel, home.
"Excellent course! I learned so much useful vocabulary related to travel and sports."
"Loved the travel module! The vocabulary was spot on for planning a trip."
"A solid course covering important vocabulary areas. The sections on sports and home were well done."
"This course expanded my vocabulary significantly, especially in the sports module."
Explanations for preterite/imperfect difficult.
"Sometimes the grammar explanations felt a bit rushed, especially the preterite vs imperfect distinction."
"The grammar sections (past tenses) were confusing for me. I had to supplement with other resources."
"Disappointed with the grammar explanations. The past tenses were not explained clearly enough for me to understand the difference..."
"I found the past tense part challenging, but that's the nature of the topic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spanish Vocabulary: Sports, Travel, and the Home with these activities:
Practice speaking about sports and hobbies in Spanish
Practice using the vocabulary and grammar you have learned in the course to talk about sports and hobbies in Spanish.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to sports or hobbies that you are interested in.
  • Brainstorm a list of vocabulary words related to the topic.
  • Write a short paragraph or dialogue about the topic using the vocabulary words you have brainstormed.
  • Practice speaking the paragraph or dialogue out loud.
Practice using the past tense to talk about travel experiences
Practice using the past tense to talk about your travel experiences in Spanish.
Show steps
  • Think about a travel experience that you have had.
  • Write a short paragraph or dialogue about the experience in Spanish, using the past tense.
  • Practice speaking the paragraph or dialogue out loud.
Practice using the imperfect tense to talk about living arrangements
Practice using the imperfect tense to talk about your living arrangements in Spanish.
Show steps
  • Think about your current or past living arrangements.
  • Write a short paragraph or dialogue about your living arrangements in Spanish, using the imperfect tense.
  • Practice speaking the paragraph or dialogue out loud.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Create a vocabulary notebook
Organize and review the vocabulary you have learned in the course, making it easier to retain.
Show steps
  • Gather all of the vocabulary lists from the course.
  • Organize the vocabulary lists by topic.
  • Create flashcards or other study materials for each topic.
  • Review the vocabulary regularly.
Attend a Spanish language exchange meeting
Practice speaking Spanish with other learners in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Show steps
  • Find a Spanish language exchange meeting in your area.
  • Attend the meeting and introduce yourself.
  • Practice speaking Spanish with other learners.

Career center

Learners who complete Spanish Vocabulary: Sports, Travel, and the Home will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers conduct and coordinate diplomacy- and foreign-policy-related work for the federal government across the globe.  They interact with foreign governments and their staff, which requires a high level of communication and relationship-building skills.  In order to do this work well, it is essential to understand the culture of the locations where they are stationed.  A deep understanding of the Spanish language and culture is a major benefit for working as a Foreign Service Officer in many countries, as Spanish is the official or one of the official languages in 20 countries around the world.  The sports, travel, and home-related vocabulary will be helpful for Foreign Service Officers seeking opportunities in Spanish-speaking countries.  This course may be helpful in developing some of the important skills needed to work abroad effectively.
Travel Agent
Travel Agents help clients plan and book travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, tours, and activities.  They must be knowledgeable about different destinations, cultures, and travel requirements.  Travel Agents specializing in Spanish-speaking destinations would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Tour Guide
Tour Guides lead groups of people on tours of historic, cultural, or natural landmarks.  They provide information about the sites and their history, and answer questions from tourists.  Tour Guides who work with Spanish-speaking tourists would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages.  They may work in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, and business.  Interpreters who work with Spanish-speaking clients would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Translator
Translators convert written text from one language to another.  They must be fluent in both languages and have a deep understanding of the cultures associated with each language.  Translators who work with Spanish-language texts would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as preserving and interpreting museum collections.  They may specialize in a particular area of history, art, or culture.  Museum Curators who work with Spanish-language collections would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events.  They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations.  Journalists who cover international news or who work with Spanish-speaking communities would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, history, and language arts.  They may work in public or private schools, or in other settings such as museums or community centers.  Teachers who work with Spanish-speaking students would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate difficult life circumstances, such as poverty, addiction, and mental illness.  They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers.  Social Workers who work with Spanish-speaking clients would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of healthcare services.  They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.  Healthcare Administrators who work with Spanish-speaking patients and families would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with businesses to improve their operations and performance.  They may identify areas for improvement, develop solutions, and implement new processes.  Business Analysts who work with Spanish-speaking clients or who work in Spanish-speaking countries would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services.  They may work for businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to large corporations.  Marketing Managers who work with Spanish-speaking audiences or who work in Spanish-speaking countries would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Event Planner
Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties.  They may work for businesses, non-profit organizations, or private individuals.  Event Planners who work with Spanish-speaking clients or who plan events in Spanish-speaking countries would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Hotel Manager
Hotel Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of hotels.  They may be responsible for managing staff, setting budgets, and ensuring that guests have a positive experience.  Hotel Managers who work with Spanish-speaking guests or who work in Spanish-speaking countries would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents help people buy, sell, and rent properties.  They may work for real estate agencies or as independent contractors.  Real Estate Agents who work with Spanish-speaking clients or who work in Spanish-speaking countries would benefit greatly from developing a better understanding of different cultures and languages.  This course may be helpful in developing this understanding.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Spanish Vocabulary: Sports, Travel, and the Home.
This grammar book provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish grammar, including verb tenses, sentence structure, and vocabulary. It useful reference tool for students of Spanish at all levels.
Provides a collection of Spanish conversations on a variety of topics, including sports, travel, and home life. It valuable resource for students of Spanish at the intermediate level.
Provides a practical guide to Spanish for business. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who want to improve their Spanish skills for professional purposes.
Provides a practical guide to Spanish for travelers. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who are planning to travel to Spanish-speaking countries.
This textbook provides a simplified overview of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who are new to the language.
Provides an overview of Spanish culture and customs. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who want to learn more about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Provides a practical guide to Spanish conversation. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who want to improve their spoken Spanish skills.
Provides a simplified overview of Spanish grammar. It valuable resource for students of Spanish who are new to the language.

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