Spanish Vocabulary Project from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Welcome to the final project for Spanish Vocabulary! In this project, you're going to pretend that you are applying for an all expenses paid, extended trip (5-7 weeks) to a Spanish-speaking nation of your choice where you will be staying with a native host family. As part of the "application" process, you need to write a 3-part report and produce a recording of you speaking, summarizing the contents of your report. In this module, you will learn all about the format of the course and be provided with an overview of the entire project and all of the milestones. You'll also choose the Spanish-speaking nation you would like to "visit" for the course project.

Milestone 1: Introducing Yourself to Your Host Family (1st Draft)

The first milestone is all about introducing yourself to the family you'll be staying with. You'll want to reflect on the material learned in the earlier courses of the specialization, particularly Course 1: Meeting People, and prepare a written introduction to your host family. In this module, you'll turn in a first draft of your introduction for feedback and review from a peer before you turn in the final draft in the next module.

Milestone 1: Introducing Yourself to Your Host Family (Final Draft)

In this module, you are to take the feedback you were given on your draft from the last module, improve your paper, and then submit your final assignment for official peer review and grading.

Milestone 2: Culture and History of Your Selected Nation (Research and 1st Draft)

For the 2nd milestone in our course project, you are going to research the history and culture of your selected host nation. Search the internet, preferably relying on Spanish-language websites from that country, to determine things like the current and historical political systems, common foods, entertainment, music, arts, traditions, important historical milestones, etc. You'll also be asked to compare what you learn about your host nation with the country or region in which you presently reside to note similarities and differences. In this module, you'll hand in a draft of your report for feedback and review from a peer before you turn in your final draft in the next module.

Milestone 2: Culture and History of Your Selected Nation (Final Draft)

In this module, you are to take the feedback you were given on your draft in the last module, improve your paper, and then submit your final assignment for official peer review and grading.

Milestone 3: Your Trip Plan (Research and 1st Draft)

In this module, you will research and write the 1st draft of your trip plan. You'll talk about where you would like to go and what you would like to see and do while in your chosen country. Again, search the internet, preferably relying on websites from that country, to determine what your trip plan will be. In this module, you'll hand in a draft of your report for feedback and review from a peer before you turn in your final draft in the next module.

Milestone 3: Your Trip Plan (Final Draft)

In this module, you are to take the feedback you were given in the last module, improve your draft, and then submit your final assignment for official peer review and grading. You will also want to begin the process of compiling all of your different milestones into one comprehensive document so that in the final milestone, you'll be prepared to refine your final report and prepare your oral presentation.

Milestone 4: Final Report and Oral Presentation

In our final milestone for this course, you are going to compile all three of your papers into one, complete report, making any last refinements to make it a strong, and grammatically proficient report. You will also get to demonstrate your proficiency in speaking Spanish by giving a brief, 3-5 minute oral presentation that summarizes the key points and findings from your entire report.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Spanish language through applied written Spanish, which is found in industry with business correspondence, reports, and essays

Develops communication skills through exchanging introductory information with a host family, which is an important part of building strong relationships

Taught by Dr. Robert Blake, who is recognized for their work in teaching Spanish vocabulary

Examines cultural and historical aspects of Spanish-speaking nations, which is a valuable contribution to cultural understanding

Develops a Spanish language trip plan through an itinerary and research, which is useful for travel planning and cultural immersion

Requires a final oral presentation that summarizes the key points of the course, which is a great way to reinforce learning and critical thinking skills

Reviews summary

Comprehensive spanish vocabulary

Learners say this engaging specialization in Spanish Vocabulary is well structured and paced. The Milestone Project is well received and allows learners to practice their speaking skills and explore Spanish-speaking countries. Learners especially appreciate that instructors emphasize correct pronunciation, provide videos for additional support, and offer opportunities for oral presentations. However, some learners have experienced delays in receiving feedback on assignments.

Instructors prioritize proper pronunciation.

"También me gustaba que el profesor Blake daba gran importancia a la pronunciación correcta y transmitía qué estructuras se utilizan en la vida cotidiana."

Well-structured course with a clear learning progression.

"This course offered Wonderful structure and pacing for learning Spanish."

"Over the course of five sections (several weeks each) I felt in control of learning and confident that I understood what was being presented."

Engaging final project that allows learners to showcase their language skills.

"The final project is totally worth it."

"I had lots of fun discovering culture, history, food and tons of attraction of my chosen country."

"I also noticed that the oral summary presentation was helpful to increase my fluency."

Feedback on assignments and comments is often generic or absent.

"However the feedback is lacking."

"Most of my feedback received for my assignments read merely “good” or “okay,” rather than offering any direction."

Delays in receiving feedback on assignments.

"This course has a few learners!"

"I summited my assignment(s) 6 days before I got my grade!"

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 Project with these activities:

Prioritize vocabulary building

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Review the basics of Spanish vocabulary, including parts of speech, word formation, and common vocabulary words.

Browse courses on Vocabulary Building

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Review flashcards or other vocabulary study materials
Practice writing sentences using new vocabulary
Engage in conversations in Spanish

Explore the culture and history of Spanish-speaking nations

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Deepen your understanding of the rich cultural heritage and historical events that have shaped Spanish-speaking nations.

Browse courses on Spanish Culture

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Watch documentaries or read articles about the history and culture of Spanish-speaking nations
Visit museums or cultural centers dedicated to Spanish-speaking cultures
Attend cultural events or festivals

Start a language exchange or conversation group

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Engage in active language practice with native speakers to improve your fluency and confidence in speaking Spanish.

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Find a language partner or join a conversation group
Schedule regular meetings or video calls for language exchange
Prepare topics for discussion and practice conversations

Five other activities

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Read 'The Spanish Verb' by Eleanor Blum

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Expand your understanding of Spanish verb conjugations and usage, a crucial aspect of the language's grammar.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts
Complete exercises and practice activities
Refer to the book as a reference guide when encountering unfamiliar verb forms

Participate in peer review and feedback sessions

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Seek feedback and provide constructive criticism on each other's work to enhance learning outcomes.

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Exchange written reports or presentations with peers
Review and provide feedback on each other's work
Incorporate feedback into revisions and improvements

Create a travel itinerary for your Spanish-speaking adventure

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Apply your language skills and cultural knowledge to plan a meaningful and immersive travel experience in a Spanish-speaking nation.

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Research different Spanish-speaking countries and their regions
Identify places of interest, activities, and cultural experiences
Plan a budget and timeline for your trip
Book flights, accommodation, and any necessary tours or activities
Create a detailed itinerary with daily activities and travel arrangements

Volunteer at a local Spanish-speaking organization

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Gain practical experience using Spanish while immersing yourself in the local Spanish-speaking community.

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Research local Spanish-speaking organizations
Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities that involve using or interacting with Spanish speakers

Become a mentor or tutor for Spanish learners

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Reinforce your knowledge and skills by assisting other learners on their Spanish language journey.

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Offer your assistance as a mentor or tutor to Spanish learners
Develop lesson plans or provide guidance based on individual learning needs
Facilitate discussions, provide feedback, and track progress

Career center

Learners who complete Spanish Vocabulary Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Spanish Teacher

Spanish courses help students build a foundation in Spanish language, grammar, and vocabulary. These are all critical skills for Spanish Teachers, who must be able to effectively communicate with their students in Spanish and help them learn the language. This course, in particular, focuses on practical application of Spanish, which would be especially helpful for Spanish Teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spanish Teacher

Travel Writer

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Travel Writers who need to be able to effectively communicate with locals and describe their experiences in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Travel Writers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Foreign Service Officer

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Foreign Service Officers who need to be able to effectively communicate with locals and represent their country abroad. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Foreign Service Officers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Cultural Anthropologist

This course provides a deep dive into the culture and history of a Spanish-speaking nation, which would be invaluable for Cultural Anthropologists who need to understand the cultural context of their research. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Cultural Anthropologists, who need to be able to communicate with locals and conduct research in Spanish-speaking communities.

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Historian

This course provides a deep dive into the history of a Spanish-speaking nation, which would be invaluable for Historians who need to understand the historical context of their research. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Historians, who need to be able to read and understand historical documents in Spanish.

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Interpreter

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, which would be invaluable for Interpreters who need to be able to accurately translate between Spanish and English. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Interpreters, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Translator

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, which would be invaluable for Translators who need to be able to accurately translate between Spanish and English. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Translators, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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International Business Consultant

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for International Business Consultants who need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and partners in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for International Business Consultants, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Journalist

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Journalists who need to be able to effectively communicate with sources and report on events in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Journalists, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Public Relations Specialist

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Public Relations Specialists who need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and the public in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Public Relations Specialists, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Marketing Manager

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Marketing Managers who need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and partners in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Marketing Managers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Project Manager

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Project Managers who need to be able to effectively communicate with team members and clients in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Project Managers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Sales Manager

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Spanish vocabulary and culture, which would be invaluable for Sales Managers who need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and partners in Spanish-speaking countries. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Sales Managers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Customer Service Representative

This course may be useful for Customer Service Representatives who need to be able to communicate with customers in Spanish. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Customer Service Representatives, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

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Human Resources Manager

This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who need to be able to communicate with employees in Spanish. The course's focus on practical application of Spanish would be especially helpful for Human Resources Managers, who need to be able to use the language in real-world situations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager