A1 Spanish for Beginners is an engaging online Spanish language and culture course developed specifically for adult learners. The course is aligned with the A1 beginning proficiency level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This course is designed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Modern Languages.
Each lesson includes the following sections: objectives, language learning tip and weekly challenge, key expressions, grammar in context, cultural exploration, and quiz. Within each section, you will be exposed to listen and repeat vocabulary words recorded by speakers of Spanish from Central & South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. Video activities will help you to increase your listening comprehension while engaging with media including songs and interviews with native speakers. Lastly, a mini podcast in each lesson helps you follow along with Mariana and Eduardo, two adult learners of Spanish, as they discover the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
In the instructor-led course, you will have a weekly synchronous Zoom class (60-minutes) in which you will get the opportunity to practice your Spanish speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills with your peers. You will also receive weekly emails from your instructor with suggested pacing for moving through the lesson materials. Additionally, you will be able to email your instructor with any questions you may have about the course.
Who should take this course?
- Motivated adult learners (aged 18 and up) comfortable with computer technologies and with a desire to learn Spanish.
- Beginners. No previous Spanish learning experience is required.
- If you have learned some Spanish with apps, you may wish to put it into practice with your peers and instructor in this interactive course.
- Beginners wishing to learn Spanish for work or travel.
If you have already taken beginning Spanish courses, it is recommended that you wait for A2 Spanish course, which will be launched in 2024.
To receive a Certificate of Completion in this course, you will need to score at least 70% on each of the the end of lesson assessments. To be awarded a Certificate with Distinction, you will need to score at least 90% on each of the end of lesson assessments. Attending the weekly course meetings and doing the auto-graded exercises throughout each lesson will help prepare you for success on the end of lesson assessments.The time commitment will typically range from five to seven hours a week.
Click here for information on instructor-led language courses
Additional software or materials required:
You will be required to use videoconferencing software, such as Zoom, which you will be able to use for free with the link that your instructor provides you.
Topics covered:
Greetings and introductions, family and friends, likes and dislikes, talking about time, talking about routines, planning your trip, eating habits, at the restaurant, in the workplace, going to the hotel.
Each lesson opens with a language learning tip and (optional) weekly challenge to get you in a learning rhythm and put your Spanish into practice with your peers. Learners can then listen to each individual vocabulary word and practice saying them aloud before watching videos where the vocabulary is used in context. Short grammar explanations are coupled with a variety of exercises before viewing videos and/or readings that put the grammar into context. Throughout the lesson, mini podcasts designed specifically for this course help learners to follow Eduardo and Mariana on their Spanish learning journey. At the end of each lesson, cultural activities help learners to understand the language in cultural context. Finally, a quiz at the end of each lesson with three attempts helps you to check what you know!
