Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/spanish-vocabulary-meeting-people

Introduction

**Course Review: Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People on Coursera** **Overview:** If you’ve ever wished to learn Spanish but didn’t know where to start, Coursera’s "Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People" is an excellent beginner-friendly course that lays the groundwork for developing essential Spanish language skills. This course invites you into the vibrant world of Spanish through interactive lessons that cover not only vocabulary but also the cultural context of Spanish-speaking countries. **Course Structure:** The course is divided into three modules, each thoughtfully crafted to build upon the previous one: 1. **Module 1: Talking About Family and Friends** This module is about more than just vocabulary; it's your introduction to the rhythm and structure of the Spanish language. You’ll tackle basic grammar and pronunciation while learning to communicate about yourself and your loved ones. By the end of this module, you won’t just be able to count to ten but will have a foundational understanding of “ar” verbs and the verb ‘tener’ (to have), key components for conversations about identity and relationships. 2. **Module 2: Talking About the Body** Here, you’ll continue expanding your vocabulary to include terms related to the body and physical sensations, all while using the verb ‘estar’ (to be). This module pioneers your journey to counting to 100 and introduces you to various verb conjugations, making sure you grasp both “ar,” “er,” and “ir” verbs in the present tense—a fundamental skill for effective communication. 3. **Module 3: Talking About Places and Weather** With an expanded vocabulary on places and weather, this module enhances your ability to converse in diverse contexts. You’ll learn to compare different subjects using possessive adjectives while practicing irregular verb conjugations. The opportunity to engage with a native speaker from Mexico adds a personal touch to your learning experience, allowing you to explore cultural nuances directly. **Peer Interaction:** The highlight of this course is the peer review activity in which you create a personal introduction in Spanish and present it via video. This not only fosters community engagement but also helps build confidence in your speaking skills. Receiving feedback from peers can enhance your learning process, making this course more interactive and supportive. **Recommendation:** I strongly recommend "Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People" for anyone looking to dip their toes into learning Spanish. The course is structured in a way that gradually builds your vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, ensuring that you won’t feel overwhelmed. The inclusion of cultural content is a great motivator and adds depth to your learning. Additionally, the course materials, including videos and interactive exercises, are engaging and designed to accommodate different learning styles. As someone who has taken various language courses and understands the challenges of mastering a new tongue, I can assure you that the patient and thorough approach of this course will make your language learning journey both rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you plan to travel, work, or connect with Spanish-speaking friends, this course provides a perfect launching pad into the world of the Spanish language. ¡Buena suerte!

Syllabus

Module 1: Talking About Family and Friends

The first module introduces Spanish grammar and pronunciation and you will begin to build your Spanish vocabulary. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to talk about yourself and your family and will be able to count to 10 in Spanish. We’ll also discuss and practice the “ar” verbs and the useful verb tener. By the end of the module you will have started laying the foundations of your vocabulary.

In module 2, you’ll continue to build your Spanish vocabulary and will be able to talk about the body and physical sensations using the verb estar. Building on the vocabulary you learned in the first module, you will also able to count to 100. Throughout the module, we’ll practice conjugating the “ar,” “er” and “ir” verbs in the present tense.

In this module you’ll continue to build your Spanish vocabulary as we discuss the topics of places and weather. We’ll continue to practice the “ar,” “er” and “ir” verbs, and we’ll introduce some irregular verbs. By the end of the module, you’ll also be able to make comparisons using possessive adjectives. You’ll engage with a native of Mexico and explore her native city.

In the final assignment for this course, you will write a brief introduction about yourself in Spanish (approximately 100-200 words) to tell your peers a little about yourself. You will then record and upload a video of you reading this introduction to the class. Click on the Peer Review activity link below to learn more about this assignment.