Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People Course Reviews

Throughout the course, students are introduced to a wide range of practical and relevant vocabulary and expressions commonly used in social settings. The curriculum is designed to help learners confidently navigate various social scenarios, such as introducing themselves, making small talk, exchanging personal information, and engaging in conversations with native Spanish speakers.

The course is structured into different modules, each addressing specific aspects of meeting people. Topics covered include greetings and farewells, asking and answering questions about personal background, interests, and hobbies, as well as discussing common social activities and making plans with others.

In addition to vocabulary acquisition, Dr. Robert Blake emphasizes the importance of pronunciation and conversational practice. Students are encouraged to participate in interactive exercises, speaking practice sessions, and quizzes to reinforce their learning and develop their speaking skills.

By the end of the course, learners will have acquired a solid foundation in Spanish vocabulary related to meeting people, allowing them to comfortably engage in social interactions, make new friends, and build relationships in Spanish-speaking environments. This course is suitable for beginners or individuals looking to refresh their vocabulary and enhance their conversational abilities for social situations.

Course Content:

¡Hola! ¿Como Estas? In this entry level course, you will take the first step toward exploring the foundations of Spanish grammar and pronunciation, and will begin to build a working vocabulary of common Spanish words and expressions. You will be able to talk about yourself, your family and friends in the present tense, and begin to explore the cultural context of the Spanish-speaking world through a series of videos and interactive activities, including speaking, reading and writing exercises. The adventure begins here, so ¡vámanos!

The course Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People by Dr. Robert Blake on Coursera is divided into 4 modules. Here is a detailed breakdown of the modules:

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.

What's included

• Course Introduction•1 minute•Preview module
• Module Introduction•1 minute
• Introduction to Vocabulario•1 minute
• Introduction to Gramática•1 minute
• Pronunciation Tips•2 minutes
• Subject Pronouns•2 minutes
• Gender and Number Agreement•3 minutes
• Linking Nouns with Other Expressions•1 minute
• The Verb Tener•1 minute
• Verbs that End with -AR•1 minute
• Numbers 1-10•0 minutes
• Perspectivas Introduction: La Familia•0 minutes
• Perspectivas: La Familia•2 minutes
• Perspectivas Summary: La Familia•1 minute
• Module Summary•1 minute

• How to be Successful in this Course•5 minutes
• Family and Friends Vocabulary List•15 minutes
• Module 1 Vocabulary Activity•30 minutes
• Typing Spanish Accents and Punctuation•10 minutes

• Module 1 Review•45 minutes
• Module 1 Vocabulario Review A•30 minutes
• Module 1 Vocabulario Review B•30 minutes
• Module 1 Writing Practice•15 minutes
• Module 1 Gramática Review•20 minutes
• Perspectivas Comprehension Check•15 minutes

Module 2: Talking About the Body

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.

• The Body Vocabulary List•15 minutes
• Module 2 Vocabulary Activity•30 minutes

• Module 2 Review•45 minutes
• Module 2 Vocabulario Review A•35 minutes
• Module 2 Vocabulario Review B•35 minutes
• Module 2 Gramática Review•20 minutes
• Module 2 Writing Practice•15 minutes
• Perspectivas Comprehension Quiz•20 minutes

Module 3: Talking About Places and Weather

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.

• Module Introduction•1 minute•Preview module
• Introduction to Vocabulario•1 minute
• Introduction to Gramática•0 minutes
• Ser vs. Estar•2 minutes
• The Verb Hay•1 minute
• –AR, -ER, -IR Stem-changing Verbs•3 minutes
• Talking About the Weather•1 minute
• Expressing Obligations•0 minutes
• Possessive Adjectives•1 minute
• Making Comparisons of Inequality•1 minute
• Perspectivas Introduction: La Plaza Central•0 minutes
• Perspectivas: La Plaza Central•1 minute
• Perspectivas Summary: La Plaza Central•0 minutes
• Module Summary•0 minutes

• Places and Weather Vocabulary List•10 minutes
• Module 3 Vocabulary Activity•30 minutes

• Module 3 Review•45 minutes
• Module 3 Vocabulario Review A•35 minutes
• Module 3 Vocabulario Review B•35 minutes
• Module 3 Gramática Review•30 minutes
• Module 3 Writing Practice•15 minutes
• Perspectivas Comprehension Quiz•30 minutes

Module 4: Course Peer Review Activity

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.

• Course Summary•0 minutes•Preview module

Reviews:

As a former student who took the course Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People by Dr. Robert Blake on Coursera, I can confidently say that it was an enriching and valuable learning experience.

The course content was well-structured and thoughtfully organized. It started with the basics, introducing essential vocabulary and phrases for greetings, introductions, and making small talk. The progression of topics was logical, allowing me to build upon my knowledge step by step. The emphasis on practical vocabulary related to meeting people was particularly beneficial as it allowed me to apply what I learned in real-life situations.

Dr. Robert Blake's teaching style was engaging and encouraging. His passion for language learning and his expertise in Spanish language education were evident throughout the course. The interactive exercises and quizzes helped reinforce my understanding and retention of the material. I appreciated the opportunities to practice speaking Spanish, as it boosted my confidence and improved my pronunciation.

The course also provided cultural insights, which added depth to my language learning journey. Understanding the cultural context in which the language is used enhanced my ability to communicate effectively and respectfully in social interactions with Spanish speakers.

One of the strengths of the course was the flexibility it offered. Being an online course on Coursera, I could study at my own pace and revisit lessons as needed. This flexibility was beneficial for balancing my other commitments while still making progress in learning Spanish.

Throughout the course, I felt supported by the instructor and the online community of learners. The discussion forums allowed for meaningful interactions with fellow students, providing opportunities to practice writing in Spanish and exchange language tips.

One suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate more multimedia resources, such as audio and video content, to further enhance listening comprehension skills. While the course already included listening exercises, additional multimedia materials would have added diversity to the learning experience.

Overall, Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People by Dr. Robert Blake is an excellent course for anyone looking to develop their Spanish language skills for social interactions. It equips learners with practical vocabulary, cultural awareness, and speaking practice, making it a valuable asset for engaging confidently with native Spanish speakers. I would highly recommend this course to fellow language enthusiasts and anyone seeking to improve their Spanish communication abilities.

What you'll learn:

After completing the course Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People by Dr. Robert Blake on Coursera, students will have acquired several key skills in Spanish language and communication, particularly in social settings. These skills include:

1. Expanded Vocabulary: Students will have significantly broadened their Spanish vocabulary, particularly related to meeting people, greetings, introductions, and engaging in casual conversations. They will have learned common phrases, expressions, and idiomatic language used in social interactions.

2. Social Communication: Learners will have developed the ability to confidently and effectively communicate in various social scenarios. They will be able to introduce themselves, ask and answer questions about personal background, interests, and hobbies, and participate in small talk.

3. Pronunciation and Speaking: The course emphasizes the importance of correct pronunciation, and students will have practiced speaking Spanish in different contexts. As a result, they will have improved their speaking skills and confidence when engaging in conversations with native Spanish speakers.

4. Listening Comprehension: Through interactive exercises and listening practice, students will have enhanced their ability to understand spoken Spanish in real-life situations, helping them to navigate social interactions more effectively.

5. Cultural Awareness: The course may touch on cultural aspects related to meeting people in Spanish-speaking countries. Students will gain an appreciation for cultural nuances and customs, contributing to more culturally sensitive and appropriate interactions.

6. Confidence in Social Environments: As a result of the course's emphasis on practical vocabulary and real-life scenarios, students will have gained confidence in approaching and engaging with native Spanish speakers, making it easier for them to connect and build relationships.

7. Practical Application: The skills learned in the course are immediately applicable to real-life situations, making it easier for learners to integrate their new knowledge into their daily interactions with Spanish-speaking individuals.

Overall, the course equips students with the necessary language tools to successfully navigate social interactions, build connections, and expand their communication abilities in Spanish-speaking environments. These skills are valuable not only for personal interactions but also for professional settings, travel, and cultural exchange opportunities.

Author:

Dr. Robert Blake is a highly respected expert in the field of language education and linguistics. With a distinguished career as an educator and researcher, he has made significant contributions to the study and teaching of foreign languages, particularly Spanish.

As an accomplished academic, Dr. Robert Blake holds advanced degrees in linguistics and language education. His academic background and extensive research experience have provided him with a deep understanding of language acquisition, bilingualism, and language teaching methodologies. This expertise has allowed him to design effective language courses and programs that cater to the needs of learners at various proficiency levels.

Dr. Blake's passion for language learning and cross-cultural communication is evident in his teaching approach. He is known for creating engaging and immersive learning experiences that encourage active participation and foster a supportive learning environment. Through his courses, such as "Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People" on Coursera, he strives to make language learning accessible, practical, and enjoyable for students of all backgrounds.

As an author and course creator, Dr. Blake has demonstrated a keen ability to distill complex language concepts into accessible and comprehensible lessons. His courses often incorporate interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and multimedia resources to enhance students' learning experience.

Furthermore, Dr. Robert Blake's reputation as an expert in Spanish language education has attracted learners from around the world seeking to improve their language skills. His dedication to ensuring learners develop practical communication skills and cultural awareness sets him apart as an educator who understands the importance of language in fostering global connections.

Overall, Dr. Robert Blake's extensive knowledge, teaching expertise, and commitment to promoting language learning have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the field of language education. His courses have proven to be valuable resources for students looking to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding.

Requirements:

The course Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People by Dr. Robert Blake has the following requirements:

1. Proficiency Level: The course is designed for learners at the beginner to intermediate levels of Spanish proficiency. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, making it accessible to complete beginners.

2. Access to Technology: As the course is hosted on the Coursera platform, students need access to a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection to participate in the online lectures, quizzes, and interactive exercises.

3. Time Commitment: Learners should be prepared to invest a certain amount of time each week to complete the course successfully. The specific time commitment may vary depending on individual learning styles and pace.

4. English Proficiency: While the course is primarily conducted in Spanish to facilitate language immersion, Dr. Robert Blake may provide English explanations and instructions to aid learners in their understanding.

5. Willingness to Practice: The course emphasizes active participation and practice. Students are encouraged to engage in speaking exercises and conversational practice to reinforce their learning and develop their speaking skills.

6. Motivation and Dedication: Like any language learning endeavor, success in this course depends on the student's motivation and dedication to regular practice and study. It requires a genuine interest in improving Spanish language skills for social interactions.

7. Cultural Openness: Language and culture are intertwined, and the course may touch on cultural aspects related to meeting people in Spanish-speaking countries. Students should approach the material with cultural openness and sensitivity.

8. Commitment to Learning: The course aims to equip learners with practical vocabulary and communication skills. Students should approach the course with a willingness to learn and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Overall, Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People is designed to be accessible and engaging for learners with varying levels of language experience. As long as students meet the basic requirements and are enthusiastic about learning Spanish, they can benefit from the course and enhance their ability to interact confidently in social settings.