Spanish for Beginners. The Complete Method. Level 4. Course Syllabus

Overview: This intermediate Spanish course is designed to help learners consolidate past tenses, master imperative forms, and be introduced to the present subjunctive. With a focus on real-life communication, the course integrates narrative fluency, authentic listening practice, and practical vocabulary. Structured into eight concise modules, it requires approximately 6.5 hours to complete, making it ideal for self-paced learning. Each module builds on prior knowledge with clear explanations, contextual exercises, and opportunities for speaking and writing practice.

Module 1: Review & Past Tense Introduction

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Quick recap of present tense and near-future constructions
• Introduction to pretérito perfecto for recent past events
• Forming and using haber in compound tenses
• Practice with time expressions like "hoy", "esta mañana", "nunca"

Module 2: Preterite (Pretérito Indefinido)

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Conjugation of regular -ar, -er, -ir verbs in the preterite
• Key irregular verbs in the preterite (ser, ir, hacer, tener, dar)
• Contrasting pretérito perfecto and pretérito indefinido
• Contextual usage: completed actions vs. recent past with present relevance

Module 3: Fluent Connectors & Discourse Markers

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Using conjunctions: aunque, mientras, sin embargo, por lo tanto
• Linking ideas for coherent storytelling
• Organizing narratives with time and contrast markers

Module 4: The Imperative & Polite Requests

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Affirmative and negative commands for tú, usted, vosotros, ustedes
• Polite expressions: por favor, tenga en cuenta, sería bueno que…
• Giving advice and making requests in real-life contexts

Module 5: The Subjunctive Present Introduction

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Recognizing triggers of the subjunctive in noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses
• Conjugating regular verbs in the present subjunctive
• Using the subjunctive after expressions of emotion, doubt, and desire

Module 6: Vocabulary Expansion & Themed Dialogues

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Job interviews: common questions and responses
• Travel planning: making reservations and asking for information
• Social media and digital communication vocabulary
• Role-play practice with themed dialogues

Module 7: Listening Practice with Authentic Audio

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Listening comprehension with native Spanish speakers
• Exposure to varied accents (Spain, Mexico, Argentina)
• Fill-in-the-blank transcripts and summary tasks

Module 8: Speaking & Writing Production

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Role-plays using past tenses and subjunctive
• Writing prompts for narrative and opinion-based texts
• Peer-review guidelines for self-correction and fluency building

Prerequisites

• Completion of Spanish for Beginners Level 3 or equivalent
• Familiarity with present tense and near-future constructions
• Basic understanding of Spanish sentence structure and vocabulary

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Use past tenses accurately to narrate completed and recent events
• Construct fluent, well-connected narratives using appropriate connectors
• Give commands and make polite requests using the imperative mood
• Recognize and use the present subjunctive in common expressions
• Engage in real-world conversations on work, travel, and social topics