This module has three key objectives: to extend students’ reading and listening skills in Spanish through the study of longer texts/films than those which feature in the Spanish Language modules; to extend their knowledge of the geography, history, politics and current affairs of Spain and/or Latin America; and to introduce them to the study of Spanish-language texts/films as cultural products which provide important insights for the development of the range of inter-cultural competencies required to function professionally in a Spanish-speaking environment. This module is the first of two related modules and its theme is Identity in Spain and/or Latin America.
The class will examine the concept of Identity, using a selection of written texts in Spanish and Spanish-language films to explore the notion and link it to its expression in both the social/historical/political and artistic domains, whilst at the same time allowing students to develop their critical, discursive and presentational skills.
Class content will reflect the research specialisms of Spanish lecturing staff in the School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences, and the actual texts and films studied may vary from year to year to reflect student demand and staff availability, as determined by the research focus of the staff concerned. All texts/films studied will be in the original language.
From 1898 to the present day, Spain has been thought to exist on the fringes of Europe, struggling to remain independent, but also suffering the consequences of isolation. Much Spanish literature and cinema explores the tension between forging an individual, independent Identity, while still seeking to belong in the contemporary world.
Latin America cannot be understood without the concept of 'mestizaje' (racial, ethnic and cultural hybrity) and colonization, which have had a significant impact on the region up to the present. Latin American independence is marked by the separation of many countries from Spain in the nineteenth century, or, as sometimes occurred, attempts to maintain cultural and economic independence from the United States or the West in general. A sense of personal isolation can be found in much Latin American literature and cinema, exploring the alienating consequences of vicious civil wars or the frustrations of economic and political impotence in the context of dictatorships.
Focusing on specific texts and films, students will be required to develop their ability to critically evaluate and analyse the theme of Identity in these contexts and enhance their skills in academic writing.
The class will be delivered through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Specific reading will be identified for each lecture hour, prioritised as ‘essential’ and ‘further reading’, and should require approximately 2 hours of private study/preparation. Each tutorial topic will be accompanied by a list of specific readings/questions and/or prompts. Adequate tutorial preparation should involve approximately 2 hours of private study.
Indicative Learning Hours:
| Staff led activities: Lectures | 40 |
| Staff directed activities: Tutorials | 10 |
| Student directed: lecture preparation | 80 |
| Student directed: tutorial preparation | 20 |
| Student led: class test preparation and completion | 10 |
| Student led: essay preparation and completion | 10 |
| Student led: exam preparation and completion | 30 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
Attendance
Attendance, participation and self-directed learning are viewed as essential elements of the learning process and a minimum of 75% of student attendance/participation will be expected.
E-learning
All basic class information, together with some teaching materials and additional support materials will be available online, normally through Webcourses.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |