EU0380: Politics and Society in Spain

School null
Department Code null
Module Code EU0380
External Subject Code R430
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Andrew Dowling
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

This course will examine Spanish politics and society since the death of Franco and the re-establishment of democracy in the mid 1970s. The course will be centred on examining the contemporary political and social situation in Spain.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

·         Identify, analyse, contextualise and discuss the main political and social issues confronting modern and contemporary Spain.

·         Understand the nature of the Spanish transition and the reasons for its success; have gained a detailed knowledge of the mechanics and politics of devolution in Spain; distinguish between party systems and the roles of parties

How the module will be delivered

You will be taught by lectures and seminars including end of course revision classes. Students will be expected to make at least one seminar presentation to the class, and the course tutor will provide guidance and critical feedback on performance.

Skills that will be practised and developed

·         Gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and primary sources; construct reasoned argument, synthesize and analyse relevant information and exercise critical judgement; reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback.

·         Show ability to explore and develop understanding of Spanish contemporary society, in accordance with specifications of the module.

·         Communicate effectively in speech and writing; use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information; work individually and in collaboration with others; demonstrate initiative, self organisation and time management

How the module will be assessed

Students will be assessed through a coursework essay of 2,000 words and a 2-hour exam.
 

Type of assessment

 

%

Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

Coursework

30

Essay

2000 words

End of semester

Written exam

70

Exam

2 hours

Exam period

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 30 Politics And Society In Spain N/A
Exam - Autumn Semester 70 Politics And Society In Spain 2

Syllabus content

The course will be centred on examining the contemporary political and social situation in Spain. Topics covered include areas ranging from the Spanish media, political parties, the Church and military as well as the different nationalisms within the Spanish state.

Essential Reading and Resource List

José Magone Contemporary Spanish Politics (London: Routledge, 2008)

 

Introductory Texts:

Sebastian Balfour (ed.), The Politics of Contemporary Spain (London: Routledge, 2004)

P. HeywoodThe Government and Politics of Spain (London: Macmillan, 1995)

R. Carr & J.P. Fusi, Spain: from Dictatorship to Democracy  (1979, 1981 & subseq. reprint Routledge)

V. Pérez-Díaz,The Return of Civil Society. The Emergence of Democratic Spain, (Harvard University Press, 1993)

P. Preston, The Triumph of Democracy in Spain, (Routledge, London, 1986)

John Gibbons Spanish Politics today(Manchester, Manchester University Press, 1999)


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855