EU5111: Introduction to Hispanic Studies (Beginners)

School null
Department Code null
Module Code EU5111
External Subject Code R430
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Tilmann Altenberg
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

The module introduces first year students of Spanish (Beginners) to key concepts in Spanish and Spanish-American history and culture. Short texts from different eras and a range of genres (historiography, narrative, drama, poetry, film) will be examined with regard to their context of production and specific way of constructing meaning. Basic critical concepts and methods for textual analysis will be introduced and applied to the materials studied.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

·         Demonstrate comprehension of the geographical and linguistic diversity of Spain and Spanish America

·         Show a knowledge and understanding of key periods in history that shaped modern Spain and Spanish America

·         Write discursively on a number of historical topics

·         Show familiarity with basic issues of literary and cultural history as relevant in the Hispanic context

·         Show awareness of and analyse formal aspects of texts written in Spanish

·         Analyse narrative strategies in relation to the construction of meaning

·         Express informed judgments about the Spanish and Spanish-American texts studied

How the module will be delivered

The module is team-taught by Spanish staff in weekly lectures, which give an introduction to any given topic. They are a starting-point, designed to guide students’ own independent reading. All Spanish-language materials will also be provided in English translation.

Skills that will be practised and developed

·         Close reading

·         Organisational skills

·         Study skills

How the module will be assessed

 

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed by two written essays of 1,500 words each.

 

Type of assessment

% Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

Essay

50

 

1,500 words

Week 12 (Autumn)

Essay

50

 

1,500 words

Week 12 (Spring)

 

The potential for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will have an opportunity to resubmit an essay(s) in August of the same year. If they pass the resit, a maximum of 40% will be awarded

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Essay (Spring Semester) N/A
Written Assessment 50 Essay (Autumn Semester) N/A

Syllabus content

·         Key concepts in the history of Spain and Spanish America

·         History and current status of the Spanish language

·         Periods and concepts of Hispanic literary history, cultural history and film history

·         Poetic forms

·         Basic concepts of literary studies, film studies, and visual culture

Essential Reading and Resource List

A detailed syllabus containing a list of primary texts and relevant secondary reading will be provided at the beginning of the course.


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