ML5110: Introduction to Hispanic Studies (Advanced)
School | Hispanic Studies |
Department Code | MLANG |
Module Code | ML5110 |
External Subject Code | 100325 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Ryan Prout |
Semester | Double Semester |
Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
The module introduces first year students of Spanish (Advanced) to key concepts in Spanish and Hispanic 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 Hispanic America;
- Show a knowledge and understanding of key periods in history that shaped modern Spain and Hispanic America;
- Write discursively on a number of historical and cultural 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 textual strategies in relation to the construction of meaning; and
- Express informed judgements about the Spanish and/or Hispanic American texts studied.
How the module will be delivered
The module is team-taught by Spanish staff in weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures give an introduction to any given topic; they are a starting-point, designed to guide students’ own independent reading. Seminars will address in more detail specific aspects of the texts studied and give room for discussion.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Close reading;
- Organisational skills;
- Study skills; and
- Presentation skills.
How the module will be assessed
The module will be assessed by one essay of 1,500 words and one 2-hour written examination during the Spring exam period. The essay will allow students to show knowledge and understanding of some of the wider historical and cultural issues explored in the first semester; the written examination will enable students to demonstrate analytical skills and familiarity with critical concepts regarding the materials studied throughout the year.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 50 | Essay (1,500 Words) Autumn Semester) | N/A |
Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Introduction To Hispanic Studies (Advanced) | 2 |
Syllabus content
- Key concepts in the history of Spain and Hispanic 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.
Background 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.