ML5111: Introduction to Hispanic Studies (Beginners)
| School | Hispanic Studies |
| Department Code | MLANG |
| Module Code | ML5111 |
| External Subject Code | 100325 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Tilmann Altenberg |
| Semester | Double Semester |
| Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
The module introduces first year students of Spanish (Beginners) 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 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 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. All Spanish-language materials will also be provided in English translation.
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 two written essays of 1,500 words each.
|
Type of assessment |
% Contribution |
Title |
Duration |
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Introduction To Hispanic Studies (Beginners) | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 50 | Essay (Autumn Semester) | N/A |
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; and
- 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.