Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module SPAN1081: INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC STUDIES

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (SPANISH)

SPAN1081: INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC STUDIES

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade B at A'Level in a foreign language.

Corequisites

  • Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Spanish Language 1A(I) (SPAN1011) or Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072). Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the contexts within which the study of forms of cultural expression in Latin America and Spain (especially literature, film and other visual forms) will be developed in subsequent years.

Content

  • Selected cultural and historical developments in the Spanish-speaking world.
  • The course will be taught in English and will be available to all first-year students of Spanish.
  • The syllabus will cover Spain and Latin America in equal proportions, making use of film and visual arts.
  • While the course will refer to forms of literary expression, it will not involve the detailed study of literary texts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • .
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • There will be a weekly general lecture which will deliver key information on the module and a weekly seminar with smaller groups of students which will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.
      • The commentary and summative essay are based on topics covered during the Michaelmas term.
      • The examination questions cover the work carried out in the other terms and test the students' understanding of topics under controlled conditions.
      • The mixture of summative essay and final examination responds to student requests for this mode of assessment.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
      Seminars 10 1 per fortnight 1 hour 10
      Preparation and Reading 169
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Term 1: 1000-word commentary style exercise Component Weighting: 15%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Term 1: 1000-word commentary style exercise 1000 words 100%
      Component: Term 2: 1500-word essay Component Weighting: 25%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Term 2: 1500-word essay 1500 words 100%
      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Written examination 2 hours 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University