Module SPAN2141: HISPANIC LINGUISTICS

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN2141: HISPANIC LINGUISTICS

Prerequisites

• Spanish Language 1A (SPAN1011) OR Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072) AND The Unity and Diversity of Spanish (SPAN1121) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) or Spanish Language 2A and Year Abroad (SPAN2131) or Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111) or Spanish Language 2B and Year Abroad (SPAN2121). Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the main fields of Hispanic linguistics, both "theoretical" (e.g., phonetics, phonology, syntax) and "applied" (e.g., language acquisition, pragmatics and discourse analysis).
• This course builds on the knowledge on Hispanic sociolinguistics acquired in Level 1 Unity and Diversity of Spanish and provides students with knowledge and understanding of the various ways in which linguists study the Spanish language.
• The module also contributes to preparing students thoroughly for the Translation module in Level 3.

Content

• The first part of the course will provide an analysis of Spanish syntax, phonetics/phonology (both of Spanish and Latin American varieties) and language acquisition, offering a focus on what human languages are and how they are learnt and developed.
• The second part of the course will concentrate on how Spanish and its varieties are used by society and in the media and will provide the students with an introduction to pragmatics and discourse analysis.
• Lectures and seminars will be conducted in English.

Learning Outcomes

• An enhanced understanding of the Spanish language in the fundamental areas of Spanish linguistics.

• Understanding of linguistic theory and analysis.
• Knowledge of fundamental linguistic concepts in the areas of phonetics, phonology, syntax, acquisition, pragmatics, and discourse analysis and how these systems interact in language use.
• Recognition of the differences between the main regional and social varieties of Spanish.
• Good awareness of the nature of the Spanish language through comparisons with English.
• Knowledge of the functions that the language performs in the media.

• To structure ideas and arguments in written work
• To use secondary material appropriately and effectively
• To think independently
• Time-management 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 fortnightly seminar with smaller groups of students which will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.
• Students' understanding of the topics covered for the summative essay and the final examination is developed by discussions and student presentations. The first summative essay will be based on a topic covered during the Michaelmas term and the second one on a topic covered in the Epiphany term. The examination questions will cover the work carried out in the two terms and will 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ 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