Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module SPAN1091: INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC TEXTS

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN1091: INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC TEXTS

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • At least Grade B in Spanish A Level or equivalent

Corequisites

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

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a broad introduction to literary, cultural and visual studies in the context of Spain and Latin America, leading to advanced study in these areas in years 2 and 4.

Content

  • The syllabus will cover Spain and Latin America in equal proportions, and will include study of selected literary and visual texts from a range of periods.

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