Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module SPAN3241: EARLY SPANISH NARRATIVE

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN3241: EARLY SPANISH NARRATIVE

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111) 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 4 (SPAN3011) or Spanish Language 4 following Year Abroad (SPAN3121). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module aims to focus on the development of narrative strategies in representative samples of early Spanish Literature.
  • Particular emphasis will be given to differing ways in which traditional tales can be recycled and adapted according to the demands both of authorial intention and changing public attitudes. In this way the module will build towards an understanding of the way in which the novel progressively emerged as a major literary form.

Content

  • The module deals with representative samples of early Spanish literature, focussing on the development of narrative strategies.
  • Particular emphasis will be given to differing ways in which traditional tales can be recycled and adapted according to the demands both of authorial intention and changing public attitudes. In this way the module will build towards an understanding of the way in which the novel progressively emerged as a major literary form.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will be well-informed and will be able critically to reflect on a major aspect of early Spanish literature; they will be acquainted with a wide range of theoretical positions and prose texts composed during the period.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By reading primary and secondary texts in the target language students will enhance their comprehension skills in the language that they are learning; the module will also enrich their skills of critical analysis.
Key Skills:
  • Through participation in seminar discussion and writing essays, students will gain key skills in oral and written argumentation and presentation in the target language; they will also reinforce and develop their teamwork and time management skills.

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

  • The module will consist of a weekly lecture for the whole group and a weekly seminar in which students will be divided into smaller groups.
  • The module will be taught and examined in English.
  • Students will be required to prepare weekly reading and seminar tasks and to attend all lectures. They will be encouraged to participate actively in classroom discussion.
  • The module will be assessed by a combination of summative work and examination (for further details, see below).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecture 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Seminar 10 Fortnightly 1 hour 10
Student preparation and reading time 169
Total SLAT hours 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2,500 words 100% No
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% No

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