Module SPAN1151: The Diversity of the Spanish Speaking World

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN1151: The Diversity of the Spanish Speaking World

Prerequisites

• Grade B or above at A Level in a foreign European language (or equivalent)

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to representations of diversity in the Spanish speaking world, laying the foundations for advanced study at levels II and III.

Content

• The module will focus specifically on the question of diversity and begins by looking at the origin and evolution of the Spanish language before considering some of the other major issues that have defined and shaped the Spanish-speaking world as it exists today.
• These include the transition from frontier society to Empire and the cognate colonization of Latin America, the role of religion and faith in society, and the emergence of the nation state - particularly in terms of the evolution of political systems and the distinction between democracy and dictatorship.It concludes by looking at questions of racial, linguistic, and cultural diversity in the Spanish-speaking world and the series of unique factors that have elevated Spanish to the position of the world's second language.
• The module requires no prior knowledge of Spanish, but assumes that students will gain in fluency and ability during the programme. Correspondingly, in addition to short samples of literary production analysed in the second term, students will assess notions of cultural diversity in a variety of comparable interrelated media, notably painting, music, and film.

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the main elements that have shaped the Spanish speaking world as we understand it today, focusing particularly on the question of diversity
• Knowledge of selected examples of cultural production, notably written, musical, and visual representations focused on the question of diversity in its broadest sense
• An understanding of the origin and dissemination of the Spanish language and the way in which it competes with other languages spoken today.
• An understanding of the evolution and formation of Spain and the colonization of Latin America

• An ability to evaluate questions of cultural diversity in the Spanish speaking world
• Comprehension, critical analysis, and selective reapplication of information from a variety of sources.
• An ability to combine organized independent study with effective group work
• Coherent articulation of ideas and arguments, orally and in writing

• Writing skills
• Research and time-management skills
• IT skills (word-processing of assignments, use of an online learning environment, use of online sources of information)
• Understanding of cultural attitudes and differences in the Spanish speaking world

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

• A weekly general lecture will deliver key information on the module; a fortnightly seminar with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions
• The summative essay is based on topics covered during the Michaelmas Term.
• The examination covers the work carried out in the Epiphany and Summer Terms and tests the understanding of topics under controlled conditions
• The mixture of summative essay and final examination responds to requests from students 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