Module SPAN2071: LATIN AMERICAN TEXTS

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN2071: LATIN AMERICAN TEXTS

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Spanish Language 4 (SPAN3011) or Spanish Language following Year Abroad (SPAN3211)

Aims

• This module builds upon themes discussed in the First Year courses Introduction to Hispanic Studies and Introduction to Hispanic Texts.
• To explore issues arising from the construction of identities and to build upon critical frameworks introduced in First Year, deepening students' critical engagement with theoretical discourses for the analysis of Latin American cultures.

Content

• A selection of twentieth century written and visual texts which address issues of identity, language and place in different Latin American contexts, will be analysed.
• Critical analysis will focus on textual responses to local contexts and generic conventions.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
• a critical understanding of the themes and issues that underpin contemporary cultural identity in Latin America,
• a critical appreciation of the key currents and texts discussed in the course, and the relationship between them.

• By the end of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
• an ability to apply basic theories and methods of analysis to literary, filmic and visual texts,
• an ability to marshal ideas and structure arguments coherently in oral and written work,
• an ability to use secondary critical material intelligently and to think independently.

• The module also aims to develop:
• IT skills, through the requirement that all coursework is to be word-processed.
• the use of Library databases and websites.
• 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 lecture and a fortnightly seminar (in which students will be divided into smaller groups) in the Michaelmas and Epiphany terms as well as short tutorials based on written work. Classes will be given in English.

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