This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module SPAN3041: MODERN SPANISH LITERATURE

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN3041: MODERN SPANISH LITERATURE

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	3	20	Not available in 2017/2018		Durham

Pre-requisites

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). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combinations

None.

Aims

To develop understanding of contemporary Spanish culture and skills of critical analysis.

Content

Spanish literature and theatre from the 1960s to the present studied in relation to elements of critical theory and social, political and economic change.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Advanced understanding of key developments in contemporary Spanish culture.
Knowledge of selected literary and dramatic texts and their historical, social and cultural contexts.
Understanding of relevant theoretical concepts.

Subject-specific Skills

By the end of the course students should be able to write clear, coherent critical essays that show a good understanding of both the set texts and the contexts within which they have been discussed.

Key Skills

The ability to use ICT effectively both as a means of communication and as a learning tool (it is a requirement that all coursework is to be word-processed).
Extended skills in critical analysis and academic writing.
The further development of general written communication skills.

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

The module will be taught in terms 1, 2 and 3 on a ‘long-thin' basis.
Weekly lectures will deliver key information about the module.
Fortnightly seminars with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.
Three modes of summative assessment provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills in different ways:
(i) A 1000-word analysis of critical approaches to one of the core texts studied in the first term (critical evaluation of secondary sources, understanding of theoretical contexts, concise expression).
(ii) A 2000-word essay in English comparing two of the core texts (research skills, understanding of primary texts and their contexts, use of secondary sources and theoretical frameworks, more extended argumentation).
(iii) A 2-hour written examination at the end of the year (understanding of primary texts, selective use of secondary sources and theoretical concepts, concise expression under time pressure).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Seminars	10	1 per week	1 hour	10	Yes
Preparation and Reading				169
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Essay 1	20%	Analysis of critical approaches	1000 words	100%	No
Essay 2	40%	Essay on two core texts	2000 words	100%	No
Examination	40%	Written Examination	2 hours	100%	No

Formative Assessment

None

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.