Module SPAN2191: Transnational Spanish

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN2191: Transnational Spanish

Prerequisites

• Spanish Language 1A (SPAN1011) OR Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN 2111). Other: see Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the study of Spanish in society in a transnational and globalised world. The course will develop an understanding of the nature of linguistic communication across diverse cultures and will introduce the cultural, political, social, educational and linguistic factors that trigger bilingualism, multilingualism and language change.
• The course will demonstrate how a transnational methodology is the best approach to understand the role of Spanish in bilingualism, hybridity, code-switching, and in pidgins and creoles formation.

Content

• The phenomenon of transnationalism (though migration, slavery and conquest) in an increasingly global world and how this has led to language contact being part of everyday life, with a special emphasis on the Hispanic World.
• This module will look at contact situations within the Hispanic world and will analyse emerging issues of identity and heritage. In particular, two related consequences of contact will be studied: the development of new linguistic forms on the one hand and the processes of acculturation, assimilation, and amalgamation on the other.
• The module will offer an insight into the mechanisms that induce biculturalism and bilingualism drawing on findings from Spanish in contact with English, Italian, Portuguese and Welsh, will show that the transfer of linguistic and cultural material across languages is quite regular and follows universal patterns.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students should have a clear understanding of the fallacy behind the “one-nation, one-language, one- culture, one-identity” ideology and of the nature of linguistic and cultural changes that result from a transnational world.

• A grasp of the principles involved in linguistic contact and of the contribution of historical linguistics.
• An understanding of how to apply them to other linguistic examples from students’ own experience as language learners.
• An awareness of lexical borrowing in English and Spanish, and of different kinds of multilingualism, both at the societal and individual level.
• Knowledge of key socio-linguistic terminology.

• Carry out independent research taking as a starting point the classes and the reading list provided.
• Research printed and electronic resources.
• Participate in discussions and teamwork.
• Communicate findings orally and in writing.
• Develop and use analytical skills to solve problems.

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

• 1 weekly 2-hour lectures and 1 weekly seminar (either in term 1 or term 2)
• Lectures will deliver key information about the module
• Seminars with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

N/A

■ 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