Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module SPAN3151: SEX AND SOCIETY IN SPANISH LITERATURE TO 1700

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN3151: SEX AND SOCIETY IN SPANISH LITERATURE TO 1700

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap 30 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111), OR an equivlent 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 4 (SPAN3011). Other: see Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module will involve the study of selected texts written before 1700 that deal with the subject of sex and its relationship to society.

Content

  • This module involves the study of texts composed in Spain before 1700 that deal with sex and its relationship to society.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • The module aims to provide students with a firm grasp of the development of attitudes towards sex (both learned and popular) expressed in Spain during this period. Emphasis will be placed on sexual codes of conduct, the difficulties involved in accepting them, and the conflicts that arose when they were broken. Attention will also be paid to taboo subjects (infidelity, impotence, promiscuity, prostitution, castration, sexual climax, incest, and so on) as well as specific literary traditions, such as courtly love.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have learned to appreciate the historical, intellectual, and cultural background that shapes literary production and to offer interpretations of the ways in which texts deal with the relationship between sex and societyin Spain up to 1700.
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 intensively either in Term I or in Term II on a 'short-fat' basis.
  • Lectures (twice weekly) will deliver key information about the module
  • A weekly seminar with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions
  • This format responds to student feedback gained in SSCC and NSS responses

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 2 per week 1 Hour 20
Seminars 10 1 per week 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay 1 Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 1 2,500 words 100% No
Component: Essay 2 Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2 2,500 words 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