Introduction to Spanish and Latin America Studies

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the similarities and dissimilarities between the cultures and societies of Spanish speaking countries and your own culture
• key forms of cultural expression in modern Spanish-speaking countries
• major events and trends in the modern history of Spanish-speaking countries
• various aspects of the histories, cultures and politics of Spanish-speaking countries

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• critically evaluate and analyse primary and secondary sources
• plan and organise your learning, exercising independence and initiative
• communicate your ideas in clear and concise writing
• make use of libraries, archives and online resources to access relevant information
• adhere to guidelines and deadlines

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• define, present and exemplify concepts related to Spanish-speaking countries
• engage with different types of material related to Spanish-speaking countries in both breadth and depth
• apply knowledge, understanding and analysis critically to different topics related to Spanish-speaking countries
• select, synthesise and focus information about Spanish-speaking countries from a variety of primary and secondary sources

Specific topics will vary year to year, but will include a variety of historical events, texts and case studies from Spain and Latin America and where applicable other Spanish-speaking countries.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning methods include:

• lectures introducing basic concepts and context
• seminar, where we will discuss materials and concepts both as a whole and in small groups
• independent reading, thinking and writing

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Helen Graham (2012). War and its shadow; Spain's civil war in Europe's long twentieth century. Sussex Academic Press.

Thomas H. Holloway editor (2011). A Companion to Latin American History. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Helen Graham and Jo Labanyi (1996). Spanish Cultural Studies: An Introduction-The struggle for modernity. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Clare Mar-Molinero (1997). The Spanish Speaking World : Introduction to sociolinguistic issues. London/New York: Routledge.

Greg Grandin (2021). Empire's Workshop: Latin America, the United States and the making of an Imperial Project. Picador.

Catherine Davies (2003). The Companion to Hispanic Studies. Arnold.

Clare Mar-Molinero (2009). Globalisation and Language in the Spanish Speaking World: Macro and Micro perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External