Modern Spanish and Spanish American Literature (Autumn)

Code

MLAC2050

School

Modern Languages and Cultures

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module explores a cultural period in the Hispanic world characterised by profound social change and the emergence of major world-figures of modern art (e.g. Picasso). It is structured around key literary and artistic movements from Spain from the 1830s until the 1930s, movements such as Romanticism, Symbolism-Decadence/modernismo, and the Avant-garde. The module examines the relationship between certain literary texts of the period and the context in which they were produced (Spain’s rapid, if hugely uneven modernisation). Each novel, play or collection of poetry will be used to exemplify and problematise a particular movement, but will also be treated in its own right through close textual analysis.

Target Students

For registration by Exchange or U21 students ONLY. A reading knowledge of Spanish is required.

Classes

• Three 1-hour seminars each week for 4 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

2 hours per week of lectures. 4 one hour seminars. This module is part of MLAC2091. For registration by mobility students ONLY. For timetable see MLAC2091. The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.

Assessment

• 30% Coursework 1: 1 x 1000 word commentary
• 70% Coursework 2: 1 x 1500 word coursework essay

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and understanding
Students will (A1) read and comprehend complex texts in Spanish;

(A2) acquire an in-depth awareness of the cultural, historical and political contexts appropriate to the Hispanic culture(s) addressed;

(A3) develop an appreciation of the relationship between their own cultural, historical and social backgrounds and those of those aspects of the Hispanic worlds to which they are exposed; 

(D6) general research skills;

(D7) time-management, prioritising and general organisational skills.

(D5) sufficient cross-cultural understanding to be able to negotiate effectively between cultures, particularly Hispanic cultures and their own culture of origin;

(D4) appropriate preparation skills in relation to written documents, oral presentation, illustrations and handouts and the delivery of oral presentations;

(D3) the ability to construct and defend a coherent and well-researched argument in English;

4. Transferable/key skills
Students are provided with the training to be able to demonstrate (D2) effective comprehension of written Spanish;

3. Professional/practical skills
The training offered during the course of the Hispanic Studies elements of the degree allows students to (C3) undertake relevant research and construct a reasoned argument on a topic/issue in English either orally or in writing.

(B4) deploy effectively a range of critical stratagems and approaches in their analytical work.

(B2) demonstrate a critical awareness of the historical and socio-political contexts of Hispanic cultures;

2. Intellectual Skills
Students are given the tools with which to (B1) engage in informed discussion of literary texts and genres from Hispanic cultures;

(A4) handle with assurance a range of critical and analytical stratagems and tools in their approach to these areas.

Conveners

• Professor Adam Sharman
• Professor Stephen Roberts