DELC364: Latin America and Spain on Film: Violences and Masculinities

• Terms Taught: Lent / Summer Terms only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

Violence is a consistent feature of the cinemas of Spain and Latin America. The vast majority of violent acts in Latin American and Spanish films are carried out by men, raising specific concerns about the representation of links between men and violence on film. This module looks at key motifs as well as broader themes such as the absent patriarch and depictions of the male body. Students will examine representations of different kinds of violence, including structural, psychological and political violence. You will be expected to discuss the connections made between these and the masculinities with which they are associated. To this end, theoretical support will be given throughout towards current ideas about masculinities and violence in both sociology and cultural studies.

Educational Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with a grasp of both the historical contexts for violence and masculinities as they are depicted in Spanish and Latin American film as well as an understanding of theoretical approaches which can help to enrich analyses of such violence and evolving masculinities. The course seeks to pluralise violence so that it is understood by students as physical, non-physical, criminal, psychological, structural and invisible. Masculinities will always be considered in the plural. Another aim is to ensure students have the terminology to discuss such contexts and approaches in relation to specific films in a coherent and intellectually appropriate framework.

Students will first be required to view films in historical contexts which highlight key themes in the selected films. Students will be encouraged to observe and analyse structural violence, criminal violence, gender violence and political violence in these films and to understand their relationship with such categories as hegemonic, protest and patriarchal masculinities. Such violence(s) and masculinities will not only be contextualised historically but also approached through theories on aesthetics, film reception, gender and ideology. In this way students will be able to approach questions concerning the 'invisible' nature of domestic violence, violence as a means (or not) of providing 'cheap shocks' and different aesthetic approaches towards the depiction of state violence.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to...

• contextualise Spanish and Latin American films by placing them in their appropriate historical settings and by understanding the relationship between those historical settings and the films concerned.
• apply their historical contextualisation with an understanding of theories of violence and masculinities.
• analyse these films with due reference to the cinematic contexts for each country (eg. censorship, strength of film industry, availability and sources of capital etc.), using appropriate film terminology and critically engaging with existing interpretations of the corpus of films.
• present material on film, learning to juggle effectively stills, secondary sources, dialogue and their own analyses.
• examine cultural products or texts in socio-historical contexts.

Outline Syllabus

There will then be 8 weeks of study of four separate strands, each strand consisting of two weeks study of two films. The strands are: Structural Violence, Crash Cinemas, Gender Violence, Boys and Men. The second hour of the second week of each strand will consist of presentations by students either individually, in pairs or in groups of three.

In a typical year, the films concerned will include Memories of Underdevelopment (Cuba, 1968); La frontera (Chile, 1991); Amores perros (Mexico, 2000); Abre los ojos (Spain, 1997); Camila (Argentina, 1984); Te doy mis ojos (Spain, 2003); City of God (2002) and El espinazo del diablo (Spain, 2001).

The films are in Spanish or Portuguese with English subtitles. The vast majority of secondary texts are in English and the teaching is also in English.

Assessment Proportions

Essay(s): 40% Presentation (Assessed): 15% Exam: 45%

Presentations will be delivered by individuals, pairs, or groups of 3. In pairs and groups, each student will receive the same mark in order to encourage teamwork in the preparation process. Students will be required to deposit their powerpoint presentation on Moodle.

Feedback for both essay and presentation will follow current departmental practice. Presentations will be recorded (audio only) and students will be sent feedback by email. The feedback will contain two to three paragraphs of prose. The essay will focus on one submodule which must not be the submodule they have studied for their presentation. Written feedback will inform revision for the exam.

In the written examination (45%) students will pick one question out of several proposed options and write an essay responding to that question. The questions will address the concepts and material discussed in the lectures and seminars. Students must choose a question on a topic they have not studied in either their presentation or their CWA essay for DELC364.

SPAN100: Part I Spanish Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 4 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits  
• Pre-requisites: None; Evidence of language-learning ability; entry at A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

If you have never learnt Spanish this module is for you. It provides an intensive introduction to the language and will equip you grammatically and linguistically for further study. The module covers reading, writing, the foundations of grammar, plus speaking and listening skills for four hours per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on Hispanic culture and their American and European contexts.

Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Culture is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

This Module is devised to enable you to:

• Speak, understand read and write the relevant language at A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Develop your understanding of the principles of grammar (in both English and the relevant language)
• Develop techniques and strategies in learning a language
• Develop your confidence in using the language in various settings
• Acquire initial awareness of current affairs in the country where the language is spoken

Outline Syllabus

This module combines work in Spanish Language with a History, Culture and Identity module that looks at how key moments in Spanish history have shaped contemporary Spanish culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The language component of SPAN 100 is an intensive module of study which takes students from beginners' level to high A2/B1 level standard in 25 weeks of study. There are four language seminars per week, of which at least one is normally conducted by a Spanish native speaker. Tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of Spanish grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of Spanish native speakers using audio and video materials. In addition, one independent language hour is dedicated to computer-based exercises.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. Language coursework assessments during the year include a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Culture is assessed by coursework and examination. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall Part I result.

Students are encouraged to watch Spanish films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit Spanish-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN101: Part I Spanish Studies (Advanced/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module -  10 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: Good Spanish language; entry at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference(CEFR).

Course Description

If you already have a good knowledge of the language, this module is designed to help you achieve higher levels of oral fluency and written accuracy while extending your knowledge of twentieth century literature, thought and history. You will attend three hours of language classes per week. In addition, weekly or fortnightly lectures and seminars will focus on Hispanic Cultures and their American and European contexts.

Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class. Culture is also assessed by examination and coursework.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Consolidate and develop language skills already acquired at 'A'/ 'A/S' level (in Council of Europe framework terms, you will be a B category independent user, and consolidate level B1 (threshold) level and make inroads into B2 (vantage) level
• Enable you to speak and write accurately in Spanish at an advanced level and to acquire advanced skills in reading and listening comprehension
• Reinforce and expand the knowledge of Spanish grammar, and increase your awareness of the way English works so that you can make comparisons
• Enable and encourage you to learn about and appreciate the relevant contemporary culture and to form (and express in target language ) your own views on certain topics and issues
• Assist you to improve your ability to learn a language and to absorb information systematically and to contribute to your personal, social and cognitive development

Outline Syllabus

This module in Spanish Studies at Lancaster combines work in Spanish Language with a History, Culture and Identity module that looks at how key moments in Spanish history have shaped contemporary Spanish culture (film, plays, novels etc.).

The SPAN101 module will give you the opportunity to undertake a range of language work that will consolidate your work in Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR B (Independent User) level, taking you from B1 Threshold through to high B1/B2 Vantage level. The module will focus on equipping you with an understanding of language necessary for more advanced study. There are three language classes per week, of which at least one is normally conducted by a Spanish native speaker. Tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of Spanish grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of Spanish native speakers using audio and video materials.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. There are six language coursework assessments during the year, comprising a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall Part I result. Culture is assessed by coursework and examination.

Students are encouraged to watch Spanish films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit Spanish-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN200: Spanish Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN201
  • Extensive Spanish language; entry is at high B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the SPAN200/201 module, comprising three hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

SPAN200 and SPAN201 aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Spanish-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Spanish-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The SPAN200 element comprises of oral and aural skills and is taken with the SPAN201 element, the writing and reading skills. The units cannot be taken separately. SPAN200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

SPAN200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarise themselves with the culture and the society of countries where Spanish is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in Spanish are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying the SPAN200/201 modules will attain a B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN200i: Spanish Language: Oral Skills (post Beginners/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN201i
  • Good Spanish language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference(CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the SPAN200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

SPAN200i and SPAN201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Spanish-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning.
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Spanish-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The SPAN200i (Intensive) element comprises the oral and aural skills and is taken with the SPAN201i element; writing and reading skills. SPAN200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of SPAN200i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the SPAN200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN201: Spanish Language: Written skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN200
  • Extensive Spanish language; entry is at high B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200 (oral and aural skills) and 201 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the SPAN200/201 module, comprising three hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

SPAN200 and SPAN201 aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Spanish-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking and writing the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Spanish-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The SPAN200 element comprises of oral and aural skills and is taken with the SPAN201 element, the writing and reading skills. The units cannot be taken separately. SPAN200/201 consists of three hours per week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

SPAN200/201 will consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired and equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where Spanish is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. It will also focus on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in Spanish are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions. It is expected that students studying on the SPAN200/201 modules will attain a B2 level (Independent User/Vantage) in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN201i: Spanish Language: Written Skills (post Beginners/CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year course - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN200i
  • Good Spanish language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the SPAN200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

SPAN200i and SPAN201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Spanish-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning.
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Spanish-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The SPAN201i element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the SPAN200i element; oral and aural skills. These units cannot be taken separately. SPAN200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of SPAN201i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the SPAN200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN233: Shaping Contemporary Spain and Latin America: Moments and Movements

• Terms Taught: Full Year module.
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

'Shaping Contemporary Spain and Latin America: Moments and Movements' provides students with awareness of the ‘must-know’ historical moments as well as political and aesthetic movements that have shaped Spanish and Latin American culture, while systematically enhancing their skills of cultural analysis in diverse media. The course will hone their close-reading skills, yet also provide a broad awareness of Hispanic modernity through a thematic approach that goes back to key Golden Age, nineteenth-, twentieth-, and twenty-first-century texts, moments, and movements.

The modules on the Golden Age (Siglo de Oro), Historical Memory, Revolutions and Dictatorships will be based on Spanish and Spanish American texts, both visual and literary, from the period of empire through to the present day, highlighting themes such as power, resistance, trauma, gender, ethnicity and nation. Writers, artists and filmmakers will be studied in their historical and cultural contexts, with due regard to any relevant global trends such as imperialism, colonialism, postcolonialism, democracy, neoliberalism and nationalism. This module thus takes students on a journey through six centuries of Spanish and Latin American cultural history, encountering along the way some of the most radical thinkers, writers, filmmakers and creative artists that make the intellectual tradition of Spain and Latin America so distinctive. Students will experience a stimulating range of cultural forms and be equipped with the skills to reflect critically on them as expressions of Spain and Spanish America's multi-faceted, nuanced societies.

The main aim of the module is twofold: to build students' reading knowledge of Spanish while giving them a flavour of the rich cultural output that has defined the Spanish-speaking realm over the past seven hundred years.

Educational Aims

This module aims to:

• Develop students' knowledge and understanding of the written and spoken Spanish Language
• Introduce students to key concepts and methods in the interpretation of different kinds of texts in their socio-historical context
• Enable students to engage with a history of ideas and forms focused through a series of significant moments and movements
• Provide students with an outline of the major political, social and cultural events of Spanish history since the time of the Spanish Empire
• Develop students' capacity to reflect on the connections between and the interpretation of those political, social and cultural events
• Encourage students to reflect on the relationship between historical and contemporary societies
• Develop students’ abilities to independently research, write, and present creative work
• Develop students’ abilities to participate actively in class and small group discussion.

Assessment Proportions

100% coursework

CWA1: 750 word commentary on creative work* OR 1500 word comparative essay (Mich): 35%

CWA2: Learning Journal on sub-modules 1 and 2 (Michaelmas): 10%

CWA3: feed-forward session on essay plan (Lent, optional): 0%

CWA4: Learning Journal on sub-modules 3 and 4 (Lent): 10%,

CWA5: 2,500-word essay (Lent/Summer): 45%

*Students are to work on a creative response to material covered in Michaelmas. Examples of pieces may include but are not limited to: audio-visual work, i.e. videos, recordings, animation; collage; drawing or other art work, e.g. graphic fiction/comic; musical piece; creative writing; interviews; performances; quiz. The creative work must be accompanied by a 750 word summary of how their piece responds to the course material.

SPAN300: Spanish Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN301
  • Extensive Spanish language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 300 (oral and aural skills) and 301 (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot normally be taken independently. This module consists of three hours tuition per week, taught in the target language, often by a native speaker. Both the oral and written components cover topics of cultural and contemporary interest, with a particular focus on translation from and into the target language. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Note: Native speakers should take the written component (301) only.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Enable and encourage students to learn about current affairs in Spanish-speaking countries and to form and express (in Spanish) their own views on certain topics and issues
• Increase their awareness of society and culture of contemporary Spanish-speaking countries
• Encourage students to explore, and become familiar with, different areas of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries
• Extend students’ knowledge and competence in the Spanish language
• Enable students to speak Spanish at a level as close as possible to near-native standard and to acquire equivalent skills in oral and written language by increasing vocabulary, grammatical accuracy in spoken Spanish and improve pronunciation and intonation
• Encourage the progressive integration of authentic, idiomatic structures into the spoken language
• Equip students with the strategies for presenting critical ideas and defending them

Outline Syllabus

Normally, SPAN300 and SPAN301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (SPAN300) and the written language (SPAN301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim of SPAN300 is to maintain the momentum and progress achieved during the second year and the year abroad and to bring intellectual rigour and critical awareness to the content of the spoken language.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the Spanish speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

SPAN301: Spanish Language: Written Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module- 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with SPAN300
  • Extensive Spanish language; entry is at C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

The module has two main aims. Firstly to enhance students' linguistic proficiency with particular reference to: (a) the understanding of spoken and written Spanish in a variety of registers and dealing with a range of contemporary issues; (b) the speaking of Spanish (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings; (c) the writing of Spanish (notes, reports, summaries, essays, projects etc.) including from and into Spanish; and (d) the systematic study of Spanish lexis, grammar and syntax. Secondly, it aims to increase students' awareness, knowledge and understanding of contemporary Spanish-speaking countries.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Enable and encourage students to learn about current affairs in Spain and to form and express (in Spanish) their own views on certain topics and issues
• Increase their awareness of society and culture of contemporary Spain
• Encourage students to explore, and become familiar with, different areas of Spanish culture
• Extend students knowledge and competence in the Spanish language
• Enable students to speak Spanish at a level as close as possible to near-native standard and to acquire equivalent skills in oral and written language by increasing vocabulary, grammatical accuracy in spoken Spanish and improve pronunciation and intonation
• Encourage the progressive integration of authentic, idiomatic structures into the spoken language
• Prioritise accuracy in written language highlight the value of authenticity both when constructing students own style in writing in Spanish as well as when rendering Spanish into English
• Further improve writing skills by aiming at greater fluency, grammatical accuracy, use of idiomatic Spanish and appropriate style
• Further improve reading skills by dealing with complex authentic texts, by identifying register, styles and idiomatic language
• Further improve translation skills from L2 to L1
• Further improve translation skills from L1 to L2
• Develop critical commentary writing skill
• Integrate ideas and issues relating to contemporary Spanish society and thus reinforce language as a vehicle for greater cross-cultural awareness
• Enhance cultural background knowledge by mainly working with topical newspapers and magazine articles
• Develop an analytical and critical attitude when dealing with ideas and issues in the foreign language

Outline Syllabus

Normally, SPAN300 and SPAN301 cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (SPAN300) and the written language (SPAN301) modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of 3 hours tuition per week. The general aim is to build on the enthusiasm and expertise garnered during the second year and the year abroad whilst channelling this enthusiasm and expertise quite consciously towards improving your Spanish language skills even further.

By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, but they should also have acquired near-native abilities both in written and spoken language (C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%