Cultures in contact, conflict and coexistence in the Spanish-speaking world

Aims

Aims

In this module, we will look into how the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world have evolved through contact and conflict. The topics to be discussed in the module are:

• Medieval Spain and the coexistence of Moors, Jews and Christians and how the cultural, social and linguistic contact created the Spanish identity as we know it today.
• The contact of Spanish conquistadors and indigenous peoples of the Americas, creating a cultural and linguistic ‘mestizaje’ which is reflected in modern day Latin-America.
• The reshaping of cultural identity by Latinos in the United States.

Satisfactory completion of the course should enable students to:

• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of some of the topics discussed
• Demonstrate an ability to undertake personal research   
• Present sources from a critical perspective and develop arguments effectively in both spoken and written Spanish
• Achieve a high level of accuracy in the production of both written and spoken Spanish

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

• Spanish language and society II (S12I)
• Hispanismo (S13I)
  

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Two hours per week: one hour tutor-led seminar and one hour dedicated to students’ projects (in student-led classes or individual sessions with the tutor).

Teaching programme

This is an option module which can be taken additionally to any core modules. The module is taught in Spanish. The module is designed to allow for flexibility and independent research within a supportive framework. A range of key issues will be discussed in class through the analysis of authentic materials and relevant literature during the tutor-led seminar hour. Early on in the module, students will choose a particular topic they want to research in depth for their dossier. During the hour dedicated to project work, they will be expected to report on their progress at regular points, either individually with the tutor or to the rest of the group. They will be expected to present key findings to their peers in order to practice their presentation skills as well as their analytical and critical skills.

Teaching materials

Teaching materials and bibliographical references will be supplied during the course.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

• Oral commentary and dialogue within class on oral and written language work, given immediately both to individuals and to group
• Oral commentary and dialogue on seminar presentation, given to the individual presenter following the seminar
• Written comments and mark on U scale given to individual students for practice essays, with opportunity for individual consultation. The essays will be returned to students two weeks after seminar
• Model answers may be given for class exercise/ past exam papers, with class discussion of difficulties

Assessment and feedback

• Examination
  An oral examination – week 1; term 2
  • Weight: 40%
• Written assignment – to be handed in by noon on Thursday of week 1; term 2
• Students research an issue related to the theme covered by the module and write a paper.
  
  • Length: 3000 words
  • Weight: 60%

Feedback: Individuals will be given a feedback sheet for the oral examination.  Comments on written assessed work will be available to view, under supervision, at an appointed time in the summer term.