Accessibility statement

Spanish Language and Cultures: Proficient - LAN00028H

« Back to module search

  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Ms. Maria Muradas-Taylor
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module combines an in-depth study of Spanish with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Spanish at a proficient level through engagement with topics focussing on the role of colonialism and imperialism in shaping the continental identity of Latin America.

Related modules

Pre-requisite module


Spanish Language and Cultures: Advanced

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module will refine students’ knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Spanish, and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence or equivalent level of proficient level. The module covers a variety of sources in Spanish that discuss the idea of Continental Identity of Latin America Particular emphasis will be given to developing students' ability to research, analyse, present, and synthesise sources from critical perspectives using a range of sophisticated language structures accurately. The medium of instruction is Spanish. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on three modes of communication: 1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 2) production activities (oral and written production); 3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction).

Module learning outcomes

  • Ability to understand a wide range of long and complex written, audiovisual and digital texts, and media, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.

  • Ability to produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure, demonstrating a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

  • Ability to set out multiple perspectives on complex topics, clearly distinguishing their own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.

  • Ability to present complex information concisely to a live audience for a variety of purposes.

  • Awareness of cultural differences and ability to make subtle adjustments in order to navigate diverse cultural contexts.

Module content

This module will look into the idea of continental identity in Latin America, focusing on historical, political and social accounts from Pre-Hispanic cultures to the present. Through the analysis of current discussions on the topic, the students will also look into the complexities of the social-political realities that have shaped Latin America through the centuries.

Some of the general topics that will be covered include:

What is Latinamerican identity?

  • Impacts of colonialism in Latin America

  • Mestizaje: racial and cultural perspectives

  • Social and political inequalities and exclusions

  • Indigenous and Afro-descendants identities and struggles

  • American Imperialism and its effects in L.A.

  • Political systems - the path from authoritarian governments to democracy

  • Current debates on continental identity of Latin America

All the lessons are conducted as seminars in order to encourage discussion and interaction. Therefore, completing weekly tasks in preparation for class discussion is an essential part of students’ commitment. The module will use a varied selection of authentic materials from a range of sources (television broadcast, newspaper articles, literature, online resources, academic papers, debates and speeches), particular emphasis will be given to developing students’ ability to present and analyse sources from a critical perspective.

A detailed syllabus will be provided by the tutors at the beginning of the module.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Spanish Language and Cultures: Proficient		 3 hours 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral exam		 0.33 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Spanish Language and Cultures: Proficient		 3 hours 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral exam		 0.33 hours 50

Module feedback

  1. Formative assessment and feedback

  • Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module

  • Feedback will include written comments for written formative work

  • Oral feedback during class discussions.

  1. Summative assessment and feedback

  • Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Students will receive all learning materials in class.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.