SP2MCN-Modern and Contemporary Spanish Narratives

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: SP1L1 Beginners Spanish Language or SP1L2 Intermediate Spanish Language or SP1L3 Advanced Spanish Language 1
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pass in SP1L3, SP1L2, SP1L1 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Marta Simo-Comas
Email: m.simo-comas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The primary aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the main narrative trends in Modern and Contemporary Spanish culture through the study of a selection of fictional works (short stories, novels and films) spanning the period from the end of the 19th Century to the present. A secondary aim of the course is to introduce a conceptual framework for analysing such works through their narrative devices and for situating them within the intellectual and socio-cultural contexts in which they were produced. Themes to be discussed include: realist representation; the irrational and the fantastic; symbolic representation; issues of identity; narrative structure; intertextuality; aspects of genres such as detective and historical fiction. 

Aims:
The primary aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the main narrative trends in Modern and Contemporary Spanish culture through the study of a selection of fictional works (short stories, novels and films) spanning the period from the end of the 19th Century to the present. A secondary aim of the course is to introduce a conceptual framework for analysing such works through their narrative devices and for situating them within the intellectual and socio-cultural contexts in which they were produced. Themes to be discussed include: realist representation; the irrational and the fantastic; symbolic representation; issues of identity; narrative structure; intertextuality; aspects of genres such as detective and historical fiction.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• identify key cultural patterns and narrative trends;


• situate the works studied within their intellectual and socio-cultural contexts;


• analyse these works in terms of such issues as form, theme, style and genre;


• draw relevant comparisons and contrasts between the different works studied;


• articulate individual critical responses to fictional works ;


• engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, and secondary materials;


• organise and articulate a coherent written argument in a coursework essay and under examination conditions.

Additional outcomes:
Oral and written communication skills will be developed, together with critical, interpretative and analytical abilities.

Outline content:

The course will be organised around key narrative trends in Spanish culture (fiction and film) and texts for study will include canonical novels and films as well as a selection of short stories representative of the different cultural trends, themes and narrative aspects studied in the course. The texts may include: short stories by Emilia Pardo Bazán, Javier Marías, Enrique Vila-Matas, Soledad Puértolas, Cristina Fernández Cubas, José María Merino, Javier Tomeo and Álvaro Pombo; novels by Carmen Laforet, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán and Antonio Muñoz Molina; films by Iciar Bollaín, Alejandro Amenábar and Julio Medem. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be taught in Autumn and Spring terms, by means of weekly lectures and seminars. The activities conducted in the seminars aim at developing critical skills and students will be expected to read / watch the works in advance in order to be able to contribute fully to discussions and assignments. Revision sessions will be scheduled in the Summer term, incorporating feedback on the assignment.

Students may also undertake an academic placement, through which the y will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	5	5	2
Guided independent study:	84	84
Total hours by term	99	99	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Class test administered by School	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one 2,500-3,000-word essay, to be submitted in week 1 of Spring Term.



One class test to be held in the department.

One piece of assessment worth no more than 50% of the module mark can be replaced by a report produced after an academic placement. The placement must be agreed in advance by the module convenor; the length of the report is to be equivalent to standard departmental practice for coursework. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re- examination in August in the event of failure in this module and in Part 2. Coursework bearing a confirmed mark of 40% or more can be carried forward; all other coursework to be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed, by 12 NOON on the first working day thereafter.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021