SP1SLAC-Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Culture

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to Spanish and Latin American culture through the study and analysis of key literary and visual art forms, including short stories, poetry, documentaries and feature films, fine art and popular music. Key authors may include Pablo Neruda, Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Pío Baroja, Juan Rulfo, Ariel Dorfman, Julio Medem, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, José Luis Guerín, Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Iciar Bollain, Fernando Trueba, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Fernando Pérez, and others. Texts will be read in the original language if the student is taking that language to degree level, but translations will be available.

Aims:
Students will be introduced to a range of texts from different literary and visual forms and from different periods of Spanish and Latin American cultural history.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• Analyse literary texts and visual materials orally and in writing


• Engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, or secondary materials


• Contextualise specific literary and artistic forms


• Organise and articulate a coherent written argument, both in coursework essays and under timed examination conditions

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of: oral communication skills and pair/group work skills. Students will also be expected to use specified internet sites as part of their background learning.

Outline content:

• Introduction to Spanish and Latin American culture through the study of key texts


• Introduction to the notion of genre through close textual analysis

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through lectures and seminars.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	10	10	2
Guided independent study:	79	79
Total hours by term	99	99	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One online examination in the Summer exam period. The examination will?require TWO questions to be answered. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 1,500-2,000 word essay, to be handed in by the Part 1 Summer Term deadline.

Formative assessment methods:

One in-class commentary in the Autumn Term, based on work done in seminars.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

Reassessment in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1 as a whole, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1. Coursework for reassessment must be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed on the third Friday of August, at 12 NOON on the next 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: 30 March 2023