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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SPA1050 Module Title: CONTEMPORARY SPAIN I
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: SPA1050
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: FERNANDEZ-TUNON JM Mr (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)
Weighting Towards Module Mark ( %)
Written assignment 1000 words
40
Two hour Examination
60
Qualifying Condition(s) 
A weighted aggregate of 40% is required to pass the module
 
Module Overview
This module is taught in the target language in Semester 2.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
A/B at A level Spanish or equivalent.
Module Aims
To equip students with a broad general knowledge and understanding of the society and culture of the Spanish-speaking country/countries, including an introduction to the historical background that has shaped the contemporary society and culture in those regions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
  • Be able to follow and take notes from lectures delivered in Spanish
  • Be able to participate in seminars in Spanish
  • Have acquired basic and specialised vocabulary related to social and cultural issues
  • Have gained an understanding of the relevance and value of a historical perspective within the study of modern languages and cultures
  • Be able to describe the development of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world
  • Be able to read and critically evaluate authentic sources on a range of cultural and social issues
  • Be able to write critically in Spanish on cultural and social issues
  • Have developed communicative skills in Spanish.
Module Content
The following areas are indicative of topics to be covered:
 
  • Historical overview of Spain
  • Colonial expansion and development of the Spanish-speaking world
  • Overview of society: changes in family life; role of women; youth culture; class
  • Culture as way of life: food, work and leisure, holidays, religion
  • Other aspects of culture: literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance; cultural policy
  • The media
  • Immigration and multiculturalism
  • Education system
  • Minorities
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Three contact hours per week over Semester 1. Classes will include lectures and seminars; students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading
Balea, Amalia, and Pilar Ramos Vicent. {Viva La Cultura! En España. {Viva...! Madrid: EnClave-ELE, 2008.
 
 
Recommended Reading
 
Hooper, John. The Spaniards: A Portrait of the New Spain. Penguin Books, 2006.
 
Íñigo Fernández, Luis. Breve Historia De España. Breve Historia (Nowtilus). 2 vols. Madrid: Nowtilus, 2010.
 
Phillips, William D., and Carla Rahn Phillips. A Concise History of Spain. Cambridge Concise Histories. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
 
Tamames, Ramón, and Sebastián Quesada Marco. Imágenes De España : Panorama De La Formación De España Y De Las Culturas Hispánicas. Madrid: Edelsa, 2001
 
 
Background Reading
 
Barry Jordan (editor). Spanish Culture and Society: The Essential Glossary. Arnold. 2002.
Carolyn P. Boyd. Historia Patria: Politics, History, and National Identity in Spain, 1875-1975. Princeton University Press. 1997.
 
David T. Gies (editor). The Cambridge Companion to Modern Spanish Culture. Cambridge University Press. 1999.
 
John A. Crow. Spain: The Root and the Flower: A History of the Civilization of Spain and of the Spanish People. Harper & Row. 1975.
 
Raymond Carr. Spain: A History. Oxford University Press. 2001.
Last Updated
4.4.11