2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPPO1160 Introduction to the Cultural Production of Spain and Spanish America

20 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Duncan Wheeler
Email: D.Wheeler@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level Spanish or equivalent: Grade A or B.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module, students will learn about a number of significant eras in Spanish and Spanish American culture, and examine in detail some of the most important prose, poetry, theatre, film and art produced during those periods. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between culture and the socio-historical context in which it is produced. Key thematic questions to be covered include how culture can be employed as a tool of propaganda or resistance, the figure of the author, and how culture engages with notions of class, nation, gender, sexuality and race. Students will also be introduced to the terminology and technical knowledge essential for the formal study of diverse genres.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to:
1. Introduce students to some of the most important names and prose, poetry, theatre, art and film of Spain and Spanish America
2. Provide students with knowledge of the various historical contexts in which these artists worked, and with an awareness of the various ways in which their output engages with certain cultural, social and political concerns of the time
3. Give students the confidence to read works in a variety of genres in Spanish
4. Provide students with the critical tools to engage with secondary materials on non-literary texts, and thus develop their methodological skills and strategies
5. Encourage students to see the study of Spanish and Spanish American culture as an opportunity to develop their language skills (to build their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar) and to learn about some of the varieties of Spanish spoken in different spaces and at different times

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Discuss how culture is shaped by – and can intervene critically in – the socio-historical context in which it is produced, with specific reference to some of the most important periods of culture in Spain and Spanish America
2. Possess a solid knowledge of some of the most important names and works of the periods covered, and how the latter have been interpreted
3. Have acquired and developed a range of critical skills for the analysis of various cultural forms in class discussion, seminar debate and written English.
4. Possess the confidence to undertake more demanding analysis of culture in more specialized modules at Levels 2 and 3.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Engage in literary and bibliographic research skills in the preparation for written work or oral presentations in seminars.
6. Organise and present ideas within the framework of a structured and reasonable argument.
7. Demonstrate the ability to progress beyond the narrative/chronological to a more analytical and evaluative approach.

Syllabus

The module consists of four blocks (each of which is dedicated to a significant period of Spanish and/or Spanish American culture), interspersed with classes focused on the practical side of the module (exam preparation and feedback, etc). Each block begins with three weeks of ‘double’ lectures. The first hour of each ‘double’ lecture provides students with knowledge of the socio-historical context and of certain artists and their works. Later in the week, the second hour requires students to discuss a short set text (or set texts) read in light of the preceding lecture. The fourth and final week of each block is a small-group seminar for which students are expected to prepare answers to two longer set texts for a more comparative approach to culture.
The Golden Age
Late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries
The Boom and Beyond
The Contemporary Era

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	28	1.00	28.00
Seminar	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			168.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Informal feedback in classes and office hours

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr	50.00
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/05/2024

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