2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPPO2511 Latin America since Independence (c1800 - c1930)

15 creditsClass Size: 7

Module manager: Dr Gregorio Alonso
Email: g.alonso@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 1 in BA programmes with Spanish.

Pre-Requisite Modules: Either SPPO1010 Pract Lang Skills in Spanish 1
Or SPPO1091 Pre-Intermediate Spanish Language (A2 of the CEFR)
Or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

HIST2600	Brazil and Cuba from Colonies to Republics
SPPO2510	Latin America (c1800-c1930)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module explores the history of Spanish America and Brazil since independence, examining both general themes and case studies from specific countries. The central themes will be: the background to and the achievement of independence from Spain during the period 1800-1825; the transition from colony to empire in Brazil; the period of political and economic 'instability' from 1830 to 1880; the progressive integration of Latin America into the international economy between 1880 and 1930, and the social and political repercussions of export-oriented development. Case studies will be drawn principally from Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and Brazil.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- demonstrate an understanding of the political, social and economic trajectory of Latin America in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries;
- be able to identify and analyse the political conflicts which have accompanied the construction of the state in the post-independence period.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Have displayed the aptitude and confidence in planning and delivering a research presentation
2. Have developed their analytical skills while examining and comparing historical sources
3. Be able to demonstrate capacity for critical thought and the skills necessary to exercise this in sustained debate in lectures and seminars
4. Be able to produce a sophisticated and well-organised essay, using knowledge acquired in class and through independent reading, and addressing issues with reference to their specific contexts
5. Be able to draw evidence from a wide range of sources in support of a clear, well-structured and convincing argument
6. Be able to summarise and evaluate an academic argument with relation to a familiar topic

Syllabus

This course will examine the history of Latin America (including Brazil) since independence, examining both general themes and case studies from specific countries.

The central themes will be:
- the background to and the achievement of independence from Spain during the period 1800-1825;
- the transition from colony to empire in Brazil;
- the period of political and economic 'instability' from 1830 to 1880;
- the progressive integration of Latin America into the international economy between 1880 and 1930, and
- the social and political repercussions of export-oriented development.

Case studies will be drawn principally from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	16	1.00	16.00
Seminar	8	1.00	8.00
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

126 hours - Reading & preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Via Seminar participation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 words	70.00
Assignment	750 word book review	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students may choose to complete their book reviews in the medium of Spanish or English. There is an expectation that Spanish A students will complete the assessment in Spanish. Language will not be assessed in either case.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 15/05/2024

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