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2010/11 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPPO2371 Espana: Descentralizacion Politica e Integracion en la Union Europea

15 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Mr Antonio Martinez-Arboleda
Email: A.Martinez-Arboleda@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2010/11

Pre-requisites

SPPO1010

Pract Lang Skills in Spanish 1

This module is mutually exclusive with

SPPO2370

Espana: Descentralizacion Politica e Integracion en la Union

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to:

- show a basic knowledge on the dynamics of political decentralisation carried out in Spain in the last thirty years, on the process of integration of Spain in Europe and on the economic, political and cultural background and geographical frame of these two processes.
- understand what the "Comunidades Autónomas" are, what kind of links they have with the Central Government and Parliament and how far political decentralisation has gone in Spain up to the present.
- have a critical idea of the ways in which political decentralisation and European integration relate to the "histories" of Spain, political discourses, nationalisms, national identities and cultural and sociolinguistic transformations in Spain.
- have a critical idea of the range of possibilities for cultural, political and economic development that Spain and its regions have at their disposal under the current political and legal framework resulting from both decentralisation and European integration and how that affects Spain as a political unit.

Skills outcomes
Alongside the enhancement of their understanding of Contemporary Spain students will gain competence in the following transferable skills:

- IT skills such as the ability to use the internet at an advanced level;
- Ability to assess critically journalistic and government resources;
- Ability to understand and respect different political cultures and practices;
- Ability to work as part of a team;
- Ability to work in professional non-academic contexts through simulations and role-plays.

Syllabus

The module will provide students with a wide range of knowledge and a better understanding of the political and cultural reality of Spain at present. It will concentrate on the political contemporary issues resulting from the study of relevant aspects of Spanish history, including political, economic, constitutional and legal developments, cultures, and geography.

Issues like cultural and national identities, solidarity among different regions and countries and allocation of powers will be seen in the context of the two main political processes that Spain has gone through in the last three decades: its integration in the European Communities and the political decentralisation resulting into "el Estado de las Autonomías."

Lectures will be delivered mainly in Spanish and feedback in the discussion boards will be given mainly in Spanish. A good dictionary for the reading and study of materials for the module and for the study of lectures is strongly recommended.

Students will be able to use Spanish language throughout the module and in their essay if they wish so without incurring any penalties for grammatical or semantic inaccuracies that do not prevent effective communication with the tutor and other students.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Practical	1	1.00	1.00
Seminar	7	1.00	7.00
Private study hours			127.00
Total Contact hours			23.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Discussion boards will consists of role-plays and simulations and will concentrate both on comprehension of the materials and more in-depth debate about the issues.

Students will have the opportunity to learn by undertaking roles of journalists, politicians, historians and advisors. Contributions to discussion boards are an essential part of the coursework, therefore students will be expected to prepare regularly by reading and studying materials and to contribute with their answers.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Regularity and quality of contributions to online discussion boards including role-plays and simulations throughout the course	60.00
Essay	1,500 words (March)	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		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: 31/01/2011

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