Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Culture (ab initio)

This module, which is taught and assessed in English, offers an introduction to literary and cultural studies with reference to Spain and Latin America, from the Middle Ages to the present. Specifically, it provides an introduction to key 'texts' and issues in the areas of specialism of research active members of the Hispanic Studies language area through the analysis of representative sample outputs, in bilingual editions/with English subtitles where relevant. There will also be an increasing use of samples of texts in the target language as the year progresses. Areas covered will vary from year to year but will normally include the analysis of traditional forms of literature (such as poetry, theatre, and prose) as well as film and other visual forms such as painting and photography. The module will, where staff availability allows, typically aim to offer a 50/50 split in its focus on Spain and Latin America respectively, in order to provide a broad and balanced introduction to literary and cultural research in the Hispanic world, past and present. By the end of the module students will have received a firm grounding in the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period and will be able to engage critically with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to analysis. Students will also have gained confidence in working with samples of cultural production in the target language. This module has been designed to reflect a commitment to diversity in its resources and delivery, and will create opportunities for students to engage in critical analysis of different perspectives relevant to the study area.

Further details of pre-requisites, co-requisites, aims, contact hours and assessment.