SPAN2151: Icons and Myths of the Hispanic World

• Spanish Language 1A (SPAN1011) OR Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

• Modern Languages & Cultures, Liberal Arts/Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) or Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

• N/A

• To provide an introduction to the icons and myths of the Hispanic world (looking at both Spain and Latin America), laying the foundations for advanced study at level III.

• The module offers a panoramic overview of the formation and development of some of the most characteristic and distinctive icons and myths of the Spanish-speaking world, building to an understanding of how Hispanic identities are forged and perceived (both internally and externally) by comparing and contrasting salient representations as they appear in literature and film, as well as music and art
• The module will be taught in English and will be available to students taking either second-year beginners or second-year post A-level Spanish

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• An understanding of the main icons and myths of the Hispanic world and the ways in which they contribute towards the construction and development of cultural attitudes
• Knowledge of selected examples of cultural production, notably written, musical, and visual representations focused on icons and myths
• An appreciation of the ways in which icons and myths mutate as they develop in time and space

Subject-specific Skills:

• An ability to evaluate and react critically to questions of iconicity and myth-making in the Spanish speaking world
• An ability to understand and apply theories and methods of analysis to literary, filmic, and visual texts
• Understanding of cultural attitudes and differences in the Spanish speaking world

Key Skills:

• Writing skills
• Research and time-management skills
• IT skills (word-processing of assignments, use of an online learning environment, use of online sources of information)
• Comprehension, critical analysis, and selective reapplication of information from a variety of sources.
• An ability to combine organized independent study with effective group work
• Coherent articulation of ideas and arguments, orally and in writing

• A weekly general lecture will deliver key information on the module; a fortnightly seminar with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions
• The summative essay is based on topics covered during the Michaelmas Term.
• The examination covers the work carried out in the Epiphany and Summer Terms and tests the understanding of topics under controlled conditions
• The mixture of summative essay and final examination responds to requests from students for this mode of assessment

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