Studying at York
Spanish Language and Cultures: Proficient - LAN00028H
Module summary
This module combines an in-depth study of Spanish with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Spanish at a proficient level through engagement with topics focussing on the role of colonialism and imperialism in shaping the continental identity of Latin America.
Related modules
Pre-requisite module
Spanish Language and Cultures: Advanced
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module will refine students’ knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Spanish, and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence or equivalent level of proficient level. The module covers a variety of sources in Spanish that discuss the idea of Continental Identity of Latin America Particular emphasis will be given to developing students' ability to research, analyse, present, and synthesise sources from critical perspectives using a range of sophisticated language structures accurately. The medium of instruction is Spanish. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on three modes of communication: 1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 2) production activities (oral and written production); 3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction).
Module learning outcomes
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Ability to understand a wide range of long and complex written, audiovisual and digital texts, and media, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
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Ability to produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure, demonstrating a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
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Ability to set out multiple perspectives on complex topics, clearly distinguishing their own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.
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Ability to present complex information concisely to a live audience for a variety of purposes.
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Awareness of cultural differences and ability to make subtle adjustments in order to navigate diverse cultural contexts.
Module content
This module will look into the idea of continental identity in Latin America, focusing on historical, political and social accounts from Pre-Hispanic cultures to the present. Through the analysis of current discussions on the topic, the students will also look into the complexities of the social-political realities that have shaped Latin America through the centuries.
Some of the general topics that will be covered include:
What is Latinamerican identity?
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Impacts of colonialism in Latin America
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Mestizaje: racial and cultural perspectives
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Social and political inequalities and exclusions
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Indigenous and Afro-descendants identities and struggles
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American Imperialism and its effects in L.A.
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Political systems - the path from authoritarian governments to democracy
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Current debates on continental identity of Latin America
All the lessons are conducted as seminars in order to encourage discussion and interaction. Therefore, completing weekly tasks in preparation for class discussion is an essential part of students’ commitment. The module will use a varied selection of authentic materials from a range of sources (television broadcast, newspaper articles, literature, online resources, academic papers, debates and speeches), particular emphasis will be given to developing students’ ability to present and analyse sources from a critical perspective.
A detailed syllabus will be provided by the tutors at the beginning of the module.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 50 |
Module feedback
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Formative assessment and feedback
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Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module
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Feedback will include written comments for written formative work
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Oral feedback during class discussions.
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Summative assessment and feedback
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Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Students will receive all learning materials in class.