HUM5902 - Introduction to Spanish Language and Hispanic Culuture and Society

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Understand and process information, at a basic level of Spanish, related to social, student and professional contexts;
2 Communicate, at a basic level of Spanish, information and needs related to social, student and professional life;
3 Show an awareness of key aspects of historic, cultural and social factors which have shaped contemporary life in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Content:

(Typically 50 to 100 words)
Language: Topics may include the following:
Expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, local geography, student life and employment. Simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters(e.g. daily routines, food, drinks, travel, sports). Description in simple terms of aspects of personal background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
(e.g. interests, hobbies, professional plans, medical requirements). Spain: Topics may include the following:
Development of the Spanish Language, the Transition from Dictatorship to Democracy, the Madrid movida, the New Cinema, the New (and the Old) Spanish Music, the Autonomous Regions (particular reference will be made to one representative example in each topic).
Latin America: Topics may include:
The development of the Spanish Language in Latin America, Colonial and post-colonial shared history, Mexican Revolution, Ancient Civilizations, modern Latin America, Music, Art and Literature, Popular Culture (particular reference will be made to one representative example in each topic).

Learning and Teaching Information:

Previous experience has shown that the number of students taking this kind of module allows for the use of tutorials, in order to provide the necessary intense tuition in the language being learnt.
Both the language element and the cultural contents of the module, give opportunity for students to prepare seminars and presentations, as a method which allows for reflection and discussion.
It is expected that tutorials will cover 50% of the teaching/learning time, and seminars and presentations 25% each.

Tutorials/Seminars/Presentations
Contact hours: 40
Number of groups: 10-15

Assessment:

001 Portfolio (End Sem 1) 25%
002 Portfolio (End Sem 2) 25%
003 Practical class test; Max 2 hours (End Sem 2) 50%


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