SPAN1131: Conflict and Violence in the Spanish Speaking World

• Spanish Language 1A (SPAN1011).

• Spanish Language 1B (SPAN1072)

• To provide an introduction to representations of violence and conflict in the Spanish speaking world, laying the foundations for advanced study at levels II and III.

• This module, which is taught and assessed in English, is open to students taking Spanish Language 1A and involves the study of representations of conflict and violence in the Spanish-speaking world. By interpreting its overarching themes in the broadest possible light, looking particularly at political, social, religious, and psychological expressions of conflict and violence, the module progressively builds to an understanding not just of the range and complexity of individual representations, but of the ways in which their depiction varies in different cultural media (literature, film, music, pictorial representation, and so on) produced at different times and in different countries. By the end of the module, students will be able to engage critically and constructively with graphic representations of conflict and violence and be able to assess their relationship to a range of related concepts, notably subalternity, the macabre, and the grotesque. 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.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• An understanding of the main elements that shape cultural identities, attitudes towards, and representations of conflict and violence in Spain and Latin America.
• Knowledge of selected representations of conflict and violence produced in Spain and Latin America.
• An understanding of the complexity and diversity of the Spanish speaking world with specific reference to forms of conflict and violence political, social, religious, psychological, ideological, or otherwise.
• An understanding of a range of topics associated with violence, particularly subalternity, the macabre, and the grotesque

Subject-specific Skills:

• An ability to evaluate critically and contextualize representations of conflict and violence in the Spanish speaking world
• 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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