Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20556 Spanish cultural studies 2A: Introduction to 20th and 21st century Latin American culture |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 33%, EX 67% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To provide a theoretical framework for cultural analysis; to understand culture as a wide range of discursive practices; to understand culture as a site for the struggle over meaning and identity; to apply this conceptual paradigm to Modern and Contemporary Latin America.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit, students will be able to: * argue how a cultural text or practice works; * analyse a cultural text in terms of the construction of national, ethnic, gender or class narratives; * understand and discuss the cultural elements at stake in Latin American Identity, and Postmodernity. * Discuss the relationship of aesthetic trends with the above issues. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, effective communication in the target language and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit. Content: Through the work of authors and artists, who have contributed significantly to cultural production in Latin America, students will explore key concepts and themes in contemporary Latin American cultural studies, including examination of aesthetic practices. This unit is taught in Spanish. Required reading: Carlos Fuentes Aura; Gabriel García Márquez, Crónica de una muerte anunciada; Laura Restrepo, Leopardo al sol. |