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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL20782: Introduction to 20th and 21st century Latin American culture

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 33%, ES 67%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: 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;
* 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, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning and language skills 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 includes Carlos Fuentes Aura; Gabriel García Márquez, Crónica de una muerte anunciada and Laura Restrepo, La novia oscura.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL20782 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB18 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (French and Spanish) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB23 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (German and Spanish) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB20 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (Spanish and ab initio Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB22 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (Spanish and ab initio Russian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB19 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (Spanish and Italian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB21 : BA (hons) Modern Languages and European Studies (Spanish and Russian) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.