Module: Spanish Society & Literature (Intermediate)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Spanish Society & Literature (Intermediate)
Module Code	SPA1007 (ITS: SP190)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to culture and society in contemporary Spain. The main purpose of this module is to further develop students’ analytical, critical and digital skills through the academic study of literary texts, films and art. The module is delivered through Spanish and aims to improve comprehension and writing skills as well as deepen students’ knowledge of Spanish culture and society

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and critically reflect on some of the key issues that shaped contemporary Spanish society
2. Critically assess the impact of these issues on specific groups in Spanish society
3. Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues by accessing independently a range of media and online reliable resources and tools
4. Read and reflect in writing on a number of Spanish literary texts and films
5. Analyse the language and structures of literary, social and cultural discourse in Spanish

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	10	Students are expected to actively participate in class with individual contributions to whole-class and small group discussions.
Independent Study	45	Students are expected to engage autonomously in activities that will foster their ability to analyse different cultural representations of the Spanish identity and society through literature, film, and art. (through activity completion, group work outside the classroom etc.).
Directed learning	45	Preparation for class sessions is essential for the success of this class. This includes reading/watching the required materials before the session and completing any assigned activities.
Assignment Completion	25	Watch documentaries to identify different aspects of cultural and social Spanish identity. Watch and analyse aspects of memory and violence in a contemporary film about the Spanish Civil war. Read and critically reflect on the social configuration of Latinamerica in a contemporary novel. Analysing aspects of migration, gender and sexuality in Latin American countries.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11550	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Elena Lopez	Module Teacher	Alicia Castillo Villanueva, Julián Guzmán

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Watch documentaries to identify different aspects of cultural and social Spanish identity	20%	n/a
Assignment	Watch and analyse aspects of memory and violence in a contemporary film about the Spanish Civil war.	30%	n/a
Assignment	Read and critically reflect on the social configuration of Latinamerica in a contemporary novel. Analysing aspects of migration, gender and sexuality in Latin American countries.	40%	n/a
Participation	Participate actively in the forum. Discussing a variety of topics covered during the semester.	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
This course is an introduction to socio-cultural aspects of Spain in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will analyse critically an array of texts including short stories, poetry, extracts from novels and films related to key episodes from contemporary Spain. The module provides students with a deep understanding of important social and cultural aspects such as Spanish identity and regionalism; gender and sexuality; education; and issues of migration.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Carr, Raymond: 2001, Modern Spain, 1875-1980, New, Oxford Paperbacks,
Delibes, Miguel: 1996, Los santos inocentes, Leer en espaÃ±ol, Santillana/ Universidad de Salamanca,
Hooper, John: 2006, The New Spaniards, 2nd, Penguin,, London,
Richardson, Bill, Ross, Christopher, Sangrador-Vegas, BegoÃ±a: 2008, Contemporary Spain, Up-date of Ross's 'Contemporary Spain: a Handbook' 2002, Hodder Arnold,, London,
Ross, Christopher: 2009, Spain since 1812, 3rd, Hodder Education,, London,
Tremlett, Giles: 2006, The Ghosts of Spain, Faber & Faber,, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None