Module: Spanish Culture & Society (Beginners)

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Spanish Culture & Society (Beginners)
Module Code	SPA1008 (ITS: SP191)
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 and critical skills through the academic study of literary texts, films and art. The module is delivered through English and aims to deepen students’ knowledge of Spanish culture and society.

Learning Outcomes

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Online/Face to face
Independent Study	80	Students have to complete reading of different academic and media texts and interactive material
Assignment Completion	33	Reading and Assessment Preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21032	Part of Term	Semester 2
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 and analyse aspects of memory and violence in a contemporary film about the Spanish Civil war	50%	n/a
Assignment	Read and critically reflect on the social configuration of Spain in a contemporary literary text. Analyse aspects of gender and sexuality in Spain	50%	Week 8

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

Content
The aim of this module is to study different aspects that have affected and shaped Spanish identity and society through the analysis of different cultural representations (literature, film, and art). To this end, students learn about historical periods and characters, the most important literary works that have helped to create a Spanish national identity that is greatly distinguished from other European ones. The analysis of contemporary literary texts and films will allow students to learn about topics and events such as the Spanish Civil and democracy in Spain, and issues of gender and sexuality that affect contemporary Spanish society

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Carr, Raymond: 2001, Spain, 1875-1980, New, Oxford Paperbacks,
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: 2007, Ghosts of Spain, Faber & Faber,, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None