Module: Spanish Literature & Society

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Spanish Literature & Society
Module Code	SPA1038 (ITS: SP427)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module explores the military dictatorships that shaped Latin America in the 20th century, focusing on the cases of Argentina and Chile. Through literature, film, and academic analysis, students will examine the mechanisms of state repression, human rights violations, resistance movements, and the role of historical memory in contemporary societies. The course also addresses the processes of truth and reconciliation, the representation of trauma in cultural production, and the ongoing struggles for justice. The module is delivered in Spanish. In addition to fostering comprehension, oral, and writing skills, it seeks to deepen students’ knowledge of Latin American culture and society.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D646E10-1AFE-0001-ABF5-E1ED11801708
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of decisive political, economic and social issues in selected Latin American societies
5. 1
6. 1D646E10-38A7-0001-5CAA-30D01C906C70
7. Evaluate critically the intervention and role of more developed powers in their relations with Latin America
10. 2
11. 1D646E10-60F0-0001-144B-14D471A011F7
12. Recognize the importance of cultural activities and literary production in addressing issues of political and social tension
15. 3
16. 1D64912F-30A7-0001-172F-1FA0E0B016EB
17. Critically analyse aspects of indigenous culture and social injustice through film and/or documentary
20. 4
21. 1D64A3A8-B97E-0001-621A-9A1019A114BC
22. Read, understand and communicate with increased proficiency in Spanish
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	11	During these hours students will attend presentations of the Latin American socio, historical and political context.
Independent Study	103	Students are required to: Weekly Homework: 1) Complete homework assignments on Loop each week. 2) Further Readings: Read additional materials related to class topics. 3) Films and Documentaries: Watch relevant films and documentaries. 4) Group Presentations: Prepare group presentations on assigned topics.
Tutorial	11	During the tutorials students will analyse and discuss cultural representations of issues presented during the lectures.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11566	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alicia Castillo Villanueva	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	Research, present and discuss a topic through the analysis of a cultural representation	35%	Week 6
In Class Test	Literature assignment. Read and analyse a play in order to identify different socio-cultural aspects of the issues studied	35%	Week 12
Assignment	Annotated bibliography: List of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) used in research on the module	30%	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

Latin American Society: Overview
Political regimes and transformations in Latin America: Freedom, democracy, development, good governance and security

Cultural as a means of resistance
The testimonial function of literature, film, art and architecture in Latin America. Culture as a means to effect change and to exorcise the past.

Political regimes and transformations in Latin America
Freedom, democracy, development, good governance and security

Indicative Reading List

Books:

BeguaÃŒÂn, Viviana, Kozameh, Alicia et al: 2006, Nosotras, presas poliÃŒÂticas, 1974-1983, Nuestra America, Buenos Aires,
Diaz, Gwendolyn.: 2007, Women and Power in Argentine Literature., University of Texas Press, Terxas,
Craft, Linda J.: 1997, Novels of testimony and resistance from Central America, Florida, University Press of Florida,
Kirby, Peadar: 2003, Introduction to Latin America., SAGE, London,
Kozameh, Alicia.: 1987, Pasos bajo el agua, Contrapunto, Buenos Aires,
Pilger, John: 2008, The War on Democracy (dvd), Lionsgate, UK,
Puenzo, Luis: 2005, La historia oficial (dvd), UK, Arrow Films,
Pollmann, Leo: 1998, La separacioÃŒÂn de los estilos: para una historia de la conciencia literaria argentina, Vervuert, Frankfurt am Main: Madrid,
Ward, John: 2004, Latin America. Development and conflict since 1945, Routledge, New York,
Zamora, Daisy: 2002, La espuma violenta, Curbstone Press, Connecticut,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None