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Spanish Studies 1 provides a basic historical and geographical
introduction to Spain and Spanish America. Topics dealt with
include: geographical and regional diversity, the historical links
between Spain and Spanish America from colonisation to
independence, the formation of the modern state as well as
reflections on the changing role of key social institutions that
are adapting to modern society, e.g. the family, political and
civil society organisations. The course will also introduce basic
concepts important to understanding sociopolitical and cultural
development in the two regions, including: authoritarianism,
political transition, democratisation and cultural identity.
The course is built up around two dimensions – content and
language:
The content dimension provides a general
introduction to the modern Spanish-speaking areas from a historical
perspective. It also presents basic knowledge of politics,
economics and culture in the students’ chosen region. The course
broadly follows the thematic organisation of the parallel
Globalisation Studies and British and American Studies lecture
series and draws on the addressed theories and concepts. These
conceptual approaches are presented in conjunction with
perspectives and concepts rooted in the specific language area, so
that students develop an understanding of different theoretical
traditions, and enhance their nationally specific knowledge as well
as their cultural sensitivity.
The language dimension is aimed at improving
students’ basic grammar skills, pronunciation and fluency; and
their reading and aural comprehension. Emphasis will also be placed
on learning and exercising phrases needed in order to make
presentations and participate in class discussions.
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