Hispanic Cultural Studies (SPAN20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject allows students to fine tune their language skills by engaging with the heterogenous and diverse cultures, events, ideas, and experiences of the Spanish-Speaking world. Designed as a primer for students interested in learning more about the histories and cultures of Spain and Latin America, students will sharpen their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and research through an integrative learning experience that involves using the Spanish language to critically examine key cultural texts from the Hispanic world.

Cultural texts studied may include films, literature, art works, propaganda and/or archived ephemera, which act as catalysts for discussion, critical thinking and insight. Texts analysed and discussed in this subject relate to issues and events of historical and political significance, while touching on shared cultural themes.

Through a close reading of Spanish-speaking cultural products of various kinds, students will develop an appreciation for the particular powers of each mode of representation. This subject also introduces students to basic research methods in Hispanic Cultural Studies, such as archival work, translation, and the selection and study of primary and secondary sources.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • Be able to interpret academic and everyday communication across a number of genres in the target language relative to the entry level
  • Understand the use of Spanish in real-life situations and be aware of the contributions of Spanish-Speakers to the economic, intellectual,cultural and social affairs of the Spanish and Latin American nations
  • Have acquired enough intellectual sophistication to appreciate historical, cultural and anthropological differences within the Spanish-speaking communities from Spain and Latin-America
  • Be learned in researching in the target language by learning to think critically in order to understand and self-reflect on the Spanish and Latin American popular and academic language and culture
  • Appreciate and respect diversity and background difference by critically evaluating Spanish-speaking cultures and including the viewpoint of the target culture

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • Have enhanced analytical skills
  • Have enhanced observational skills
  • Have enhanced communication skills
  • Have enhanced critical skills

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Option 1

Students completing a major/diploma in Spanish and Latin American Studies must be in Entry Point 1 to enrol in this subject.

AND

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
SPAN20002 Spanish 3
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Option 2

Permission from subject coordinator required for students taking it as a breadth subject who demonstrate the required language level through the university's language placement test.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Group presentation (students to choose week and topic of their choice)

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
From Week 4 to Week 1225%

Two reading diaries

  • 500 words (each)
From Week 6 to Week 1225%

5-minute podcast of reflection and oral essay plan

  • 500 words (equivalent)
Week 910%

1 x research essay

  • 1500 words
During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorIsrael Holas
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours: 1 x 2-hour seminar and 1 x 1-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024
    Census date 2 September 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 September 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    Semester 2 contact information

    israel.holas@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

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Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025