Course content

About 90% of the world's Spanish-speaking population lives outside Spain, mainly in Latin America and the US. This course gives an introduction to history, society and culture in the Spanish-speaking world, with a main focus on Latin America after 1500.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has passed the course is expected to have gained the following learning outcomes in accordance with the description of the course in the syllabus. These are defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate:

• is expected to have basic knowledge about culture, history and societies in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America
• is expected to have basic knowledge about terminology and the use of sources in relation to history and cultural studies

SKILLS

The candidate:

• is able to understand and interpret various Spanish-language texts
• is able to apply what he/she has learnt in order to reflect on and discuss important issues in Latin American history and cultural studies, both orally and in writing
• is able to seek further knowledge within the academic field

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate:

• gains insight into source criticism
• is able to present an analytical reasoning
• is able to present and discuss problems, perspectives and solutions, both orally and in writing
• is able to engage in dialogue on a general level with people from different academic backgrounds

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars. Students are expected to participate actively in seminars, which requires preparation prior to arrival in class, by preparing at home, oral participation in seminars and (to a lesser degree) in lectures.

Minimum of 75% attendance to lectures and seminars is required. Absence above 25% requires an application at the start of the semester.

The lecturer may opt for a multimedia file for the obligatory assignment. Information regarding this will be made available at the beginning of the semester. The course is taught in Spanish.

Approved obligatory assignments are valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester). All obligatory assignments must be completed in the same semester.

Compulsory assignments

• 75% attendance
• 1 written assignment
• 1 oral presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is taught in Spanish. We recommend proficiency in Spanish equivalent to Spanish level II from Upper Secondary School.

Course materials

The reading list will be made available at the beginning of the semester.