Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course aims to provide students with critical tools in order to examine the literary, cinematic and musical productions of the Hispanic speaking world. It will deepen students' understanding of aesthetic practices through the critical analysis of literary and visual texts. This course will immerse students in the cultural expressions of the Hispanic world by examining the works of the most significant creators in literature, music and cinematic production with an emphasis on their socio-cultural contexts. This course is delivered in Spanish.
The study of culture in all its manifestations and expressions is an integral part of language learning. The textual and visual expressions that emerge from a language bring forth a particular and situated experience and understanding of reality. It is therefore the objective of SPAN3350 to take students on an exploration of the most significant creations in the visual and textual cultures of the Hispanic world in both sides of the Atlantic as they deal with issues that concern their realities, past, present and future. This journey begins with an understanding that all cultural expressions (be they literary, cinematic, musical or pictorial) can be read and understood as a text. Therefore, this course will give students of Spanish an insight into the rich, complex and hybrid nature of cultural expressions in Spain and Latin America, including the USA, due to its significant Latino/ Hispanic heritage and presence. Hispanic cultures are understood in the broadest sense in order to reflect their transcultural nature which also includes cultures prior to European conquest of Latin America. Moreover, in order for students to be able to engage meaningfully with the Hispanic world, they need to have a working knowledgeﾠ of the singular perspective these cultural expressions bring forth to the world about the human condition.
Course requirements
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
SPAN3330
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation.
Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course will give students of Spanish an insight into the rich, complex and hybrid nature of cultural expressions in Spain and Latin America, including the USA due to its significant Latino/ Hispanic heritage and presence. Hispanic cultures are understoon in the broadest sense in order to reflect its transcultural nature which also includes cultures prior to European conquest in the Americas. Moreover, in order for students to be able to engage meaningfully with the Hispanic world, they need to have a working knowledge of the innovative cultural expressions of this part of the world, and indeed, of the singular perspective these cultural expressions bring about the human condition.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Mejorar su competencia intercultural./ Strengthen intercultural understanding.
LO2.
Comprender el carcter cognitivo de las prcticas artsticas en el mundo hispano hablante./ Comprehend the cognitive character of cultural practices in the hispanic speaking world.
LO3.
Desarrollar destrezas para interpretar textos culturales en espaol. / Develop skills in interpreting cultural texts in Spanish.
LO4.
Discutir temticamente diversos textos./ Thematic discussion of texts
LO5.
Ser capaz de contextualizar/situar en su contexto socio-histrico diferentes prcticas artsticas del mundo hispanohablante./ Ability to situate/contextualize socially and historically different cultural practices in the Hispanic speaking world.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
FIVE (5) TASKS On-line
|
25% (5 task x 5% each) |
WEEK 2 - 6/03/2025 8:00 am WEEK 4 - 20/03/2025 8:00 am WEEK 5 - 27/03/2025 8:00 am WEEK 8 - 17/04/2025 8:00 am WEEK 11 - 15/05/2025 8:00 am
All Quizzes will be conducted in-class and completed online via Blackboard, on the designated date at 8AM as set out in Task Description. |
| Essay/ Critique |
MODULE 1 - ESSAY 1
|
25% |
7/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7 - Word limit: 1,200 words |
| Essay/ Critique, Examination, Reflection |
MODULE 2 - ESSAY 2
|
25% |
1/05/2025 8:00 am
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 9). Duration: 90 minutes, starting at 8am. Expected word limit: 700 to 800 words |
| Essay/ Critique |
MODULE 3 - ESSAY 3
|
25% |
9/06/2025 5:00 pm
EXAM WEEK 1 - Word limit: 1,200 words |
Assessment details
FIVE (5) TASKS On-line
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25% (5 task x 5% each)
- Due date
WEEK 2 - 6/03/2025 8:00 am
WEEK 4 - 20/03/2025 8:00 am
WEEK 5 - 27/03/2025 8:00 am
WEEK 8 - 17/04/2025 8:00 am
WEEK 11 - 15/05/2025 8:00 am
All Quizzes will be conducted in-class and completed online via Blackboard, on the designated date at 8AM as set out in Task Description.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Reading comprehension QUIZZES will have a duration of 8 minutes. Will consist of a set of 10 multiple choice questions on the prescribed literary text (or a set of short stories). Students will be examined on a series of questions regarding the prescribed text to do with plot, genre, characters, i themes, issues, amongst others. The rationale behind this exercise is to ensure that students undertake a full and comprehensive reading of all prescribed texts so that they can engage and participate effectively and meaningfully in in-class discussion. All Quizzes will be conducted IN CLASS ONLINE on Blackboard at 8AM at the start of the lesson. Please bring your own device (laptop/iPad) with you.
- QUIZ 1: WEEK 2: 03 March. BOFF, Leonardo. 1. “Ecología: política, teología y mística”. En La dignidad de la tierra. Ecología, mundialización, espiritualidad. La emergencia de un nuevo paradigma. Madrid: Trotta, 2000, pp. 20-25; 41-44.
- QUIZ 2: WEEK 4: 20 March. Horacio Quiroga, Cuentos.
- QUIZ 3: WEEK 5: 27 March. FICCION CLIMATICA (cuentos): Maria Bonetes Escoto, “Lunes” pp. 11-26; Carlos Perez, “Cruzando la línea”, pp. 33-49; Layla Martinez, “El Resort”, pp. 91-107. Estío : 11 relatos de ficción climática. Maria Bonete (et. al). Madrid: Episkaia, 2020.
- QUIZ 4: WEEK 8: 17 April. ESQUIVEL, Laura. Como agua para chocolate.
- QUIZ 5: WEEK 11: 15 May. R. J. Sender, Requiem por un capesino español.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This is an in-class assessment task to be completed online via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This maximum extension length will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
MODULE 1 - ESSAY 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
7/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7 - Word limit: 1,200 words
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This essay is to be no more than 1,200 words, in Spanish. This essay is to discuss one or more of the issues studied, read about and discussed in class on MODULE 1. This essay will allow the assessment of students' ability to comprehend and discuss problems in a critical and informed way. Essay has to be well researched, incorporating a bibliography and a proper referencing system (eg.: MLA). Argumentation has to be persuasive and supported by scholarly sources. Total number of words includes direct quotes. Submit essay via Turnitin only using MSWord.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
ESSAY 1 MUST BE SUBMITTED ON DUE DATE THROUGH 'TURNITIN'.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This maximum extension length will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
MODULE 2 - ESSAY 2
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Examination, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
1/05/2025 8:00 am
In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 9).
Duration: 90 minutes, starting at 8am.
Expected word limit: 700 to 800 words
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will write an essay on a topic related to the novel Como agua para chocolate (possible topics to be announced in class).
The essay, which will be between 700 and 800 words, written in Spanish, will need to discuss one or more of the issues studied, read about and discussed in class on MODULE 2. This essay will allow the assessment of students' ability to comprehend and discuss problems in a critical and informed way. This is an in class assessment. Students will have 90 minutes in order to complete the essay task.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | 1) A hardcopy of the novel; 2) one bilingual paper dictionary (English-Spanish); 3) Essay plan (handwritten or typed) of no more than 150 words on an A4 single sided paper; and 4) pens or pencils to write. No electronic devices permitted. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This is an in-class, in-person assessment. Further details will be provided prior to the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If the deferral request is successful, you will have to complete your assessment in your lecturer's office, outside of class hours.
MODULE 3 - ESSAY 3
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
9/06/2025 5:00 pm
EXAM WEEK 1 - Word limit: 1,200 words
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Essay is to be no more than 1,200 words, in Spanish. Essay is to discuss one or more of the issues studied, read about and discussed in class on MODULE 3. This essay will allow the assessment of students' ability to comprehend and discuss problems in a critical and informed way. Essay has to be well researched, incorporating a bibliography and a proper referencing system (eg.: MLA). Argumentation has to be persuasive and supported by scholarly sources. Total number of words includes direct quotes. Students must submit essay via Turnitin only using MSWord.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
ESSAY 3 MUST BE SUBMITTED ON DUE DATE VIA TURNITIN'.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Be aware that applying for the maximum extension length will affect the calculation and publication of final results/grade for this course.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student does not demonstrate: use of theoretical approaches and an understanding of the Hispanic speaking world studied in class. Does not demonstrate the use of critical thinking, tools and approaches. No evidence of critical thinking. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: There are clear deficiencies and gaps in student's understanding ofﾠthe Hispanic speaking world studied in class. Arguments are incomplete and lack substance. Is only able to articulate some issues studied in the course. No evidence of critical thinking. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Student does not demonstrate original thought and shows no evidence of critical thinking. Structural difficulties and inconsistencies in articulation of issues. Quotes adequately. There are continuous lapses in written expresion and presentation. Continuous erros in grammar and syntax. Student has difficulty in developing arguments. Lacks a general understanding of conceptual critical tools. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student does not understand critical tools explored in course (repeats content). General understanding is adequate, but superficial and does not articulate important details. Lacks an adequate ability to articuate themes and issues. Therefore arguments discussed are inconsistent. Use of quotes is adequate. Frequent lapses in written expression.ﾠ Shows some errors in grammar and syntaxis. Is aware of interconnectedness of themes, but is unable to articualte them convincingly. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student goes beyond content repetition and shows an understanding of key issues/concepts. Has a grasp of some critical thinking tools. Demonstrates some originality and an awakening of critical thinking. Issues and themes are reseaonably well articulated. Demonstrates a development in writing skills. Some lapses in grammar and syntax. Demonstrates an understanding and an ability to begin to elaborate on the issues studied in class.> |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the complex issues studied in class. Student is capable of tackling critically issues studied in class. Demonstrates an ability to identify and to develop a critical understanding of crucial issues presented in class. Demonstrates a developmental progression in written Spanish. Has few errors in syntax. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates originality and imagination. The work presented contriutes to discussions in class; expresses thoughtul opinions. Demonstrates independent thought. Themes and arguments are clearly articulated. Referencing is coherent and adheres to conventions. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Latin American issues. Written expression is very good. Very few if any errors in grammar and syntax. Has a solid grasp of issues studied. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
Réquiem por un campesino español
by Sender; Ramón J. - 1991 Publisher: Manchester University Press ISBN: 9780719032219 |
| Book |
Como agua para chocolate
by Esquivel; Laura - 2016 Publisher: Debolsillo ISBN: 9788466329088 |
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Esquivel, Como agua para chocolate | Novel in Spanish. Edition details to be given in class. | own item needed |
| Ramon J. Sender, Requiem por un campensino español | Novel in Spanish. Edition details to be given in class. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
All other required learning material to be available on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
WEEK 1: Course Introduction El mundo hispanohablante es pluricultural. The Hispanic world is pluricultural, as such explores various perspectives and approaches from different cultural and intellecrual traditions. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
WEEK 2: MODULE 1: El hombre y la naturaleza: L. Boff y la ecología profunda La crisis ambiental desde el mundo hispanohablante. Introduced decological thinking from a Latin American perspective at time of ecological crisis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
WEEK 3: MODULE 1: El hombre y la naturaleza: Iciar Bollaín, También la lluvia (2010) La crisis ambiental desde el mundo hispanohablante. Explores the ecological crisis from the perspective of indigenous, Andean peoples; in other words from a non-Western tradition. It also explores the historical legacy of colonial exploitation by Europeans of Latin America. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
WEEK 4: MODULE 1: El hombre y la naturaleza: Horacio Quiroga, cuentos La crisis ambiental desde el mundo hispanohablante. Examines the relationship of man and nature as expressed in the Latin American literary tradition in the early 20th century thourgh the work of Argentinean writer Horacio Quiroga. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
WEEK 5: MODULE 1: El hombre y la naturaleza: Ficción climática La crisis ambiental desde el mundo hispanohablante. Explores the clmate crisis through recent Hispanic climate fiction. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
WEEK 6: MODULE 2: Laura Esquivel, Como agua para chocolate Q&A: Discusin y planificacin de ensayo Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
WEEK 7: MODULE 2: Laura Esquivel, Como agua para chocolate Women, tradition and patriarchalism in the Hispanic world. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
WEEK 8: MODULE 2: Laura Esquivel, Como agua para chocolate Women, tradition and patriarchalism in the Hispanic world. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
WEEK 9: In-class Assessment: Essay 2 Identity verified in-class assessment. Essay 2 on Como agua para chocolate Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
WEEK 10: MODULE 3: Ramón J. Sender Requiem por un campesino español Study of Spanish Civil Wat 17 July 1936 – 1 Apr 1939, through a close reading of the classic Spanish novel: Requiem por un campesino español Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
WEEK 11: MODULE 3: Ramón J. Sender Requiem por un campesino español Study of Spanish Civil Wat 17 July 1936 – 1 Apr 1939, through a close reading of the classic Spanish novel: Requiem por un campesino español Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
WEEK 12: MODULE 3:Ramón J. Sender Requiem por un campesino español Study of Spanish Civil Wat 17 July 1936 – 1 Apr 1939, through a close reading of the classic Spanish novel: Requiem por un campesino español Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
WEEK 13: MODULE 3: Essay 3 Q&A This is an essay planning and discussion activity focused on the novel Requiem por un campesino espanol. Students are to bring their essays plan and notes for feedback and problem solving. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.