SPAN20320 Spain on Screen

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module examines a selection of twentieth-century Spanish films, using cinema as a lens to explore the complex and ever-evolving concept of Spanish national identity. From the veiled satire in the early years of Franco's dictatorship to the vibrant self-expression of the post-Franco era, we will explore how filmmakers have grappled with themes of identity, tradition, regionality, gender, and social change.

Students will :
Analyze the portrayal of historical events and their impact on national identity.
Explore the evolving roles of gender, ethnicity, and regional identity in Spanish cinema.
Engage in debates about the representation of "Spain" on screen.

This module is perfect for anyone who wants to:
Deepen their understanding of Spanish culture and history.
Develop critical thinking and film analysis skills.
Appreciate the power of cinema as a social and political commentary.
Improve their Spanish language skills through engagement with classic cinematic texts.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Analyze the role of Spanish cinema in reflecting and shaping national identity.
Identify key themes in Spanish films that explore concepts of history, tradition, and social change.
Discuss the evolving roles of gender, ethnicity, and regional identity within Spanish cinema.
Develop strong arguments and participate in informed discussions about the representation of "Spain" in film.
Apply critical thinking and film analysis skills to a variety of Spanish films.
Demonstrate a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and history through the lens of cinema.

Indicative Module Content:

Las Hurdes (1933) - Directed by Luis Buñuel.
¡Bienvenido Mr. Marshall! (1953) - Directed by Luis García Berlanga.
Morena Clara (1954) - Starring Lola Flores OR Esa Mujer (1969) - Starring Sara Montiel. (Students choose)
Pepi, Luci, Bom y otras chicas del montón (1980) - Directed by Pedro Almodóvar.

Bodas de sangre by Federico García Lorca
La novia (2015) - Directed by Paula Ortiz. OR Bodas de sangre (1981) - Directed by Carlos Saura.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

33
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Lectures

22
Total

105
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students participating in two weekly scheduled classes. The classes will include short lectures, and lecture slides will be made available on Brightspace. In class students will participate in discussions, group work, and BYOD activities. Students who are unable to attend are expected to participate via the discussion board, practising their critical and analytical skills. Tertulia activities prompt independent learning and provide the opportunity for individual engagement with particular aspects of the module. The end-of-trimester essay teaches students to develop their own research topic and trains critical writing skills.
Consultation hours with the module coordinator will be offered both face-to-face and online. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment(Including Essay): Comparative Essay of 1,200 words on two films studied n/a Graded No

50
Assignment(Including Essay): Assessed discussion of 800 words on Brightspace n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

1) Students will receive general checkbox feedback based on previous student work prior to submitting the first essay. 2) Students will receive individual audio feedback and a graded rubric for the comparative essay 3) Students will receive individual audio feedback for the assessed discussion