Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the School of Modern Languages, this module aims to introduce students to the study of a wide range of cultural practices with focus on contemporary times in Latin America, to introduce them to relevant theoretical approaches and methodologies, and to provide them with an in-depth understanding of cultural diversity and power relations in countries across the region. In addition, this module aims to make aspects of the above available to students from outside the degree.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture materials and diverse teaching activities will introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for the comparative analysis and study of Latin American cultures.
Case studies will be drawn from a wide range of countries (e.g. Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, Haiti, Panama, Venezuela), enriched by lectures' fieldwork experiences, and will be used to exemplify the problems attendant on the study of the complex relationship between the region’s different demographic groups.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will show their knowledge of key concepts in anthropology, sociology and cultural studies, including notions such as ontology, cultural hegemony, hybridity, mestizaje, multiculturalism and interculturality. Students will display an in-depth knowledge of case studies taken from a range of Latin American countries which Students will grasp of the dynamics of cultural interaction and the political significance of identity construction in contemporary Latin America.
Students will be able to problematise the position of the researcher when engaging with "otherness" and grasp the power relationships inscribed in academic knowledge production and its methodologies.
Students will have a better understanding of anthropological methodologies, including fieldwork.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will develop the ability to:

•       Take notes effectively from recorded lecture materials, seminar discussions, journals and secondary
material.
•       Find secondary material in bibliographies devoted to Latin American studies, and critically engage with
these materials in order to assess their relevance and use for assignments.
•       Operate effectively in group discussions.
•       Analyse closely a range of cultural products and practices- e.g. adverts, music videos, news programmes,
soap operas, excerpts from films, cultural practices.
•       Carry out effective analysis of a specific cultural practice in relation to at least two of the key
concepts covered during the course (mestizaje/
hybridity/transculturation/interculturalidad/multiculturalism).
•       Develop the necessary skill set for writing a competent essay that is able to structure and present a
clear argument.
•       Develop autonomy in independent study, particularly in the management and assessment of a wide range of
sources.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

We will introduce students to a wide range of Latin American cultural practices and power relations. Lectures will outline general principles, illustrated by specific examples, and be supplemented by structured independent reading and guided online learning activities. Small group teaching will allow students to explore local contexts, allowing for detailed discussion and analysis as well as revisiting and reinforcing knowledge from the lecture materials and guided activities. They will provide students with the opportunity to lead discussion on a topic through interactive activities that develop their independent thinking and critical analysis, and also allow them to engage with the thinking of academics and activists based in Latin America. Both types of learning activities will include advice on how to prepare for assessment. Surgery hours allow students to consult the module leader with any particular difficulties in understanding concepts, tasks, etc. Independent learning includes preparation for small group work, further reading and assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The semester 1 written assignment allows students to demonstrate their grasp of the foundational concepts. The
semester two portfolio evaluates students' journey in the module and their creative responses. It involves collecting and organising a variety of materials: it should include examples of seminar work, self-reflection on the learning process, and in-depth answer of one of the concepts and topics connecting with current debates. Portfolios takes into account each student's unique learning style and creativity.

General Notes

N/A