SPN3280 - Hispanic Culture Through Film

Leader: Sarah McDonald

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to a variety of Hispanic films, with particular emphasis on recent material by contemporary directors. This unit will further deepen the student's knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures via the viewing and discussion of Hispanic films from the 1950s to the present, including films by renowned directors, such as the Spaniard Pedro Almodovar and the Cuban Tomas Gutierrez Alea. The unit aims to develop an awareness of different critical approaches to film analysis, including genre, style and the interaction between films and their sociocultural contexts. The unit covers issues such as identity, sexuality, history, colonialism and nationalism.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Be able to understand, discuss and analyse different cinematic genres and styles of Post-1950s Hispanic cinema.
2. Have developed and be able to express an understanding of the socio-cultural context of the contemporary Hispanic world.
3. Be able to understand, discuss and analyse the ways in which selected films reflect on and interpret social and cultural issues.
4. Have developed an ability to engage with written and visual texts and be able to understand a body of critical writing in the field.

Assessment

1 visual test (1.5 hrs/1500 words): 30%
1 essay (3000 words): 60%
Class participation: 10%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week plus film screening

Prerequisites

SPN1080 or SPN2040

Prohibitions

SPN2280