Latin American History

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

SPLA109 gives an overview of important events and developments in Latin American history, looking back through the centuries from present day. Through a historical approach, the students gain thematic insight into contemporary Issues in Latin America in the 21st century. The topics chosen are relevant for present day politics, economy and society in the region, but are closely related to centuries of historical development.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

The candidate

  • has knowledge of some central topics concerning the development of Latin American politics, economy and society from precolonial times until present day.

Skills:

The candidate

  • can identify important historical factors which form the background for current issues in today¿s Latin American society and culture
  • can analyze critically different representations of Latin American history and society
  • can discuss topics related to Latin American history, especially topics related to the 20th century
  • can explain key features and contexts of Latin American history

General Competence:

The candidate

  • can analyze subject material and draw their own conclusions
  • can discuss academic topics in short written texts and oral presentations in a clear and correct Spanish
  • can further develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding through further study and in their professional life

Full-time/Part-time

Not relevant

ECTS Credits

10

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
There are no formal requirements, but all teaching will be held in Spanish and requires a good command of the Spanish language.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
An introductory course in Spanish or Spanish Level 2 taken in upper secondary school (VGS).
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
SPLA103 (10 credits), SLAN612 (10 credits) and SPLA629 (10 credits)
Access to the Course
The course is open to all with admission to the University of Bergen. Non-UiB students can apply to the Faculty of Humanities to take a specific exam.
Teaching and learning methods
Instruction is given over 8 to 10 weeks with one or two seminars a week, depending on available resources. Student active learning methods are employed, and the students are thus expected to prepare for classes through a variety of learning materials as well as engaging actively in class and in after-class-work. Students might also be asked to prepare and give presentations in class.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

During the semester, the students have to complete the following tasks:

- One podcast, to be made either individually or with another student

- Two written assignments of 750-1000 words, written in Spanish

The students will receive feedback on these assignments.

Forms of Assessment
The form of assessment is an extended version of approximately 1500 words of one of the two mandatory written asignments, written in Spanish.
Grading Scale
The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a failing grade.
Assessment Semester
Spring. There will also be given an assessment early in the fall semester for those students who have completed the mandatory assignments.
Reading List
The course reading (in total 350 pages) can include historical overview texts, articles, and original/source texts.
Course Evaluation
The teaching will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
Not relevant
Programme Committee
The program committee is responsible for the academic content and the structure of the program, as well as for the quality of the study program and related courses.
Course Administrator
The Department of Foreign Languages at the Humanities Faculty is responsible for the administration of this course and study program.