Module overview
This module will introduce the main theoretical ideas of language and identity alongside tracing the historical, social and linguistic background to the presence of the so-called Latinos in the USA. By considering a range of texts, as well as cultural output such as music, film and literature, you will develop an understanding of the key themes and experiences of the Latino communities and how they negotiate and challenge their place in contemporary US society. The module will look at the role that the Spanish language plays in Latino identities – linguistic vitality, transmission to new generations, and the phenomenon of translanguaging or 'Spanglish'.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Define, present and exemplify concepts relating to the US Latino communities
- Apply knowledge, understanding and analysis critically to different topics related to US Latinos
- Engage with subject matter and opinion related to relevant aspects of US Latino experience in both breadth and depth
- Analyse and discuss questions about US Latinos by drawing on a range of relevant sources in both English and Spanish
- Formulate and clarify critical questions about the contemporary situation of US Latinos
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate, analyse, and report on a range of textual and multimedia sources
- Plan and organise your learning, showing independence and initiative
- Adhere to guidelines and deadlines
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills through the development of ideas and arguments in various written formats, informal class discussions and formal assessments
- Use libraries, archives, learning resources and ICT to access relevant information
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The demographic, sociocultural and linguistic profile of the US Latinos
- The historical context of Latino/Hispanic migration patterns and settlement in the US
- The ambiguous meaning of identity labels such as ‘Hispanic’ or ‘Latino’
- The similarities and dissimilarities between the cultures, history, politics and society of the US Latinos in comparison with your own
- The vitality of the Spanish language in the US in those contexts where it is used
Syllabus
We will begin this module by exploring key concepts of language, nation and identity which will give you a framework to be able to explore and discuss the case of US Latinos as we move on to consider the other topics on this module, which may include:
- contemporary migration patterns and their relationship to identity
- Language policy and language politics
- Bilingual education across the US
- Language, identity and changing media representations
- Cultural representations of Latinos: TV, film, music and literature
- The Latino Vote in contemporary US elections
- Languages in contact: crossing borders, bilingualism and translanguaging
- The future: Spanish in the US, standard languages and global languages
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning methods for this module include:
- Short lectures to introduce concepts and context
- Interactive seminars in which we discuss key readings, consider guiding questions, and cascade findings firstly through small discussion groups and then to the whole group with some facilitating from the lecturer.
- Independent reading, thinking and writing
- Accessing a wide range of materials (academic texts, websites, social media, novels, poetry, videos, online radio, press coverage, and music)
- Preparing and delivering presentations
- One-to-one support in tutorials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 90 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
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Textbooks
Geoffrey Fox (1997). Hispanic nation: culture, politics, and the constructing of identity. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press.
Janet M. Fuller (2012). Spanish Speakers in the USA. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Multilingual Matters.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual essay | 45% |
| Critical commentary | 15% |
| Group presentation | 30% |
| Participation | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual essay | 50% |
| Individual Presentation | 35% |
| Critical commentary | 15% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Presentation | 35% |
| Individual essay | 50% |
| Critical commentary | 15% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External