SPAN 16 - Hispanic Film

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Prerequisite

SPAN 3

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is a delineation and discussion of the central themes of selected films of prominent Hispanic filmmakers. A wide selection of feature length Spanish language films will be viewed and discussed. Hispanic cultures, as displayed in film, will be examined in terms of uniqueness and universality. Emphasis will also be placed on the oral and written practice of Spanish. This course is taught in Spanish and is intended for students who have completed three semesters of college level Spanish or who are native speakers.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. describe the implications and importance of cultural factors in relation to the films viewed
2. discuss the diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures
3. describe the basic human dimensions that are the foundation of all cultures
4. manipulate grammatical structures in Spanish
5. comprehend and use an increased body of Spanish vocabulary
6. demonstrate critical thinking through effective writing in Spanish

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Class Activities
2. Collaborative Group Work
3. Group Discussions
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Lecture
6. Reading Assignments
7. Films

1. Quizzes
2. Oral Presentation
3. Homework
4. Final Examination
5. Written or Oral Examinations
6. Written exercises based on films

Reading Assignments

1. Read “Las madres de la plaza de mayo” on madres.org for contextual information about "La historia oficial." Prepare an oral presentation on the historical context of the film.
2. Review the instructor generated handout on "Miel para Oshún." Be prepared to discuss the significance of the Cuban Revolution and its aftermath.

Writing Assignments

1. Research a current topic in Hispanic film production. Write a 2-page paper describing three examples (films) of the topic chosen.
2. Write a 3-page essay on the portrayal of the period of the Mexican Revolution in the film Como agua para chocolate.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Choose a feature length film from Latin America or Spain and prepare a group presentation following the model given by instructor.
2. Analyze the socio-political context of a Hispanic film, critically evaluating culturally relevant themes. Write a 2-page paper explaining the results of your analysis.

McVey Gill, Smalley, Haro. (2020). Cinema for Spanish Conversation. Focus Publishing, 5th. 9781585109722.

Foreign Languages (Masters Required)