This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module aims to explore the theme of identity in Spain with regard to the personal development of the individual, the assumed social roles of men and women, their sense of relevance within the world which they inhabit, and their reflection and expression through literature. This will be achieved through the study of the cultural evolution of individual and collective identity in Spanish society and of its particular manifestations in the Spanish literary context. A selection of texts both by men and by women from all genres will be studied and as will relevant literary criticism. The module will be structured around two main purposes: To provide a general introduction to the concept of identity and its specific manifestations. To analyse a range of literary works which will act as a test bed for the application of this background knowledge to specific reactions of the men and women of Spain.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Main assessment methods
• Critical Analysis (1,500 words) – 40%
• Essay (2,500 words) – 60%
Indicative reading list.
Students should seek to obtain the most recent edition of the texts listed below:
GOYTISOLO, J. (1954) Juegos de manos. Barcelona: Destino.
MACHADO, A. (1917) Campos de Castilla. London: Bristol Classics Press.
MARTÍN GAITE, C. (1958) Entre visillos, Barcelona: Destino.
MIHURA, M. (1959) Maribel y la extraña familia, Madrid: Espasa Calpe.
SALINAS, P. (1933) La voz a ti debida, Madrid: Cátedra.
UNAMUNO, M. de. (1902) Amor y pedagogía, Madrid: Alianza Editorial.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established ideas on Identity and of the way in which these developed in 20th century Spain;
2 Demonstrate an ability to understand the key factors influencing social and political change during this period;
3 Place social, political and artistic events in both historical and literary context;
4 Produce an informed response and critical evaluation of a range of texts representative of the evolution of Spanish identity.
5 Demonstrate a good understanding of Spanish literary texts.
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