2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

FILM2515 Issues in Hispanic Cinema

20 Credits Class Size: 30

Module manager: Peter Watson
Email: p.j.watson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Mutually Exclusive

SPPO2100 Issues in Hispanic Cinema

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module allows students to develop their skills for the study of audiovisual media and the study of seminal film texts in a regional context by focusing on a selection of key issues pertinent to the study of Hispanic cinemas, from Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America. These issues will typically include genre; star theory; popular tropes; audience engagement; cinematic and social responsibility; film history and politics; and the film industries of the regions in question, including Spain and Latin America. The module incorporates films produced over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Film movements and the work of directors and film stars g are analysed in relation to broader socio-cinematic questions and national issues. Knowledge of Spanish language is not required. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

This module aims to:
- introduce students to key approaches, themes and developments in the study of Hispanic Cinemas
- allow students to apply their knowledge in academic and real-world contexts
- engage students with scholarship and to develop a good general understanding of key principles in academic research
- encourage students to reflect on a number of important ideas in Hispanic Cinemas such as genre; star theory; popular tropes; audience engagement; cinematic and social responsibility; film history and politics; and the film industries of the regions in question
- develop students' skills to engage with and analyse scholarship and analyse and discuss a wide range of materials, such as feature-length films, shorts and trailers, film festival programmes, manifestos, interviews, and reviews
- develop the ability to craft own arguments and use evidence to support them.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Apply key approaches to, and concepts in, Hispanic Cinemas to critical analysis
2. Practise film criticism in both an academic and a broader non-academic context across different formats.
3. Analyse a range of primary material and use them critically as evidence to support own arguments.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Critically analyse key issues, presenting their own arguments in a well-structured and evidence-based form that adheres to standard academic conventions.
5. Communicate ideas and arguments taking into consideration questions of genre and audience.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Film Screenings 6 2 12
Lecture 11 1 11
Practical 4 1 4
Seminar 7 1 7
Private study hours 166
Total Contact hours 34
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Group presentations in seminars, which are for formative assessment. Students will receive group feedback.

Students will be invited to discuss their marked essays with the module co-ordinator. Students will also be set unassessed tasks in advance of each workshop and the other seminars, which will allow for a more informal monitoring of their process and feedback.

Following essay feedback, students will be invited to redraft the essay introduction and provide a short summary commentary of improvements they would make

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Essay 60
Coursework Film review 40
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team