Module manager: Gregorio Alonso
Email: g.alonso@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module will begin with the formation of the Catholic Monarchy from 1469 and the expansion of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. The module will then focus on Latin America up to the early nineteenth century (on the eve of the struggles for independence). Issues related to unity and diversity, freedom and repression, empire and colonialism, identity and ideology will be paramount in the treatment of the historical events considered 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.
Through weekly lectures and seminars, the module aims to provide participants with up-to-date knowledge of the most salient processes, identities, and historical factors at play in Spain and Latin America between the fifteenth and the nineteenth centuries. Students will be introduced to major events, groups, individuals and phenomena within the Hispanic World in class; engage with classical and recent historiographical accounts through guided private study activities; share and discuss their findings and raise their queries in interactive teaching and learning activities.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following subject specific learning outcomes:
1. Enhanced students' familiarity with Imperial Spain and the impact of Modernity.
2. Enhanced students’ familiarity with Colonial Latin America and the impact of Modernity.
3. Advanced analytical and writing skills by completing academic essays.
4. Team-work developed via collective seminar debates and presentations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. To have a good understanding of the main lines of development of the Hispanic world on both sides of the Atlantic.
6. To be able to undertake more advanced study of Spanish and/or Latin American history.
7. To be able to relate cultural and social manifestations to their historical context and use the knowledge gained to develop skills in constructing reasoned interpretative arguments.
8. To critically engage with historiographical materials.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lectures | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Seminars | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 171 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team