Module manager: Gregorio Alonso
Email: g.alonso@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
A2 in the Spanish language according to the Common European Reference Framework.
| SPPO1010 | Pract Lang Skills in Spanish 1 |
| SPPO1091 | Pre-Intermediate Spanish Language (A2 of the CEFR) |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
From 1808, Spain embarked on a process of political modernization that shared features with its Western neighbours. This dynamic transformation notably accelerated with the first wave of democratization brought about by the 1868 Glorious Revolution, which unravelled the rise of the Republican, labour, and Sub-State nationalist movements. The ultimately failed Restoration Monarchy regime (1874-1923) paved the way for the first experiment in authoritarian rule under the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and the subsequent democratic experiment of the Spanish Second Republic (1931-1939). A critical historical milestone was the victory of the Fascist forces in 1939 and the ensuing long dictatorship led by General Francisco Franco. During the period under study, industrialization, secularization, nation(s)-building, and state-power consolidation unfolded unevenly, challenging the inherited power structures, class hierarchies, and patriarchal order. The module examines the core historical moments and agents that shaped Modern Spain and focuses on the social and ideological transformations in the long twentieth century before the democratic transition that started with the dictator's death in 1975. Students will thus acquire a detailed and reasoned understanding of the main driving factors of the Spanish successful democratization process. 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.
Students will examine the most salient political, cultural, and social dimensions of Modern Spain. They will acquire and develop knowledge of the socioeconomic, institutional, and ideological modernization of Spain from 1868 until the end of Franco’s dictatorship.
They will build upon the academic and transferable skills studied at Level 1 through lectures, seminar presentations, debates, and assessed written and oral work. Interactive learning in lectures and seminars based on preparatory readings ensures the integration of diverse and comparative perspectives into studying the evolving historical contexts in Modern Spain.
The module also comprises workshops in Spanish devoted to language use and awareness in historical contexts. Moreover, students will be supported and learn to communicate their research findings effectively in assessed podcasts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Develop a critical understanding of the leading agents, factors, and processes in Spain’s socio-economic and political transformation between 1868 and 1978.
2. Discuss and examine a range of historiographical approaches to the key phenomena, individuals, groups and institutions of Modern Spain.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
3. Demonstrate reasoned historical and historiographical knowledge acquired in class and through independent reading of historiographic and primary sources, and evaluating different factors with reference to their specific contexts
4. Showcase effective and informed communication skills both in written and oral formats.
5. Draw evidence from primary and secondary sources to support of clear, well-structured and convincing arguments.
6. Use digital media to communicate effectively.
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 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 90 | ||
| Private study hours | 79 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
As part of their summative assessment, students will share an essay plan and receive feedback before the submission of their assessed essays.
Individual consultations on any aspects of the module’s organization, content, and assessment will be provided on students' request.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Podcast | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 03/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team