Courses: SPLA313 Theory and Methodology in Latin American History and Cultural Studies - Spring 2017




ECTS Credits

Level of Study

Master

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Teaching semester

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The course aims to provide insight into various theories and methodologies applied to research on Latin-American societies. The course will discuss what constitutes history and cultural knowledge in a Latin-American perspective, and how these have been interpreted in light of different theoretical perspectives at various stages of history. Additionally, students will be introduced to various methodologies used in research on Latin-American societies and different types of source material, and will be shown how these can be used in order to solve various problems in research which aims to analyse Latin-American culture and history.

 

There will also be an introduction on how to write a project description, on possible relevant topics for the Master¿s thesis, and about possible supervisors. Approximately two hours will be set aside for this.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, students will have become familiar with how perspectives on Latin-American history and Latin-American societies have changed over time. Students will also have gained insight into different methodologies and different types of source material used in research on Latin-American history and culture, as well as insight into how such research can be structured.

 

Additionally, students will have gained insight into different perspectives on and practices of history in the Latin-American context. Students will be able to reflect over theoretical approaches, and assess the relationship between research questions and the choice of methodology in a research project on Latin-American history and culture.

Required Previous Knowledge

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

Access to the Course

The course is open to students enrolled in the Master¿s programme in Spanish language and Latin-American studies at the University of Bergen.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Lectures and/or seminars; two double sessions per week for six weeks.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Forms of Assessment

Assessment in the course consists of a five-day take-home examination where students are to write a paper of ca. 3,500 words.

Examination Support Material

Grading Scale

The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a failing grade.

Assessment Semester

Reading List

Ca. 550 pages taken from textbooks and articles about historical theory and methodology used in historical investigation.

 

As a rule, students are to adhere to the course reading list given the semester the course is taken. However, alternative reading lists may be approved following an application to the course instructor(s) which argues for the alternative reading list. In semesters where no teaching is given, the reading list from the previous semester is to be used.

Course Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme Committee

Course Coordinator

Course Administrator

Contact Information

studieveileder@if.uib.no