The subject will analyze current affairs in Spain and Latin America, as well as the impact of world current affairs on the Spanish-speaking world. A set of current issues, and their social and historical contexts will be analyzed. The approach will be thematic rather than chronological. Throughout the course students will analyze radio news, read and discuss radio scripts in Spanish, as well as material drawn from the Spanish-speaking press. Students will also write and produce their own radio program.

As students will be exposed to a considerable amount of spoken texts, they should be able to:

• identify and comment on culturally specific aspects of language, behaviour or attitude
• compare and contrast aspects of life in Spanish-speaking communities with those in Australia
• express points of view, attitudes, emotions from context and language intonation
• exchange and justify critical analysis through their own ideas and opinions
• produce and perform original radio-programs conveying grammatical structures and vocabulary

Exercises leading to the writing and production of a radio program (25%), oral presentations on current affairs topics of the students' choice (30%), two listening comprehension exams (35%) and tutorial participation (10%).

3 hours per week

Completion of SPAN2001 (Continuing Spanish I) with Distinction or High Distinction, or permission of the convenor