The subject will analyse in depth a series of 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 and historical topics and their social and historical contexts will be analyzed. The approach will be thematic rather than chronological, but within each topic, a chronology of events needed to understand the present will be explored. Throughout the course students will analyze radio and TV news, as well as material drawn from the Spanish-speaking press. Students will also write and produce their own radio program. An mp3 player with relevant interviews and radio programs on the genres or artists studied through the course will be lent to students.

2. Analyse news as cultural and historical texts, using, integrating and applying the relevant historical, ethnographic, political and sociological information contained in the course materials and other sources.

3. Present and discuss analysis of current affairs topics in oral and written form.

4. Examine and understand the accent, vocabulary and grammar of different Spanish varieties as reflected in TV and radio programs.

5. Research, select, combine and integrate information relevant to a Spanish current affairs topic and its socio-historical context, and present it in a coherent fashion.

6. Negotiate task division and contribution in a team environment. Evaluate peers’ contribution to the team task.

3 contact hours per week plus at least 7 hours of regular work per week outside class.

Students should have an assumed language proficiency equivalent to the successful completion of the SPAN2001 course.

SPAN2002 (Continuing Spanish II) or equivalent level of proficiency.

Incompatible with previous versions of the course and name SPAN3101 Current Affairs in the Spanish-speaking World (Intermediate).

Students need to be able to operate an MP3 player.