Students

SPN 325 – Rebellion and Change

2019 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Consuelo Martinez Reyes
Co-convenor
Christian Petersen Tym
Jane Hanley
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
SPN301
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit extends the abilities of students of Spanish at an advanced level by examining the social and political movements that have shaped the development of Spain and Latin America. The course looks at literary and artistic representations of key “rebellious” historical moments that sought and continue to seek change and social justice, especially in terms of class, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual practices, environmental issues, regional versus globalising programmes, neoliberal and neo-colonial trends, among others. It is expected that students learn about the synergy of the Hispanic world and become inspired to embark on further research on the topics discussed. The course may focus on a specific region, genre, or theme throughout the semester in order to develop deeper knowledge on certain aspects or issues that may well be put in contrast with the global and Australian contexts.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

General Assessment Information

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn.

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation 15% No Ongoing
Essay draft 10% No Week 5
Presentation 15% No Week 7
Essay 30% No Week 9
Final In Class Test 30% No Week 13

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

This unit has a strong emphasis on class participation. This entails engagement with both the lecture and reading materials as well as with other students' contribution to the class discussion. Tutorials will explore the content and themes from the weekly lecture and readings while students will be expected to engage in a critical analysis of unit readings.

In lieu of class participation, external students are required to contribute to class through commenting in lecture recordings and/or VoiceThreads.

Consideration requests for absences need to be submitted online via https://ask.mq.edu.au.

If you should arrive late, it is your responsibility to ensure you are marked on the class roll and to find out what you have missed.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Essay draft

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 10%

Preliminary version of the research essay. This is meant to enable a 'scaffolding' experience of essay-building. Your draft must include:

1. an abstract presenting the issue and your hypothesis (250 words).

2. a summary of the issues surrounding the matter at hand (500 words). This text, once edited following feedback, may function as the introduction to your research essay. The summary should not repeat the abstract but rather present a panoramic view of the issue at hand in order to present the essay's hypothesis in context.

3. a preliminary bibliography (min. 6 items) with a brief summary (50 words, + 30w for item itself) for each entry explaining its relevance  within the essay (6 x 80 = 480w approx.).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Presentation

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 15%

10-minute seminar presentation of your researched case study as it stands thus far, followed by a Q&A session with peers. Student is expected to include a 'state of the matter', hypothesis, and examples, and utilize Q&A session as a means to develop the considerations and conclusion of his/her research essay.

External students are to upload their recorded presentations through the external students' Presentation VoiceThread. They are also expected to leave comments on each other's presentations.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Essay

Due: Week 9
Weighting: 30%

Students will propose a question that looks into and examines a situation linked to one of the topics discussed within the context of one Latin American country, presenting it as a "case study" of the issue at hand. The conclusion should present a "state of the matter" in the country elected. 3,000 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Final In Class Test

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

A cumulative test will be conducted IN CLASS in Week 13. It is based on the topics covered during the entire semester.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Delivery and Resources

Selected readings will be provided through ILearn.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Online Unit

Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Is my unit in iLearn?: http://help.ilearn.mq.edu.au/unitsonline/ to check when your online unit will become available.

Technology

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For students attending classes on campus we strongly encourage that you bring along your own laptop computer, ready to work with activities in your online unit. The preferred operating system is Windows 10.

Students are required to access the online unit in iLearn by the end of Week 1 and follow any relevant instructions and links for downloads that may be required. If applicable, students are required to download the relevant language package prior to Week 2.

Please contact your course convenor before the end of Week 1 if you do not have a suitable laptop (or tablet) for in-class use.

Unit Schedule

SPN325: Rebellion and Change

Unit schedule

Week

Topic

Assessment reminder

Week

1

Introduction to the course. Historical (colonial) subjects

 

1

2

Recent history: Two revolutions

 

2

3

New World Order

 

3

4

Contemporary Politics

 

4

5

"New Imperialism"

Essay draft

5

6

Drug trafficking and Narco-culture

 

6

7

Presentations

Presentations

7

8

Decolonial Struggles

 

8

9

Interculturality and Plurinationalism

Research Essay

9

10

Societies on the Move

 

10

11

The Pink Tide

 

11

12

Gender and Sexuality

 

12

13

Final in class test

Final in class test

13

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Essay draft

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay draft
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final In Class Test

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)
  • To be able to assess and prioritize information (demonstrated through reasoned arguments)
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay draft
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final In Class Test

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To improve their library and information retrieval skills (demonstrated through research for assignments)

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay draft
  • Presentation
  • Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To be able to communicate efficiently on the topics they have learnt through the successful completion of assignments and class discussion
  • To work with and collaborate with others through class discussion and project work

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final In Class Test

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop an independent and analytical judgment about the studied issues
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Essay draft
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Final In Class Test

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To extend their knowledge by studying in some detail, in Spanish, the most representative contemporary and historical social movements and governments in Latin America
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Presentation
  • Essay