PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MA in Language, History and Culture: Hispanic Studies
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MA (Hons)
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Intakes from 2007
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Arts and Humanities
Parent Department:
School of European Languages Culture and Society (SELCS)
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/selcs/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/language-culture-history-ma/language-culturehistory-hispanic-studies
Full-time / Part-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
See: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prosp-students/2008-prospectus/arts-andhumanities/spanish/index.shtml
Length of the programme:
One calendar year full-time or two calendar years part-time.
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
Masters Level (Level 7)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
Language and related studies (unit 29)
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/default.asp
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Board of Examiners, MA in Language, Culture and History
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/selcs/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/language-culture-history-ma/language-culturehistory-hispanic-studies
Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:
Professional body accreditation
N/A
(if applicable):
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme (a) introduces students to aspects of Hispanic Studies at an intellectually demanding level; (b)
introduces students to the complexity of core concepts in selected related disciplines such as literary theory,
translation studies or comparative literature; and (c) provides students with practical training in these skills. The MA
in LCH: Hispanic Studies is also a launching pad for the student wishing to undertake doctoral research in an aspect
of Hispanic Studies.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. key aspects of Hispanic literature, film
and culture;
2. key complex concepts used to
understand Hispanic literature, film,
and culture;
3. key complex concepts in selected
related disciplines such as literary
theory, translation studies, or
comparative literature;
4. how to assess literary, filmic and
cultural texts and, in particular,
address problems of conflicting
interpretations;
5. one defined area of Hispanic
literature, film or culture in
considerable depth.
Acquisition of skills 1, 2 and 4 occurs through a
combination of lectures, classes and tutorials offered in
the departmental options. Skill 3 is gained in the Core
Course, and skill 5 is acquired by virtue of the intensive
and highly focussed research carried out while
completing the dissertation. Throughout the course the
learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading
both to supplement and consolidate what is being
taught/learnt and to broaden individual knowledge and
understanding of the relevant fields.
Assessment:
Students are assessed by a variety of methods, including
long essays, take-home exams, a dissertation, and an
oral exam which is compulsory but non-assessed
although with a discretionary assessment value.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. reason critically;
2. analyse and interpret complex
linguistic, literary, historical and filmic
concepts relating to Hispanic Studies;
3. analyse and interpret complex
concepts pertaining to selected
related disciplines such as literary
theory, translation studies, or
comparative literature;
4. question intepretations, however
authoritative, and reassess evidence;
5. demonstrate independence of mind.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition of skills 1-5 is fostered in all courses offered
throughout the programme in that all courses introduce
complex concepts and material that must be assessed
critically. Each course, whatever the format of the
teaching, involves discussion of key issues, practice in
applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and
interpretation of material, and individual feedback
sessions for students on work produced.
Assessment:
Students are assessed by a variety of methods, including
long essays, take-home exams, a dissertation, and an
oral exam which is compulsory but non-assessed
although with a discretionary assessment value
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge
of Hispanic literature, film and culture;
2. use paper and electronic research
materials effectively and efficiently;
3. present (non-assessed) seminar
papers;
4. apply key methods and concepts of
literary, filmic, historical and linguistic
analysis;
5. communicate ideas orally and in
written form in an effective way.
Through the in-depth analysis of Hispanic literature, film
and culture, combined with the analysis of key concepts
from related fields such as literary theory, translation
studies and comparative literature, the learner enhances
his or her practical skills knowledge base in the five
areas identified. In particular the skills gained in
preparation for the writing of the dissertation, conducted
in close consultation with one or two members of the
teaching staff, provide a basis for a career as a
professional researcher.
Assessment:
Skills 1, 4 and 5 are primarily assessed by extended
essays, which form an integral part of the assessment
for the majority of courses in the MA in LCH: Hispanic
Studies. Though skills 2 and 3 are not formally
assessed, proficiency in these skills enhances the
practical assessment of 1, 4 and 5.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. write detailed, research-based essays
and a dissertation;
2. give cogent oral reports;
3. develop proficiency in the use of
paper and electronic research
materials;
4. assess the relevance and importance
of the ideas of others;
5. work independently.
These skills are learned and enhanced in a number of
pedagogical contexts, including (a) using various data
bases, consulting on-line library catalogues, and using
web-site material; (b) consulting archives and special
collections in a variety of libraries in London and,
occasionally, further afield in the UK; (c) the writing of a
literature review summarising the state of play in a given
field; (d) the writing of extended essays and the
dissertation, including the re-writing of an early draft
based on the instructor’s suggestions for improvement;
(e) giving seminar presentations, responding to
questions, comments and suggestions, and re-working
submitted material.
Assessment:
Skills 4 and 6 are assessed by both the coursework and
extended essays submitted, which, although supervised,
are nevertheless intended to be the results of
independent thought and work/research by the learner.
Skill 2, 3 and 5 are not formally assessed.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Head of Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies
/ Professor Andrew Leak
Signature(s):
Date of Production:
August 2003
Date of Review:
June 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
June 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee