97508 US Latin American Relations
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 97506 Spanish Language and Culture 6 OR 97507 Human Rights in Hispanophone Societies
Description
This subject provides students who have a firm command of the Spanish language, with more advanced reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It corresponds to Level C1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students examine and engage with a broad range of popular cultural texts in order to express their ideas and arguments in Castilian and Latin American Spanish with regard to US and Latin American relations. Students develop intercultural understanding and engagement by recognising, exploring, interpreting and moving between the languages and practices of two or more cultures.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Comprehend, reflect upon and analyse complex texts in spoken (oral) and written (language). |
|---|---|
| b. | Produce complex texts in spoken (oral) and written (language). |
| c. | Demonstrate critical cultural awareness of Spanish speaking people and societies. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):
- Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)
- Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
US Latin American Relations blends practice-based and research-inspired learning experience. Oral and written popular texts are analysed through a communicative and reflective approach, able to stimulate progressive and continuous learning, as well as reflection on the use of language in context. The analysis is supported by a series of supplementary authentic intermedia materials (songs, films and documentaries) and scaffolded through the use of real-life scenarios and situations, such as debates. The subject is structured so as to favour the interaction of in-class and independent learning environments as well as the construction of a nuanced and personalised learning experience. In addition the in-class work, students are asked to submit research-based written texts which strengthen their independent learning skills and facilitate a customised learning experience. The approximate time commitment expected from students is 12 hours per week, including class time.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Written and Oral Response Tasks
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Oral Presentation
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 15 minutes plus 5 minutes discussion with class | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Essay
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 25% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2000 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Attendance at tutorials is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential work-shopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor. A roll will be taken at each class. If you are late to class and not present when the roll is taken, it is your responsibility to tell your tutor at the end of that class so that your attendance can be recorded. Please note that if you are more than 30 minutes late, you will be noted as absent. Students must attend at least 85% of their classes. Students who fail to do so will be refused their final assessment (see Rule 3.8). To pass this subject, students must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more.
Required texts
A full range of texts, audio and video media are used in this subject. Further details are available in the subject outline distributed in class during the first week of teaching.
Other resources
INTERNET
Nearly all Spanish newspapers and magazines from Spain and Latin America are available through the Internet. For an updated list of Spanish publications, see:
http://www.thepaperboycom./spain.html
http://www.thepaperboycom./argentina.html
Spanish Newspapers
El Paîs Digital http://www.elpais.es
Semanario del Mundo http://www.el-mundo.es/larevista/
La Vanguardia http://www2.vanguardia.es
Latin American Newspapers
Clarîn (Argentina) http://www.clarin.com.ar
El Mercurio (Chile) http://www.emol.com
El Nacional (Mêxico) http://www.el-nacional.com.mx
El Comercio ( Perû) http://www.elcomercioperu.com.pe
El Observador (Uruguay) http://observador.com.uy
Nueva Prensa Cubana (Cuba) http://www.cubapress.com
UTS Library
The UTS library holds a variety of Spanish Language and Culture related resources available for loan or in Closed Reserve. If you wish to access library resources from outside UTS, you should read the information available at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/services/off_campus.
You will need a username and password to access library resources like databases etc from outside UTS. This will be the username and password of your UTS Email account (not your UTS Online account, which uses your student number). If you haven't yet activated your UTS Email account, please go to http://webmail.uts.edu.au If you have trouble activating your UTS email account, please visit one of the IT Support Centre counters at UTS, ring the ITD helpdesk on 9514 2222, or email them at itsc@uts.edu.au Instructions on how to set up your computer to access the library's resources can be found at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/services/off_campus/access The library web site also offers some online tutorials to help you to develop your Information skills.
A tutorial about finding information on the web is available at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/information/tutorial_index
A tutorial about using Catalyst for research and investigative assignments is at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/catalyst/
Details of library locations and hours are available on the Library's home page UTS Online
How to login and password Login to UTS Online takes place at http://online.uts.edu.au. Username: 8 digit student id [eg 12345678] Password: UTS email password.
All students who have been enrolled in a subject at UTS have access to UTS Online. However, to gain this access you will need to activate your UTS email account. Once you have an activated UTS email account, you can login by entering your Username and Password. Your username is your student ID (the eight-digit number on your student card). Your password is the same as your UTS email password. Finally, click the 'Login' button. Note: Not all UTS subjects make use of UTS Online, and hence your list of subjects in UTS Online should not be used as an indicator of your true UTS enrolment. To find out more about UTS Online, access the following site: http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/utsonline/student/ Student support and other information.
Developing your learning skills
The BELL (Becoming an Effective Lifelong Learner) website provides information, self-testing and links to help you to develop your learning and teamwork skills.
http://www.bell.uts.edu.au/bells/ Assignment writing, oral presentation,
Academic English
The ELSSA (English Language and Study Skills Assistance) centre offers language and study skills support. http://www.uts.edu.au/div/elssa/ Computer logins, passwords and computer labs Contact the ITD (Information Technology Division) help desk if you are having difficulty logging on to the UTS Website, your UTS Email or UTS Online. Phone: 02 9514 2222 Email: helpdesk@uts.edu.au
Organising your study, motivating and managing yourself
Contact Student Services: http://www.uts.edu.au/div/ssu/index.html