Module Catalogue 2024/25

LAS4005 : Language Endangerment and Revitalisation in Latin America

LAS4005 : Language Endangerment and Revitalisation in Latin America

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Josep Cru
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To develop systematic knowledge of Latin America as a multilingual region

To develop critical insights into the role that language diversity plays in Latin American cultural,
social and political life

To introduce appropriate theoretical approaches to the study of language in society

To introduce appropriate theoretical approaches to the study of language as a cultural phenomenon

To further understanding of the roles of race, gender and ethnicity in shaping Latin American society,
from the perspective of linguistic diversity

To further develop skills of argumentation and presentation, in speaking and writing

To become familiarised with a broad range of bibliographic and on-line sources for the achievement of
these aims

Outline Of Syllabus

Using a combination of sociolinguistic and anthropological approaches, the module examines cultural diversity in contemporary Latin America with special focus on the role of language. We explore multilingualism as a cultural and social phenomenon, as it affects the lives of individuals, on the one hand, and the relationship between State and society, on the other hand. Contact between Spanish and Portuguese and Amerindian languages (eg.Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní, Nahuatl) arising in colonial and postcolonial settings, produces hybrid forms of language that express mixed cultural identities and history. Furthermore, indigenous movements, non-governmental organisations, and government ministries, all have a stake in how multilingualism is managed: language policy underpins political agendas and education programmes, for example. Pulling these perspectives together, we note that people’s attitudes towards language and identity at the grassroots, and state-led strategies for managing multilingualism, are often at odds. Theories of the relationship between language,identity, culture, politics, and society, will be related to Latin American cases of language contact, co-existence and conflict.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Familiarity with the multilingual nature of Latin American societies in the past and the present

Familiarity with key conceptual frameworks for the study of multilingualism as a social and cultural
phenomenon

Insight into the political issues arising from the cultural and linguistic diversity of Latin American states

Conceptual engagement with the ways that language and literacy construct power relations in society,
mediated by gender, ethnicity and class

Intended Skill Outcomes

Further ability to formulate and support an argument in oral presentation and in writing

Further ability to research and organise a range of bibliographic and on-line source materials relevant to a specific study question

Ability to identify and critically analyse Latin American sociolinguistic phenomena by applying appropriate conceptual tools

Advanced skills of textual analysis

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00PiP sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching102:0020:00PiP sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery12:002:00PiP sessions for essay preparation advice
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1167:00167:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The mix of lectures, seminars, and drop-in/surgery sessions will allow for imparting of key information, learning of critical analytical skills through textual study and application of knowledge through guided research to be presented as group work in class.

There will be practical and interactive present-in-person sessions with short and focused structured lectured materials and longer seminars to delve into the materials. Methodologically, shorter content materials in the lectures work better among students as they maintain attention and they are more accessible and manageable. Learning outcomes will not be altered and students will be able to meet those outcomes in a more effective and participatory way.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M702500 words (+/-10%) including quotations and notes but excluding bibliography.
Written exercise2M301000 word (+/-10%) written commentary
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessed mid-semester written exercise in class provides opportunity for students to engage critically with the course material and to study other literature on the subject, apart from getting early feedback. It also gives them the chance to demonstrate understanding of sociolinguistic and social science concepts and the ability to structure an argument in writing and prepare for the final essay.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.