Undergraduate study

Undergraduate 

Portuguese MA

Latin American Cinema MODLANG4011

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course focuses on the study of key Latin American films. By situating films in a clear socio-historical context, the course will familiarise students with wider issues in Latin American society, particularly those relating to social inequality, gender and sexuality, violence, race, and memory.

Timetable

20 x 1 hour sessions over both semesters as scheduled in MyCampus.

 

This is one of the honours options in SMLC and may not run every year. The options which are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Critical Commentary (750 words) - 20%

■ Essay (2000 words) - 50%

■ Group Presentation within which each student will talk for c. 5 minutes (15% group mark and 15% individual mark) - 30%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay and commentary, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ An individual recorded presentation as alternative to the group presentation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ explore the history of Latin American cinema;

■ familiarise students with a wide range of Latin American films and filmmakers;

■ introduce students to concepts in Film Studies;

■ explore developments in Latin American culture and society;

■ help students understand key social issues such as class, race, gender, urban violence and the environment in the context of Latin America.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ develop a critical response to a range of Latin American films;

■ describe economic, political and social aspects of the Latin American film industry in its national and transnational contexts;

■ discuss how films contest, negotiate and/or reproduce dominant discourses on national identity, race, gender and social class;

■ apply appropriate concepts and terminology when discussing films;

■ present coherent and relevant arguments orally and in writing;

■ conduct independent research for oral presentations and support arguments with evidence from the primary text and secondary literature.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions