Spanish MA
Humour and Horror in Early Modern Spain HISP4126
- 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
Humour and horror are two fundamental characteristics of literature and culture in early modern Spain. This course will explore methodologies and key thinkers in the study of humour and horror, including theorists like Bakhtin and Culianu, in order to analyse works by authors such as Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Fernando de Rojas. At the end of this course students will have a deeper understanding of the contexts surrounding literary and cultural criticism in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Timetable
20 x 1hr sessions across both semesters as scheduled on 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:
■ Presentation (10 minutes) - 30%
■ Essay (3000 words) - 70%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ A recorded presentation and one-to-one Q&A with tutor as alternative to the presentation.
■ There is no alternative to the essay, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).
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:
■ introduce students to the analytical tools necessary to approach key literary texts of the early modern period;
■ analyse the social, political, historical and cultural context of the early modern period in Spain;
■ explore critical theories related to humour and horror and develop close reading skills;
■ develop students' research and speaking skills and confidence in self-expression.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ clearly situate literary works within their broader social, cultural, and historical contexts;
■ critically apply theories relating to humour and/or horror to literary;
■ present ideas clearly and analytically both orally and in writing through assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations.