Spanish 4/5 Spanish film studies: Power and Resistance in XX and XXI century Spanish Films

What is the course about?

This course explores a series of Spanish films and documentaries mainly investigating questions of gender, race, class, identity and social politics. All these critical angles and perspectives will be traversed by matters of power and its repressive or oppressive positions, together with acts of resistance and their search for emancipatory freedom from that control, be it state, institutional, social or personal based.

What will we cover?

In this course, we will explore micro and macro examples of power being exerted and their particular acts of resistant counterparts. From the very specific gestures of dominance to the grand control of organized state power and its multiple ramifications of hegemonic control. As well, we will analyse key cultural and philosophical texts from Spanish and Western philosophers, filmmakers and cultural critics adding different discourses related to the nature of power and ways of resisting or diversifying it in different directions and by multiple actions.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- have a better knowledge of 20th and 21st century Spanish films
- recognise and analyse how Spanish films treat the topic of power and resistance
- use critical thinking to analyse key films and texts
- enhance your Spanish comprehension and conversation as a whole.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Advanced knowledge of Spanish is essential: you should have done a minimum of 5 years of Spanish recently. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge of film studies or Spanish society.

For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart here.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material. Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.

Class dates: Wednesday 21 October, 4 & 18 November, and 2 December 2026.

This course uses Google Classroom, a digital learning platform where all the teaching and learning resources can be found. Here are some answers toCommon questions about Google Classroom| City Lit

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course is based on the tutor’s own resources. A list of secondary reading will be set on the first class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Any Spanish 4 or 5 course. Please email languages@citylit.ac.uk for advice.

You may also wish to consider ourlanguage and culture courses,conversation coursesorpronunciation and accents coursesto expand and consolidate your learning.