Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Narratives of Conquest and Incomprehension
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Modern Languages
Module Code	09 38836
Module Lead	Aengus Ward
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-20 hours Practical Classes and workshops-2 hours Guided independent study-168 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module examines the discursive foundations of, and resistance to, Spanish colonisation of the Americas. By analysing first person narratives of the encounters between Spaniards and native peoples of the Americas against the background of medieval conquest and crusade narratives, we will explore how Spaniards sought to explain and justify the subjugation of the Americas (in the case of Columbus and Cortés, for example) but also how they sought to understand a new world of unfamiliar people, flora and fauna (in the case of Cabeza de Vaca) and how some of those people resisted both physically and discursively (Poma de Ayala). The module also reflects on the relevance of early modern imperialism for the contemporary understanding of colonialism.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the historical contexts of initial Spanish colonisation of Latin America; analyse and appraise key events and historical processes relevant to the beginnings of Spanish colonisation in Latin America; analyse and evaluate a wide range of relevant primary source materials including (but not necessarily limited to) the writings of Columbus, Cortés, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala; critically evaluate the historiographical context and trends of the subject under exploration, with especial reference to the discursive context of medieval conquest and crusading and the origins and development of colonialism; demonstrate knowledge of key terms and concepts relevant to the analysis; and, summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing.
Assessment	38836-01 : 4,000 Word Essay in English : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: A 4,000 word essay in English (100%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component
Other
Reading List