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CRIME NARRATIVE AND GLOBALISATION IN THE AMERICAS

Module code: SPA637
Credits: 10
Semester: 2
Department: SPANISH
International:
Coordinator: Dr David Conlon (SPANISH)

	Overview
	The crime genre has long been recognised as a means of examining and illuminating social and political concerns. For almost as long, however, these concerns have been complicated by the presence of literal and figurative borders, signifying the end of one jurisdiction and the beginning of another, and the emergence of competing legal, ethical and cultural claims. With the age of mass migration and burgeoning globalisation, this trope has gained heightened significance, leading to a substantial re-orientation of the genre at large. In this module, we will explore how writers and filmmakers in the Americas have turned to the crime genre as a means of examining the complexities of globalisation, and with a particular focus on how migration, economic precarity, and the legacies of colonialism trouble the conceptual mainstays normally associated with crime and criminality. Beginning with the role of the Mexican border in classic North American film noir, we will go on to look at how contemporary storytellers throughout the region have used the crime genre as a vehicle for navigating the complex terrain of globalisation, often overturning generic conventions in the process.

Overview

The crime genre has long been recognised as a means of examining and illuminating social and political concerns. For almost as long, however, these concerns have been complicated by the presence of literal and figurative borders, signifying the end of one jurisdiction and the beginning of another, and the emergence of competing legal, ethical and cultural claims. With the age of mass migration and burgeoning globalisation, this trope has gained heightened significance, leading to a substantial re-orientation of the genre at large. In this module, we will explore how writers and filmmakers in the Americas have turned to the crime genre as a means of examining the complexities of globalisation, and with a particular focus on how migration, economic precarity, and the legacies of colonialism trouble the conceptual mainstays normally associated with crime and criminality. Beginning with the role of the Mexican border in classic North American film noir, we will go on to look at how contemporary storytellers throughout the region have used the crime genre as a vehicle for navigating the complex terrain of globalisation, often overturning generic conventions in the process.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Identify and define the traits of the crime genre. Situate literary and filmic texts within their social, economic, political and cultural contexts. Identify different literary and filmic styles and devices, and relate these to the process of untangling and narrating the complexities of globalisation. Critically analyse literary and filmic texts, making convincing arguments that incorporate consideration of secondary material.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Spanish Department.

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Courses / Module

CRIME NARRATIVE AND GLOBALISATION IN THE AMERICAS