Ateneo - UPO

The Real Academia Española and its role in the history of the Spanish Language

Victor García de la Concha, La Real academia espanola : vida e historia, Barcelona, Espasa Libros, 2014 (cap. 1-2); Historia de la lengua española, Rafael Cano-Aguilar (coord.), Ariel, 2004, pp. 919-944, 1011-1064
(Materials on DIR)

The teaching aims -as a primary objective- to develop in students historical linguistic skills in the Spanish context, focusing especially on the foundation of the Real Academia Española and its contribution in the 18th century. Secondly, it aims to refine the use of the Spanish language for professional and academic purposes..

Knowledge of the Spanish Language

Lectures, seminar lessons with analysis of examples; the theacher will provide exemplary materials on the DIR

Oral examination. It consists of two open-ended questions designed to assess the student's ability to illustrate the historical framework (the RAE and its role) and then to link linguistic data and method of analysis.
An oral exam will be assessed as excellent if it demonstrates: an organic and in-depth vision of the themes of the texts dealt with in the course; developed capacities of analysis and synthesis; excellent mastery of the specific vocabulary and linguistic concepts exposed; capacity for theoretical elaboration through the rich use of relevant examples.
An oral test will be assessed as fair if it demonstrates: an only sometimes mechanical knowledge of the subject; appropriate and correct language; a good capacity for analysis and synthesis; a good use of exemplification in relation to a theoretical exposition, which considers the different aspects of the specialised use of the Spanish language.
An oral test will be assessed as sufficient if it demonstrates: basic knowledge of the syllabus, often presented in a mnemonic form, but with an awareness of the method of linguistic analysis of the proposed texts; basic and correct use of terminology; presentation of adequate examples in the context of the treatment.
An oral examination that demonstrates at least one of the following traits will be graded as insufficient: important educational gaps; erroneous learning of notions/concepts or methodology; inappropriate language; the pure reproduction/listing of notions or definitions, lacking the required conceptual links; lack of orientation within the theme/text examined; scarcity, absence or incorrect use of examples.

1. Origins and early development of the RAE. 2. The works published by the Academy: description, analysis and evaluation of their influence on the linguistic history of Spanish. 3. Evolution and maturation of the Castilian language in the 18th century. 4. Analysis of textual samples.

KNOWLEDGE - To develop theoretical knowledge of the historical-linguistic discipline, acquiring familiarity with the phenomena of the Iberian sphere SKILLS - To be able to recognise and classify in the documents proposed and analysed the phenomena presented theoretically - To be able to define and illustrate by example the notions discussed in class - To be able to prepare an analysis independently, starting from the theoretical bases acquired TRANSVERSAL SKILLS - To be able to describe the main phenomena in a clear and detailed manner, using the specific terminology appropriately. - To be able to explore topics in depth in specific manuals and essays