Bring North-American students closer to Spanish literature of the 20th century, through the reading and commentary in some detail of the chosen texts. With the purpose of putting the readings in context, main literary problems will be dealt with, as well as their relation with cultural aspects (art, history and thought) of their time.
Methodology:
The reading of the texts will be preceded by a brief view of the literary movements and authors; however, the most important concern of the course will be the reading and discussion of the texts, taking into account the different critical perspectives. At the beginning of the course, the students will receive the guideline of each theme, to be used as a model, in which the main aspects will be pointed out for the discussion in class. These guidelines should be prepared beforehand.
Evaluation:
Participation in class will be most important (10%). The elaboration of a brief paper on one of the readings proposed in class will also be required (25%). Its length will be of 3-4 pages; the student and the teacher will agree on the subject and methodology. An exam in the middle of the semester (25%) and another at the end (40%) will also be part of the grade.
Program:
I. Introduction to the 20th century. The problem of periods.
II. The end of the century. The new literary conscience.
- a.Modernism and '98. The concept of Modernism and its aesthetic proposal.
- b. Spain and '98.
- c. Aesthetics and ethics in the poetry of Antonio Machado.
Readings: Selection of poems by Rubén Darío and Antonio Machado.
III. The beginning of the contemporary period. Aesthetic ideology and experimentalism of new currents .
- a. The new literary currents: Novecentismo, avant-gardes, the Generation of '27.
- b. The Generation of '27. The poets of '27.
- c. Experimentation and dramatic art: Valle-Inclán.
Readings: Poetry anthology of the Generation of '27.
Luces de bohemia by Ramón Valle-Inclan.
IV.The postwar period:
- a. Social realism.
- b. New narrative tendencies: Camilo José Cela.
- c. Society and poetry. Survival and innovations: from Dámaso Alonso to José Hierro.
Readings: Poetic Anthology
La familia de Pascual Duarte by C.J. Cela.
V. The new names (1975-1990).
- a. An overview of current narrative.
Readings: Selection of short stories.