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| Unit name |
Conflict and Change in 20th Century Latin American Narrative |
| Unit code |
HISP21310 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Leu |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
Department of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Arts |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit considers the ways in which key works of 20th-century Latin American literature, fiction and non-fiction, have interpreted the effects of political and social conflict at the level both of the individual and of the collective. Beginning with Cuban author Alejo Carpentiers real maravilloso rendering of the Haitian Revolution, a successful slave revolt against European colonial rule, and culminating with Manuel Puigs depiction of an unlikely friendship forming in the confines of a prison cell during military dictatorship in Argentina, students will examine how narrative styles and the identities they reflect ethnic, political and sexual - have been indelibly shaped by processes of upheaval in Latin American society. The study of key texts will be enhanced by supplementary materials such as visual arts, music and film.
Aims:
- To introduce students to a significant body of knowledge of a complexity appropriate to second year level. The content matter will normally include one or more of the following: literature; social, cultural or political history; linguistics; cultural studies; film, television or other media.
- To facilitate students engagement with a body of literature, including secondary literature, texts, including in non-print media, primary sources and ideas as a basis for their own analysis and development. Normally many or most of these sources will be in a language other than English and will enhance the development of their linguistic skills.
- To develop further skills of synthesis, analysis and independent research, building on the skills acquired in units at level C.
- Some options may prepare students for the experience of the Year Abroad.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Successful students will:
- be knowledgeable about a significant cultural, historical or linguistic subject related to the language they are studying;
- be skilled in the selection and synthesis of relevant material;
- be able to evaluate and analyse relevant material from a significant body of source materials, usually in a foreign language, at a high level;
- be able to respond to questions or problems by presenting their independent judgements in an appropriate style and at an high level of complexity;
- be able to transfer these skills to other working environments, including study at a foreign university and on work placements during the year abroad.
Teaching Information
1+2, i.e., a weekly lecture and seminar (with students split into two groups for seminar)
Assessment Information
One essay of 1800-2000 words (one-third of mark) and one two-hour examination (two-thirds of mark).
Reading and References
- Alejo Carpentier, El reino de este mundo (to be purchased by students)
- Juan Rulfo, Pedro P�ramo (to be purchased by students)
- Octavio Paz, selected essays from El laberinto de la soledad (to be provided by tutor)
- Manuel Puig, El beso de la mujer ara�a (to be purchased by students)
