Latin American Literature: Approaches and Methodology
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- SPLA312
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Spanish
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Objectives: SPLA312 is an introductory subject of 10 credits in literary theory and method with relevance to the study of Latin American literature. The subject aims to provide knowledge of and insight into theoretical problem areas related to Latin American literature and culture.
Content: An introduction to basic literary theoretical problems will be given and work will be done with a selection of modern literary theoretical trends.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, competence and general competence:
Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge of central issues within literary theory with relevance to the study of modern Latin American literature.
Skills
The student has
- ability to analyze literary texts on the basis of modern theory and method.
- ability to present and discuss various literary theoretical issues in Spanish.
General competencies
The student has
- a critical and reflective view of literary theory and method.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The form of teaching is seminar/lectures totaling 24 hours, two hours per week for 12 weeks or as block teaching, where it is a prerequisite that students participate actively throughout the semester.
If fewer than five students register for a course, the teaching offer can be adapted to the number of students.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
During the time in which the course is taught, students must write two short text commentaries (each 400 words) in small groups and give one oral presentation related to material on the reading list. Topics are to be selected following discussion with the course instructor. The objective is for students to gain practice both in presenting and applying selected theories to literary texts.
This coursework must be approved by the course instructor in order for students to be eligible to take the exam. Coursework is valid for one semester following the semester of instruction.
Forms of Assessment
Assessment in the course is based on an oral examination. During the oral examination, students must first give a 20 minute presentation on a topic specified by the course instructor 14 days prior to the examination.
Following the presentation, the student and the assessors will discuss the contents of the presentation, in addition to other topics relevant to the presentation. The final grade is based on both the presentation and the following discussion.
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Reading List
The reading list is made up of ca. 350-400 pages of literary theory and a small selection of literary texts, in order to exemplify practical application of theory and methodology.
The reading list will be ready by July 1 for the autumn semester.