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The Literature of Hispanic America - ENG00167I

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  • Department: English and Related Literature
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Stephen Minta
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module takes a broad view of Spanish-American literature, from the poetry of Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) to Marcela Serrano’s 2011 novel, Ten Women. The main focus is the so-called golden age of Latin American literature (known in Spanish as el boom latinoamericano), a literary movement of the 1960s and 1970s, one associated above all with the concept of the magical real. The module will include texts from all the larger Spanish-speaking countries (except for Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela), and we’ll also look at some of the literature from Central America and Mexico. The reading list will include works by three of Latin America’s Nobel prize winners in literature (Gabriela Mistral, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Mario Vargas Losa). The module would particularly suit students who have an interest in Latin American politics and history, as well as literature.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The module aims to introduce you to some of the most important writing in Latin America in the modern period. It takes on issues to do with revolution, dictatorship, colonialism, mestizaje (racial mixing), human rights, and the politics of unequal development.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of, and engagement with, a range of Hispanic American texts.
  2. Demonstrate an informed understanding of, and engagement, with a range of Latin American cultural and historical contexts.
  3. Examine key debates and critical approaches within the broad spectrum of Latin American history and culture.
  4. Develop arguments and ideas which demonstrate a proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the key issues at stake in the evolution of Latin American writing during the second half of the twentieth century and the early decades of the twenty-first.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
2,000 Word Essay		 N/A 70
Open Exam (1 day)
Take-home exam		 N/A 30

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

  • You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours
  • For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment

Indicative reading

Carlos Fuentes, The Old Gringo;

Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude;

Mario Vargas Llosa, Death in the Andes;

Isabel Allende, The House of the Spirits.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.