Latin American Literature: Approaches and Methodology

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

SPLA312 is an introductory, 10 credit course in literary theory and methodology relevant to the study of Latin-American literature. An introduction will be given to basic issues in literary theory, and a selection of approaches to modern literary theory will be examined.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student

  • will be familiar with central problems in literary theory relevant to the study of modern Latin-American literature.
  • will be capable of analysing literary texts using modern theory and methodology.
  • will have achieved a critical and reflective perspective on literary theory and methodology.
  • will be capable of presenting and discussing various problems related to literary theory in Spanish.

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
No formal requirements, but all lecturing will be conducted in Spanish and requires a solid command of the language.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
None
Access to the Course
The course is open to students enrolled in the Master¿s programme in Spanish language and Latin-American studies at the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be given in the form of seminars, two hours per week for twelve weeks. Students are expected to participate actively during the entire semester.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

During the time in which the course is taught, students are to hand in two written assignments (each 400 words) in small groups and do one oral presentation related to the material on the reading list. Topics are to be selected following discussion with the course instructor, and the objective is for students to gain practice both in presenting and in applying selected theories on 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 of a topic specified by the course teacher 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
The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a failing grade.
Assessment Semester

Autumn.

The exam will also be held early in the spring semester for students with a valid approval of completed mandatory coursework.

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.

As a rule, students are to adhere to the course reading list given the semester the course is taken. However, alternative reading lists may be approved following an application to the course instructor(s) which argues for the alternative reading list. In semesters where no teaching is given, the reading list from the previous semester is to be used.

Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.