Modern Iberian Literatures

Catalog description

This course offers an introduction to several major writers of modern Iberia from the nineteenth-century to today who, in prose, poetry, and theater, explore voice and characterization with attention to age, gender, class, race and origin. We will examine texts that present interesting or challenging uses of the Spanish and draw attention to the way language conveys meaning. During the period under consideration, Spain was concerned with its relation with "others" inside the nation and its difference from neighbors to the North and South, but pivoted from the pre-modern notions of difference encapsulated in the practices of the Inquisition and expulsion. Social identity and gender are at the root of the texts we examine in this class. The theme manifests differently across period and genre, in particular those by Spaniards of Asian and African descent as well as those addressing traditionally unlettered communities who write in non-standard Spanish. Class periods are designed to combine lecture and discussion, with active student participation based on close readings of the assigned texts and completion of a weekly portfolio entry. The 100-level core courses in ILAC build upon the solid language preparation students already attained through completion of the SPANLANG series, or at home, or by other means. Students use their advanced language skills to analyze texts from a variety of registers and strengthen their writing. By the end of the term, students will be prepared for 200-level courses in ILAC.