Course Description
Reading and discussion of selected masterworks of literature as they reflect the historical, political, and social context of the Latin American and Caribbean experience. Students are introduced to critically reading, writing, and discussing the form and content of these literary masterpieces. Taught in Spanish.
Course Reflection
In SPAN 322, my knowledge about Hispanic literature improved as I was exposed to the most representative literary pieces from the time of the conquest to modern times. Through testimonies, short stories and poems, I was immersed into the most relevant social phenomena of Latin America such as the indigenous civilizations, the conquest, colonialism, independence, as well as the efforts for a more equal and just society for all. The class dynamic was effective as all students had to read the assigned readings and answer the comprehension questions in order to conduct an energetic and respectful debate among other students with the purpose of reaching coherent conclusions from the analyzed works. In this class, I learned how to be a more independent student, since the assignments were challenging and we were required to complete them individually to bring our perspectives to the literary discussions. Since the exams were also complicated, my study habits, as well as those of my classmates, improved dramatically. Personally, I had never studied for exams like I did in this class. Another challenge was my final project called "La libertad del gaucho" (The Liberty of the Gaucho), where I did a presentation and investigative essay on the gaucho (cowboy) book Don Segundo Sombra, written by the famous Argentine writer Ricardo Güiraldes, where he relates the life of the famous gaucho, Don Segundo Sombra, who was the reflection of the identity of the Argentine society during the 19th century. This assignment took me out of my comfort zone, since I had never read a gaucho literary work. In general, this class fostered my literary habit, since after this class and SPAN 304, I now enjoy reading classic and contemporary works.