SPAN 321: Masterpieces of Hispanic Literature
Reading and discussion of selected masterworks of literature as they reflect the historical, political, and social context of the Peninsular Spanish experience. Students will be introduced to reading and writing critically, and discussing both form and content within these works.
Instructor: Dr. Rafael Gomez
Instructor: Dr. Rafael Gomez
Course Narrative
The goal of this class was to describe, discuss, explain, and evaluate the major literary texts of Spanish literature from its origin to the present day. As well as, discuss the cultural and historical context of the different periods and texts. Before taking this course my knowledge of Spanish literature was limited to the works of Miguel de Cervantes, most notably Don Quijote. My personal goals for the class were to expand my knowledge of Spanish literature, as well as, to develop my language skills. The course was taught in Spanish and fulfilled Major Learning Outcome 1: Language Proficiency and Major Learning Outcome 3: Literary and Cultural Knowledge.
The structure of the class allowed us to see the development of Spanish literature and distinguish distinct stylistic and cultural movements. The course begins during the middle ages with the emergence of popular tales like El cantar del mío Cid and continues with clerical writing, such as those of Gonzalo de Berceo. Written works during this time period are almost exclusively attributed to nobility and the clergy. One of the most notable figures of this time period is Alfonso X, famous for his works, Las siete partidas and El conde Lucanor. The next century that follows is known as El Siglo de Oro, one of the most robust literary time periods in Spanish history. It is during this time that Miguel de Cervantes completes the quintessential piece of Hispanic literature, El Ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha. It is also during this time that literary works begin to forge an important place in Spanish theater. We then follow the effects of significant social movements like the Renaissance and later the Enlightenment through various pieces of literature. In them we see the shift from rationalism to romanticism and later naturalism from the 18th to 19th centuries. Afterwards came my favorite part of the class was when we discussed the literature of the early 20th century. More specifically the works of Camilo José Cela and Juan Ramón Jiménez, the latter of which I became more familiar with after researching for a group presentation.
One semester doesn’t do nearly enough justice to the remarkable breadth of Spanish literature but after taking this course I felt inspired to read more and become even more familiar with the literary works. I came away with more than enough knowledge on the topic that I could’ve have hoped for. More importantly, it allowed me to prove to myself that I could succeed in a Spanish only course thus encouraging me to keep pursuing this degree.
The structure of the class allowed us to see the development of Spanish literature and distinguish distinct stylistic and cultural movements. The course begins during the middle ages with the emergence of popular tales like El cantar del mío Cid and continues with clerical writing, such as those of Gonzalo de Berceo. Written works during this time period are almost exclusively attributed to nobility and the clergy. One of the most notable figures of this time period is Alfonso X, famous for his works, Las siete partidas and El conde Lucanor. The next century that follows is known as El Siglo de Oro, one of the most robust literary time periods in Spanish history. It is during this time that Miguel de Cervantes completes the quintessential piece of Hispanic literature, El Ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha. It is also during this time that literary works begin to forge an important place in Spanish theater. We then follow the effects of significant social movements like the Renaissance and later the Enlightenment through various pieces of literature. In them we see the shift from rationalism to romanticism and later naturalism from the 18th to 19th centuries. Afterwards came my favorite part of the class was when we discussed the literature of the early 20th century. More specifically the works of Camilo José Cela and Juan Ramón Jiménez, the latter of which I became more familiar with after researching for a group presentation.
One semester doesn’t do nearly enough justice to the remarkable breadth of Spanish literature but after taking this course I felt inspired to read more and become even more familiar with the literary works. I came away with more than enough knowledge on the topic that I could’ve have hoped for. More importantly, it allowed me to prove to myself that I could succeed in a Spanish only course thus encouraging me to keep pursuing this degree.
Group Presentation Juan Ramón Jiménez | |
File Size: | 499 kb |
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