Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Spanish American Literature 15th-19th Century (Face-to-Face)

SPAN 4310-01

Course: SPAN 4310-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: FLPH
CRN: 30728

Course Description

A survey of Spanish American Literature that includes major periods, trends, and authors from the conquest to the late nineteenth century. (Fall, Spring, Summer [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3300 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

All required and supplemental texts will be provided in the corresponding study modules (Canvas). Students are expected to have these additional materials: 
  • Access to the required readings and supplementary materials available in the Canvas modules.
  • A notebook for in-class notes and writing activities.
  • A tablet or laptop to access readings and discussion materials during all of our class sessions. All of the materials required in/out of class will be available through Canvas. If needed, the SUU Library has equipment available for check out. Visit the Circulation Desk for more information. 
  • In-class bilingual dictionary or access to Word Reference
  • In-class Spanish-only dictionary or online access: Real Academia Española
  • MLA Formatting and Style Guide (Purdue OWL en español)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, successful students will:
  • Demonstrate a general understanding of how early Spanish-American literary culture connects to major historical events such as conquest, colonization, independence movements, and nation-building.
  • Evaluate how the themes and topics from the course remain influential in the study of present-day Spanish America. 
  • Improve their ability to write and discuss literary texts using grammatical and lexical characteristics reflective of an intermediate/advanced proficiency level in Spanish.
  • Develop and apply close-reading skills to critically analyze literary texts and support arguments in class discussions, presentations, and written work. 
  • Improve their use of academic Spanish and appropriate literary terminology in class discussions, presentations and written work. 
In addition, this course supports the achievement of the following Southern Utah University (SUU) Essential Learning Outcomes. By the end of the course, successful students will:
  • Develop and express ideas by speaking and writing in the target language. (2.0 Communication)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world through engagement with the fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. (11.0 Knowledge of Human Cultures & the Physical & Natural World)

Course Requirements

Throughout the semester, students are responsible for completing the following assignments:

Reading Responses (30%) 

Reading response prompts will be posted in the course modules and must be submitted through Canvas, unless otherwise noted. These brief prompts are intended to help you prepare for in-class discussions and develop your close reading, writing, and literary analysis skills. 
Reading responses will be graded according to the rubric and instructions included in each assignment. I will typically highlight grammar and vocabulary errors and provide feedback. I expect you to look at these comments to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
Incomplete work or an assignment that needs extensive revisions will automatically receive zero (0) points. If points are deducted from a comprehension assignment, students are encouraged to revise and resubmit within seven (7) days. The assignment settings will allow for multiple attempts and corrections. Use this set-up as a way to improve and learn from your mistakes. 
Some reading responses will give students the option of submitting their work in writing or through a recorded video presentation. The assignment description will include the requirements for each type of submission. Students are encouraged to choose the format that best supports their learning objectives and engagement with the course material. 

Applied Activities (20%)

In each module, applied activities offer students the opportunity to practice both creative and critical thinking skills in Spanish. The objective is to encourage the application and connection of course concepts to broader historical, cultural, artistic, and ethical contexts beyond the classroom. The activities are scaffolded to gradually prepare students for their final project.

Midterm Exam (10%)

The midterm exam will take place in-class on Thursday, October 30th. A study-guide and in-class review will be provided prior to this date. The exam will cover the material studied in Module 1, 2, and 3.

Class Discussion Leadership (10%)

Discussion leaders should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the topic by offering a clear, well-organized response to a specific question that is supported by examples from the text or other course materials. The goal is not only to present your perspective but also to actively facilitate participation by your classmates—posing questions, encouraging dialogue, and fostering critical reflection. This is a great opportunity to practice presentational speaking and leadership skills in Spanish while deepening your understanding of the course content.
Important Guidelines:
  • Reading directly from your notes, a PowerPoint, or a written script is not allowed. You may use notes for reference, but your delivery should be natural and conversational.
  • If necessary, I reserve the right to step in during a presentation to help maintain the quality and inclusiveness of the discussion for all participants.
  • Opportunities to lead discussions will be announced weekly in-class. Please plan ahead and do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment. 
  • If you are not attending class, you will miss the opportunity to sign-up for this assignment. 
  • Depending on the topic assigned, presentations should last between 10-15 minutes maximum. 
  • Students are encouraged to provide handouts and bring audiovisual materials that will enrich the presentation and engage your classmates more effectively.
  • A rubric will be posted on Canvas and feedback will be provided after the presentation. Students are encouraged to sign-up for additional presentations if they don't receive their desired outcome or for additional practice. 

Final Project (15%)

The final project provides students the opportunity to engage with the materials studied through a critical and/or creative format. Options include: 
  • A research paper or visual essay analyzing colonial representations in contemporary literature, film or television. 
  • A visual-essay that includes a close-reading of a selected text, historical/biographical context, and textual analysis. 
  • A visual-essay comparing/contrasting two texts, and that includes a close-reading of a selected text, historical/biographical context, and textual analysis. 
  • An engaging portfolio that revises all of the previously submitted work (Applied Activities, Reading Responses, or a combination of both) and expands one assignment. The portfolio must include a reflection on the revision process and what was learned. 
All projects must engage directly with at least one primary text and one secondary text from the course. Writing guidelines, format expectations, deadlines, and additional instructions for each option will be included in the course modules.
Students can expect to submit reports and samples of their progress throughout the semester (starting in week 5). Final projects must be submitted through Canvas by Friday, December 5th (midnight). Students will present their projects during our scheduled final exam time: Thursday, December 11th (11-12:50 p.m.). 

Attendance and Class Participation (15%)

Attendance is taken during every class meeting and is considered an essential component of both this course and effective language learning. Punctual and regular attendance is expected of all students. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the learning environment and are strongly discouraged. Attendance and in-class participation points are updated regularly at the end of each module.

If you anticipate needing an excused absence—for reasons such as illness, jury duty, military or law enforcement obligations, or religious accommodations (see SUU Policy 6.30)—please contact me as early as possible to discuss an equitable plan for completing missed work. If you are feeling ill, please prioritize your health and the well-being of our classroom community. Stay home when necessary, and contact me to arrange accommodations.

Students participating in university-sponsored events (e.g., athletics, academic competitions, conferences) are granted excused absences with written documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to inform me in advance of the dates of their absence(s), make arrangements to complete any missed work, and review all materials covered during that time. The number of consecutive days missed for an excused absence may not exceed five (5) regularly scheduled school days.

Course Outline

Tentative Course Schedule

Specific dates for each module and reading materials are available through Canvas.
 
Module 1
  • "Literaturas prehispánicas"
  • "Las grandes civilizaciones precolombinas"
  • "Los quipus incaicos"
  • "Los códices prehispánicos"
  • "Artes plásticas y arquitectura prehispánica"
  • Popol Vuh (selecciones)
Module 2
  • "La época colonial en América Latina"
  • "De los imperios indígenas a los virreinatos de la conquista y colonización"
  • "La conquista en el imaginario latinoamericano actual"
  • Cristóbal Colón, "Carta a Luis de Santángel" y selecciones de "Diario de abordo"
  • Hernán Cortés, "Cartas de relación de la conquista de México" (selecciones)
  • Bernal Díaz del Castillo, "Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España"
  • Doña Marina / Malintzin: "Las mujeres en la conquista de México"
Module 3
  • Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, "Brevísima relación de la destrucción de las Indias" (selecciones)
  • Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, "Comentario reales de los Incas" (selecciones)
  • Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, selecciones de poesía y "Respuesta de la poetisa a la muy ilustre Sor Filotea de la Cruz" 
  • "Pinturas de castas"
  • "La ilustración y el barroco en Hispanoamérica"
Module 4
  • Simón Bolívar y Manuela Saenz, selecciones de cartas
  • Túpac Amaru y Micaela Bastidas, selecciones de cartas
  • José Martí, "Nuestra América"
  • "La ciudad en la historia de América Latina"
  • Juana Manso, "Emancipación moral de la mujer"
  • Mercedes Cabello de Carbonera, “Necesidad de una industria para la mujer”

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Students are allowed a 24-hour grace period for submitting homework assignments—no questions asked. Work submitted during this window will be accepted without penalty or the need for an explanation. However, late work will not be accepted beyond the 24-hour grace period unless a prior arrangement has been discussed.
If you are experiencing any challenges—personal, academic, or technical—that may affect your ability to submit work on time, I strongly encourage you to reach out as early as possible so we can discuss the options.
Guidelines: 
  • In-class assignments connected to “Attendance and In-Class Participation” and "In-Class Writing Prompts and Quizzes" cannot be made up unless accommodations have been discussed before the absence.
  • Incomplete or low-quality homework submissions (e.g., work that does not meet basic assignment expectations or requires significant revision) will initially receive zero points. In these cases, I will ask you to revise and resubmit your work to receive credit. If points are deducted from a comprehension assignment, students are encouraged to revise and resubmit within seven (7) days.
  • While the grace period offers some flexibility, late work is strongly discouraged due to the fast-paced nature of the course. Homework assignments are closely integrated with the in-class activities, especially those focused on conversation and text comprehension/analysis.
Please do your best to maintain the flow of learning for yourself and your classmates by staying up to date and communicating proactively.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is taken during every class meeting and is considered an essential component of both this course and effective language learning. Punctual and regular attendance is expected of all students. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the learning environment and are strongly discouraged. Attendance and in-class participation points are updated regularly at the end of each module. 
If you anticipate needing an excused absence—for reasons such as illness, jury duty, military or law enforcement obligations, or religious accommodations (see SUU Policy 6.30)—please contact me as early as possible to discuss an equitable plan for completing missed work.
If you are feeling ill, please prioritize your health and the well-being of our classroom community. Stay home when necessary, and contact me to arrange accommodations.
Students participating in university-sponsored events (e.g., athletics, academic competitions, conferences) are granted excused absences with written documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to inform me in advance of the dates of their absence(s), make arrangements to complete any missed work, and review all materials covered during that time. 
The number of consecutive days missed for an excused absence may not exceed five (5) regularly scheduled school days. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.