This course is a survey of the major trends, movements and authors from Spanish American literature in the period that goes from the beginning of the 2oth century to contemporary literature. It provides students with basic principles of literary analysis, including ideas on literary history and criticism, as well as an introduction/review to the common terminology of literary discourse. We will also focus on the socio-historical context in which these texts were/are produced and (try to) establish connections between them.

Expect this class to be conducted solely in Spanish since—besides focusing on the sharpening of your critical skills—we will continue to work on your speaking, listening, writing, and reading comprehension.

• Reading material will be found in Canvas 
• Letras de Hispanoamérica: Nueva antología de la literatura de las Américas (Ortega, Pellón, Gaspar)- Vista Higher Learning, 2014. (Optional) 
• Dictionaries (hard-copy or electronic). Recommended: and
• Access to Canvas in order to view announcements, additional material and homework assignments.

By the end of the course, successful students will:

• Be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing about literary topics with grammatical and lexical characteristics reflective of an intermediate/advanced proficiency level in Spanish.
• Be able to articulate and defend opinions and interpretations orally and in writing.
• Be able to break down complex issues and critically analyze literary works.
• Demonstrate knowledge of literary terms and movements, authors, and key historical events of the relevant cultures studied.

In addition, this course meets the following SUU Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge of Human Cultures
• Intellectual and Practical Skills:
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Analysis
• Creative thinking
• Teamwork
• Information literacy
• Digital literacy

COURSE COMPONENTS

• Exams ………………………………………….....25%
• Homework …………………..………………….25%
• Class participation ……………….…..……... 10%
• Oral presentation…..……………….....………10%
• Reading quizzes….…………………...……… 10%
• Final project/Reading Journal ……….… 20%

Grade Breakdown:

A (93-100%)      B+ (87-89%)      C+ (77-79%)      D (60-69%)

A- (90-92%)      B (83-86%)      C (73-76%)      F (Below 60%)

B- (80-82%)      C- (70-72%)

COURSE COMPONENTS Expectations

Readings should be prepared for the day on which they are listed on the course schedule. Please bring the reading(s) to class as we will work with them/on them extensively.

Read with a pencil or pen and annotate your text. In case you prefer to use a digital version of the text or an e-reader, make notes on a separate piece of paper or electronic document and bring it to class. Indicate points that seem important, cross-reference examples from other readings and discussions, and bring prepared topics of discussion and (many) questions to class.

All assignments must be typed (Times, size 12 font) and adhere to the requirements given in class.

This is an upper-division course – it is expected that you prepare and review the assigned material before coming to class.

Depending on your language skills, some materials will require more time than others. READ carefully, look up new vocabulary, and don’t assume that one fast reading of the text will be sufficient to contribute something valuable to class discussions.

Come to class ready to discuss and ask questions. This will be a student-centered, discussion-oriented course. Your questions and ideas are of the upmost importance. You can expect to talk with a partner, in a group, or with the whole class every time we meet.

During class, I expect you to listen, engage in discussion, take notes, and make a conscious and deliberate effort to speak/read/write in Spanish.

Learning a foreign language requires time, effort, and few risks. Be patient with yourself and others.

COURSE COMPONENTS EXPLAINED

Exams: There will be two (2) exams where you will show your knowledge of literary terms, genres and concepts as well as your critical thinking and reading analysis skills by answering essay-type questions referring to the texts studied in class.

Homework: There will be different types of homework assignments: some will be more analytical, some more descriptive/text-based and some more creative but all of them will be posted on Canvas and have a clear connection to the material studied in class.

Class Participation: Students are the center of these type of classes so you should embrace and adequately perform your role. Come to class ready to engage in discussion and analysis of the required texts. Bring all of your questions/doubts about the texts and do not be afraid to let your voice be heard. Be active both when working in groups and individually. Needless to say, to be active you should be informed, that is, prepared.

Oral group presentation: In groups of two, you will be in charge of opening the class, introducing the author of the day and providing details about their lives, ideas and most representative work. These presentations cannot be longer than 15 minutes and should conclude with a question/set of questions (or any other activity) related to the texts to be discussed and analyzed in class. These should be engaging to the whole class and help us start the conversation for that day.

Reading quizzes: Short reading quizzes based on the material assigned.

Final project: You will write a short academic paper (4-7 pages) in Spanish analyzing one or more aspects of a literary text pertaining to this area and historical period. The text/author you choose can or cannot have been discussed in class but if the former is true you will have to avoid simply repeating what has previously been said by your classmates. In your essay you should follow the MLA format. For more information on how to do this, follow this link:

This project is intended to be a guided learning experience and will consist of three (3) parts. The first one, a one-page proposal or outline, the second one, a first draft where you will at least include 75 % of the possible final paper (optional) and the third one, the final result which will be due during finals’ week. I will always be ready to guide you and give you feedback during this process so do not hesitate to look for help if you feel you need it.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE SPRING 2026

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Follow due dates closely on Canvas/Syllabus. Incomplete and/or late work will only be accepted in exceptional cases.

The use of online translators is not permitted and using them in a language course is equivalent to plagiarism. Besides, they are not really of great help and its use is really noticeable. Additionally, the use of external help is also not permitted. This is an upper-division class so it is expected/assumed you have the language skills to perform adequately in it.

Cell Phones, headphones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the classroom unless I know why you are using them.

Be respectful and professional. Texting, browsing the Internet, answering/receiving phone calls during discussion/lecture is disrespectful to your fellow classmates and me. Be courteous and limit your technology use to relevant materials that will enhance your learning experience.

Attendance and punctuality are essential to your success in this course. All students are expected to attend class and arrive on time. Absence from class will affect your grade, as will tardiness, early departures, and regularly entering and leaving the room while class is in session. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed in class.

Pre-Requisite: Spanish 3210 and Spanish 3300.