Learning objectives
- The ability to describe the characteristics and development of narrative literature linked to the theme examined during the course; <br />
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- the ability to place the works and authors studied into their correct historical and cultural context; <br />
- skills in analysing the works studied in accordance with the knowledge acquired, in part by means of a comparative approach; <br />
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- the ability to develop and communicate independent reflections on the works read and analysed. Students are required to illustrate the results of detailed study on some of the subjects examined during the course. <br />
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Spanish is preferable
Course unit content
The jungle in the imagery of Hispano-American literature <br />
From the age of Romanticism and for over a century, the wild landscapes of the Amazon have inspired various styles and methods of describing the relationships between men, and between man and nature, encouraging many writers to strive for cultural independence and individual literary identity, with the capability of absorbing the influence of major European cultural trends without abandoning their own specific characteristics. By reading and commenting on the most significant works, the course will review the fundamental stages in the birth and development of narrative literature linked to the jungle habitat, from its depiction as an exotic and idyllic location, to the height of its symbolic transfiguration. <br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
Recommended bibliography: <br />
Works: <br />
- Juan León Mera, Cumandá o un drama entre salvajes <br />
- Horacio Quiroga, Cuentos <br />
- José Eustasio Rivera, La vorágine <br />
- Alejo Carpentier, Los pasos perdidos <br />
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As well as the works listed above, students will be asked to read and comment on a work chosen from the following: <br />
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- Jorge Isaacs, María <br />
- Ventura García Calderón, La venganza del cóndor <br />
- Rómulo Gallegos, Canaima <br />
- Mario Vargas Llosa, La casa verde <br />
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Reference works necessary to prepare for the examination: <br />
- Giuseppe Bellini, Nueva historia de la literatura hispanoamericana, Madrid 1997; chapters XIII, XVI, XVII. <br />
- Rosalba Campra, America Latina. L’identità e la maschera, Rome 2000 <br />
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and/or interchange, with the projection of slides in order to facilitate the students’ compilation of notes, and to accompany the content of lessons with iconographic material.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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