30081 - Spanish-American Literature 1 (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student has an in-depth knowledge of the history and development of Spanish-language Latin American literatures, with particular attention to the relationship between literary texts and their historical, artistic, and linguistic contexts. The student is familiar with and able to apply practical methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of literary texts.

Course contents

Where Are We Going? Narratives of Crisis, Neoliberal Ethos, and Alternative Imaginaries

The course begins with a critical reflection on the recent proliferation of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction, asking whether these modes and forms of the imagination genuinely provide useful tools for confronting the Anthropocene crisis or whether, despite their best intentions, they instead foster a sense of paralysis and powerlessness in the face of contemporary social anxieties. Taking two recent Spanish-American novels as case studies, the course will examine these modes of representation from both formal and thematic perspectives, while also considering the possible blind spots to which they may lead.

Readings/Bibliography

Primary Sources:
Nieva, Michel. La infancia del mundo. Barcelona: Editorial Anagrama, 2023.
Catrileo, Daniela. Chilco. Santiago de Chile: Seix Barral, 2023.

Secondary Sources:
Balletta, Edoardo. 2025. Tra distopia e catastrofe. Spazi, tempi e forme della narrativa speculativa in quattro romanzi ispano-americani contemporanei. Florence: editPress.
Fisher, Mark. 2018. Realismo Capitalista. Rome: Produzioni Nero.
Nieva, Michel. 2024. Ciencia ficción capitalista. Cómo los multimillonarios nos salvarán del fin del mundo. Barcelona: Editorial Anagrama.
Nieva, Michel. 2024. Tecnología y barbarie. Barcelona: Editorial Anagrama.

Additional Bibliography for Students with Specific and Documented Needs to Balance Study with Other Commitments:

Teaching methods

The course combines and integrates lectures, seminar sessions, and workshop-based activities. Through the reading and discussion of the works included in the syllabus, we will explore the main topics of the course in greater depth; at the same time, students will be introduced to theoretical and methodological tools useful for the analysis and interpretation of literary texts. Particular attention will be devoted to developing skills in literary analysis and academic writing.

During the course, students will also be expected to participate actively in:

• Group presentations on texts and topics addressed during the course;

• Individual and/or group activities in textual analysis;

• Academic writing exercises aimed at planning the final paper;

• In-class discussions and discussions on the course’s online platform forums.

In order to participate effectively in these activities, students are strongly encouraged to complete the assigned readings in advance. At the beginning of the semester, a course schedule will be provided indicating the readings assigned for each week.

Assessment methods

The final assessment will take into account both the examination components and participation in the course activities described in the previous section.

Participation will be assessed on the basis of consistency of engagement, the quality of contributions made during individual and group activities, and involvement in discussions throughout the semester.

The examination will consist of two parts: (a) a written paper and (b) an oral examination.

(a) Written paper

The written paper must be submitted to the instructor at least one week before the date on which the student intends to take the examination. It will consist of a critical essay on a novel or a topic proposed by the student, based on the texts and issues addressed during the course. Students who do not attend classes are strongly encouraged to contact the instructor for guidance on this component of the examination.

A coherently developed and well-written paper that also demonstrates a certain degree of interpretative insight will receive an excellent evaluation. The absence of one or more of these qualities will result in a satisfactory or passing assessment. A paper that is incoherent, insufficiently developed, only marginally or not at all related to the topics covered in the course, or clearly produced through unacknowledged copying and pasting will not qualify the student for admission to the oral examination.

(b) Oral examination

The oral examination will consist of a discussion of the topics covered during the course. Its purpose is to assess the critical and methodological skills developed by the student, who will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the texts examined and of the assigned bibliography.

Students who demonstrate a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the topics covered in class, together with the ability to approach them critically, as well as a strong command of expression and appropriate subject-specific terminology, will receive excellent marks.

A predominantly mnemonic knowledge of the subject matter, combined with limited analytical and synthesis skills and generally correct but not always appropriate language, will result in satisfactory marks.

Approximate knowledge, superficial understanding, limited analytical skills, and expression that is not always appropriate will result in marks ranging from a pass to slightly above a pass.

Significant gaps in knowledge, inappropriate use of language, and an inability to navigate the course content and bibliographical materials included in the syllabus will result in a failing assessment.

Teaching tools

The course will primarily make use of projected images, texts, and slides. The course’s online platform will be used to organize materials and content more effectively. The materials made available there constitute an INTEGRAL and NECESSARY (though not sufficient) part of the examination syllabus.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant University office as soon as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) and to get in touch with the instructor, so that the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for the examination can be identified together.

Any requests for accommodations must be submitted no later than 15 days before the examination date by emailing the instructor and including in Cc the relevant University address: disabilita@unibo.it for students with disabilities, or dsa@unibo.it for students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs).

Office hours

See the website of Edoardo Balletta