29893 - Spanish Literature 1 (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student has a thorough knowledge of the history of modern Spanish literature, with particular attention to the relationship between literary texts and the historical, artistic and linguistic context. Know and use the practical methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of literary texts.

Course contents

Telling the history: memory and recognition

The course is based on the study of some literary reworkings of the trauma of the Spanish Civil War and Francoist repression. Will be introduced epistemological questions on gender and cultural trends that are in place in our time. The aim is to highlight the ways in which the memory of tragic episodes of the past can flow in the context of a collective memory that favors the redemption of oblivion and recognition.

Will be study the following issues:

1. The literature of the memory
2. The Democratic Transition: oblivion and denial
3. The story of the history between truth and postmodernity
4. The reworking of the trauma: in prisons, the fate of the children, the maquis
5. Towards an aesthetics of recognition
6. Memory and postmemory: an ethical perspective

Will be taken into consideration fragments of different literary texts as well as documentaries and film productions of the time.

Readings/Bibliography

- Julio Llamazares, Luna de lobos, Barcelona, Seix Barral, 1985

- Dulce Chacón, La voz dormida, Madrid, Alfaguara, 2002

- Carlos Fonseca, Trece rosas rojas, Madrid, Temas de hoy, 2004

- Benjamín Prado, Mala gente que camina, Madrid, Punto de lectura (Santillana), 2007

- Gabriele Ranzato, Il passato di bronzo. L'eredità delle guerra civile nella Spagna democratica, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006

The texts must be read in the original language and in full version.

Further references will be made available on line between teaching materials during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars, the possible drafting of term paper is not mandatory

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview in Spanish on the course or on the themes of the paper. Will verify the critical and methodological skills gained by the student, who will be invited to confront the texts studied during the course. Will be particularly assessed the student's ability to move himself within the sources and bibliographical material in order to identify in them the useful information  to illustrate the similarities and cultural areas of the discipline. The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the issues, joined with their critical use, the ownership  of expression and specific language will be assessed with a mark of excellence. A mechanical and/or mnemonic knowledge of the topics, synthesis and analysis partially articulated and/or correct but not always appropriate language,  will be judged as good; gaps in the preparation and / or inappropriate language - although in a context of minimal knowledge of readings - will lead to votes as sufficiency. Important gaps, inappropriate language, lack of knowledge within the reference materials offered during the course will be evaluated negatively.

Teaching tools

Will be projected images and video.

Will be made available on-line teaching materials, the study of which is obligatory, some of the main themes of the program.

Office hours

See the website of Luigi Contadini