Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Prerequisite
- SPAN 3
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to Hispanic literature through the short story genre. Students will read, discuss, and analyze short stories by Latin American and Spanish authors. Emphasis will also be placed on the oral and written practice of Spanish. This course is taught in Spanish and is intended for students who have completed three semesters of college level Spanish or who are native speakers.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- comprehend the content of selected short stories in Spanish
- demonstrate an expanded ability to manipulate grammatical structures in Spanish
- comprehend and use an increased body of Spanish vocabulary
- analyze the elements of character, setting, plot, point of view and theme
- describe the implications and importance of cultural factors in relation to the work studied
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Introduction to the short story | 3.00 |
The function of the major elements of the short story: character, plot, setting, and point of view | 3.00 |
Historical, political, and cultural realities as they determine theme and meaning | 3.00 |
Reading and analysis of short stories from various Spanish-speaking countries | 36.00 |
Literary Terms: | 6.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
- Reading Assignments
Methods of Evaluation
- Quizzes
- Oral Presentation
- Homework
- Class participation
- Written Assignments
- Written or Oral Examinations
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read “El recado” by Elena Poniatowsca, and be prepared to discuss its historical and cultural context.
- Read “El huésped” by Amparo Dávila and be prepared to discuss her personal experiences and opinions relevant to the story.
Writing Assignments
- Analyze the socio-political context of Hispanic short stories, critically evaluating culturally relevant themes. Write a clear, well-organized 2-page paper explaining the results of your analysis.
- Write a 3-page essay on the topic of revenge in the Colombian culture, as depicted in “Un día de éstos” by Gabriel García Marquez.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Research the Hispanic author Julio Cortázar. In one page, explain what aspects of his life are prevalent in his works.
- Work in a group to collaborate and develop a short story (up to three pages) in Spanish with thematic significance relating to the studied literary works in the class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Kooreman, T. E. and Kooreman, O.M., Sanchez de la calle, E. (2008). Breves cuentos hispanos. Pearson, 4th. 9780132391641.
Zero Cost Textbook
Julie Ann Ward. (2022). Antologia abierta de literatura hispana. OER, . https://press.rebus.community/aalh/.
Other Learning Materials
Spanish dictionary
Minimum Qualifications
Foreign Languages (Masters Required)