Tanvi

Northwestern University
Department of Spanish and Portuguese

Spanish 220-0-20: Introduction to Literary Analysis
Winter 2012

Prof. Alejandra Uslenghi Office hours:
Crowe Hall 2-142 Wed 12 -2:00pm
a-uslenghi@northwestern.edu and by appointment

Course Description:
This class introduces students to textual analysis and literary theory, aiming to prepare them toread, discuss and write about literature and culture in Spanish. We examine the various definitions and functions of literary language, and the formal aspects of diverse genre: narrative, poetry, drama and essay. We also interrogate the concept of literature as aesthetic phenomenon and its socio-cultural implications, through concepts such as author, reader, narrator, discourse and sense making. Weexplore the relationship between literature and the arts, cinema and politics. Through initial guided exercises to a final paper, students acquire and practice their interpretive skills.

Prerequisites:
SPAN 204 (which may be taken concurrently with 211.)

Course Materials:
The required texts are Friedman, Valdivieso and Virgilio’s Aproximaciones a la literatura Hispánica 7th edition(McGraw-Hill) and Jonathan Culler, Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. I also recommend a grammar reference and a dictionary for use in the written assignments. Any other material listed in the syllabus will be available through Blackboard. (B)

Course Requirements:
Given the importance of discussion and reading together of texts, attendance is crucial. I expect you to come to class preparedand participate actively in the discussion of the texts assigned for each class. If you find the materials difficult, I expect that you prepare also a list of vocabulary and questions to bring to class. More than three (3) unjustified absences to class will drop your final grade a point.
➢ You will give an in-class commentary on one of the readings and prepare questions for your fellow studentsso as to promote discussion.
➢ You will write two short assignments based on prompts.
➢ You will also be required to write four response papers (3-4 pages.) This will help you develop your interpretive skills, and before handing it to me, one of your fellow students needs to read it and provide corrections, that you can decide if to use or not. These papers will be graded based on logicof argumentation and grammatical accuracy. Response papers should be submitted on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to make sure there is no problem with the file you send and that it arrives on time.



Grade breakdown:
Class participation 25 %
Presentation 25 %
Response papers 50 %

Participation:
Includes attendance, active classwork, and preparation for each class. Nomore than three unexcused absences per quarter. If you miss more than three classes, you will not receive a passing grade for the course.

Papers:
The papers address central aspects of texts discussed up to the date the paper is due. In essay form, you will address a primary text –a work from the historical avant-garde period- and may include references to secondary texts. Late papers will bedropped a letter grade for each day they are late.
Grading criteria:
All written work and oral participation must be presented in Spanish. Work will be evaluated on grammatical accuracy, diction, clarity of expression and analytical argumentation. Papers should be uploaded in BB. Instructor will notify students by email if the file cannot be opened or downloaded.


A “A” workis well written, without significant flaws in grammar, diction, or spelling, and demonstrates strength, precision and variety in its vocabulary and syntax. It is capable of expressing sophisticated relationships, such as analogy, antithesis, contradictions, or contingency. It demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the primary text in question, elaborates critical views of it, and extends...