This course introduces students to the literature and cinema of contemporary Spain and Latin America. By becoming familiar with the historical, political and cultural settings that shaped these texts and films, we will consider what, if anything, makes them uniquely Hispanic. What links the Old World with the New in the 20th and 21st Centuries? How has Spain envisioned its place within Western Europe? How has Latin America defined itself in relationship to its northern neighbor? What role have revolutions played in shaping the literatures of Spanish-speaking nations? How did the rise of Fascism (Spain) and dictatorships (Latin America) shape literary responses? Myths of national identity, new gender roles and the changing relationships between State and religion will be examined. We will view six films—from Spain, Mexico and Argentina. Some of the authors and filmmakers we will study include the poets: Neruda, Vallejo, Lorca, Figuera, Cernuda, Blas de Otero, Celaya; fiction writers: Borges, Márquez, Puig, Bolaño, Martín Gaite; film directors: Salles, Buñuel, Saura and Almodóvar. The course is project-based with students defining and investigating those issues that are most important to them. The class is conducted in Spanish, and all reading and writing will be in Spanish.
