SPAN4320. SURVEY OF SPANISH LITERATURE.
SPRING 2010.
Dr. Jorge Avilés Diz.
Office: LANG 403-H
Office Hours: T, Th 9:00-10:00 and by appointment.
Phone: x2574
Email: javiles@unt.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a survey through Spanish Peninsular Literature from the 1800s through the
present. We will read a selection of the most representative works from that period, with
special attention to their cultural and social background and literary techniques of analysis.
Prerequisite: SPAN 3030, 3050, or 3110 or equivalent.
OBJECTIVES.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
 Identify and explain important literary names, works, and terms from Spain.
 Better understand Spanish literature in its diversity.
 Discuss ideas in Spanish at an intellectual level appropriate to fourth-year student,
as well as converse more knowledgably about Spanish culture.
 Demonstrate informed aesthetic response to, critical thinking about, and knowledge
of Spanish cultural traditions to an extent appropriate to the fourth year.
 Locate and analyze materials necessary to carry out research at the senior level.
TEXTO.
Paredes Méndez, Francisca, Harpring, Mark, Ballesteros José. Voces de España. Boston:
Thomson Hainle, 2005.
In addition to required readings, the use of a high-quality dictionary is indispensable. The
library offers ample Spanish-English and Spanish-Spanish dictionaries and grammars.
Students must write well in this course, and vocabulary and grammar contribute to the grade.
They should also make every attempt to expand their vocabulary.
Remember that the UNT library links to many databases with full-text articles from scholarly
journals, and you should avail yourself of this rich resource rather than plunge blindly into a
Google search of dubious value. Except for scholarly database articles, you may not depend
on Internet sources in your research. For written work the use of Spell Check and Grammar
Check programs, in addition to full-size dictionaries, is obligatory. Students must follow
MLA format in all written work.
ATTENDANCE.
Class attendance is extremely important. More than three absences will affect your final
grade. Attendance is particularly essential in this class for two reasons: all class activities,
including compositions, and tests, will be conducted in Spanish; if you are absent from class,
you will miss the only opportunity to improve your oral skills. If you have to be absent for a
justified reason, you will have to present a written justification signed by the
responsible party before the class period.
TESTS AND WRITTEN WORK.
There will be three non-accumulative tests, however, the Final Test might have some
general course questions. There will also be two written compositions (refer to the syllabus
for respective dates). No composition will be accepted after the deadline. The
composition should be turned in during class, do not drop it in my office box or slip it
under my door. I am not responsible for compositions or homework that has not
been handed in to me personally.
FINAL GRADE.
The final grade is based on the following percentages:
Participación
1 Test
2 Test
3 Test
1 Comp.
2 Comp.
Present.
10%
15%
15%
20%
15%
15%
10%
PREPAREDNESS
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The stories indicated in the syllabus need to be prepared before that date. We will
discuss them in class and you will be asked questions orally.
Be prepared to read and reread each selection.
You need to keep a notebook with your homework. The reading selections assigned for
each period are always followed by a set of questions, either in the textbook, in
handouts, or I will e-mail them to you. Answer these questions in your notebook paying
attention both to content and grammar. If you do that, you are well prepared, both for
the class period and for the exams.
Building up vocabulary is important. When you read the assigned materials, underline
the words you don’t know and write them down in your notebook with their translation
into English and a short explanation in Spanish (if appropriate).
PARTICIPATION.
Participation does not mean always offering the perfect answer or the most ingenious
insight in flawlessly formed Spanish. Instead, it involves trying. However, you do need to
show that you have learned some vocabulary and that you are familiar with the text(s). This
course requires active and daily participation. For each class period, students are
expected to read (and even re-read where necessary) the selection on the syllabus for that
day. Reading for comprehension includes looking up new words where meaning is unclear
from context. Students should be prepared to discuss the content and style of the selection
in class. It is not expected that students be advanced literary scholars and critics—it is
expected that students form opinions about the meaning of texts and learn to support those
opinions in discussions or written assignments. Students who do not volunteer their
opinions and ideas will be penalized in the participación grade. In group work, students are
expected to participate IN SPANISH; this is an opportunity to practice without having to do
it in front of the entire class. Students who revert to English in group or pair work will
receive lower participation grades.
EXAMS.
There will be two exams plus a comprehensive final exam on the scheduled exam date.
No make-ups are allowed.
COMPOSITIONS.
Students will write short investigation/analysis papers on assigned topics and on a work
from the period that we do not read for the class. Research in the library is a requirement of
this course. Papers must conform to all guidelines and include a bibliography of all sources,
with special attention to specialized journals, such as Hispania, Revista de estudios
hispánicos, Hispanic Review, Bulletin of Hispanic Studies, Letras Peninsulares, etc. Spelling
and grammar count, as well as depth of content and command of information.
Approximate Breakdown of Content and Grammar Portions of Paper Grade
Content: 60%
Ideas (originality, depth,) 20 points
Examples (appropriate, compelling evidence from text) 20 points
Organization (flow, argumentation) 10 points
Coherence (transitions and connections between paragraphs) 10 points
Style (sophistication of sentences, clarity of reading) 10 points
Grammar: 40%
Major Structures (subject/verb agreement, noun/adjective agreement, ser/estar,
pret./imperfect, subjunctive) 10 points
Minor Structures (pronouns, prepositions, adverbs, conjunctions) 5 points
Vocabulary (precise, varied, specific to literary topics) 10 points
Mechanics (spelling, accents) 5 points
The purpose of SPAN4320 is to put the language foundations of earlier courses to use in the
reading and interpretation of literature. As such, ideas will be weighted more heavily than
grammar in written assignments. However, the Foreign Languages Department requires
that you show an absolute control in the appropriate use of basic items such as the
following:
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present and future indicative
preterite and imperfect
subjunctive (present and past), especially in noun clauses (verb + “que”) and after
adverbial conjunctions like “para que,” “antes de que,” etc.
agreement (noun/adjective, subject/verb)
reflexive verbs
object pronouns
avoidance of ‘Spanglish’
use of the “tilde”.
PRESENTATION.
There will be a short oral presentations dealing with topics assigned in class (2 Essay). The
grade will be based on the quality of information and investigation, fluency of expression,
pronunciation, grammar, and mastery of pertinent vocabulary. Students are not allowed
to memorize, read from a prepared script or use Powerpoint. At the start of class they
will distribute a handout. At the end of the presentation they will respond to questions and
comments from the class. Students who do not present at the assigned time will receive a
zero.
READING LIST
Students must read a novel for this course. The following list is a suggestion, but I am opned
to discuss different options. They should consider it in the context of Spanish culture, and
will be expected to present it in class during the last two weeks. Analysis and investigation,
not mere plot summary, are necessary. Most, if not all, of these books are great reads and
many are classics which Spanish majors should want to read at some point. Please note
that if students read or have read a certain work for another course, it may NOT be
used in this course also. Once a student chooses to make a presentation on one of the
novels, no other student may present on it. Email me your choice as soon as possible.
Baroja, Pío. El árbol de la ciencia
Cela, Camilo José. La colmena.
Cercas, Javier. Soldados de Salamina.
Delibes, Miguel. Cinco horas con Mario.
Laforet, Carmen. Nada.
Mañas, José Ángel. Historias del Kronen.
Marías, Fernando. La luz prodigiosa.
Martín-Gaite, Carmen. El cuarto de atrás.
Martín Santos, Luis. Tiempo de Silencio.
Matute, Ana María. Historias de la Artámila.
—. Los soldados lloran de noche.
Mendoza, Eduardo. El misterio de la cripta embrujada.
Montero, Rosa. Crónica del desamor.
Muñoz Molina, Antonio. Plenilunio
Rivas, Manuel. El lápiz del carpintero.
Sánchez Ferlosio, Rafael. El Jarama.
Sender, Ramón. Requiém por un campesino español.
Unamuno, Miguel de. San Manuel Bueno, mártir.
Valera, Juan. Pepita Jimena.
Valle-Inclán, Ramón del. Sonata de otoño.
Using e-mail and receiving attachments
Periodically during the semester, I will be sending e-mail messages. It is your responsibility
to make sure that your computer can receive attachments. If you cannot, contact other
people in the class to get a copy. Check your e-mail daily.
Do not send me e-mails through Blackboard. Do not send me emails to ask me about
any class work you miss if you are absent. It is your own responsibility to make an
appointment to come to see me personally to discuss the material covered. I do not
teach by email.
-General Information
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Homework to be turned in should be stapled.
No late homework will be accepted.
No homework submitted electronically unless specified by the instructor.
Make-ups for the exámenes parciales are available if you present a valid excuse to me
before the exam day and make arrangements with me to make up the exam no later
than two days after the exam was given. There is no make up for the final test.
No extra time will be given for students arriving late to take the exam.
Turn off your cell phones, PDA’s and any noisy gadget during class time.
Not food or drinks are allowed in the classroom.
Get on time to the classroom
Do not chew gum in class.
The Honor System at UNT.
As in all classes at UNT, students are expected to abide by the Honor Code which prohibits
lying, cheating and plagiarism on assignments. Students should do their own work on
análisis and exams; by this I mean that all such assignments should be entirely composed
and written by the student. Students may form outside class study groups or pairs for the
purpose of discussing homework. However, all should note that class discussion is
weighted more heavily than homework—cuestionarios are meant to be a springboard for
class discussion not a replacement for it. Failing to read assignments and using a study
partner/group for homework answers will not help you for class discussions, exams or
papers. ). ONLINE TRANSLATORS, on the other hand, are strictly forbidden, and use of such
will be considered an honor code violation (beware—online translators produce a
singularly unique pattern of errors that is easily recognized).
Guidelines for Tutors
Tutors should explain questions and problems and guide student’s work. They should not
do the work for the students, nor should they translate the material.
If you feel you need a private tutor, contact the departmental office (LANG 101) or check
our web site.
SPAN4320
Survey of Spanish Peninsular Literature after 17001.
DIA
Martes , 19 de Enero
-Presentación del curso
-Introudcción al siglo XVIII
Jueves, 21
Feijoo, Fray Benito Jerónimo. “Defensa de las mujeres”, 204-210
Cadalso, José. Carta 51, Carta 63, pág. 213-215.
Martes 26
-Jovellanos, Gaspar Melchor de. “Elogio de Carlos III”, pág. 219225.
Iriarte, Tomás de. “La abeja y los zánganos”, “El té y la salvia”, “el
jardinero y su amo”, pág. 228-230.
Jueves 28
-Fernández de Moratín, Leandro. “El sí de las niñas” Acto I, pág.
223-249
Martes 2 de Febrero
-Fernández de Moratín, Leandro. “El sí de las niñas” Acto II y Acto
III, pág. 249-285
Jueves 4
-Introducción al siglo XIX.
.Espronceda, José de “Canción del pirata”, pág. 296-298
Martes 9
Larra, Mariano José de “El casarse pronto y mal”, pág. 300-301l
Jueves 11
-Zorrilla, José. Don Juan Tenorio, Acto I, pág. 311-336
Martes 16
-Zorrilla, José. Don Juan Tenorio, Acto II y Acto III, pág. 336-388.
Jueves 18
--Zorrilla, José. Don Juan Tenorio, Segunda parte, Acto I, 388-404
Martes 23
-Zorrilla, José. Don Juan Tenorio, Segunda parte, Acto II y Acto III,
404-421.
Introducción a la poesía. Páginas 110-111, 115-116
“El siglo de oro español: El Renacimiento y el Barroco”,
páginas 135-137,
Jueves 25
Martes 2 de Marzo
1
TEMA
-Garcilaso de la Vega “Soneto XXIII”, páginas 164
-Fray Luis de León “Vida descansada” (Blackboard)
Este programa es tentativo, por lo que se podrán introducir cambios.
Jueves 4
-Santa Teresa de Jesús. “Vivo sin vivir en mí”, páginas 176-177
-Santa Teresa de Jesús “Mi Amado para mi” (Blackboard
Martes 9
-San Juan de la Cruz “Noche oscura”, pág. 179
-San Juan de la Cruz “Cántico espiritual” (Blackboard
Jueves 11
Lope de Vega: Soneto de repente (Blackboard)
Lope de Vega: Rimas Sacras XVIII, pág. 183
Lope de Vega: Rimas humanas CXCI, pág. 183
15-21 de Marzo.
NO HAY CLASE.
SPRING BREAK
Martes 23
-José de Esproncerda: ¨La canción del pirata·, pág. 189-190
Jueves 25
-COMPOSICION LITERARIA I (en clase)
Martes 30
-Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. “Rima LIII”, páginas 195.
-Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, “Asomaba a sus ojos” (Blackboard)
-Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, “Cerraron sus ojos” (Blackboard)
Jueves 1 de Abril
-Rubén Darío “Canción de otoño en primavera”, pág. 204
-Pablo Neruda. “Me gustas cuando callas” (Blackboard)
Martes 6
Introducción al drama. Páginas 238-251
Jueves 8
Segundo examen. POESÍA
Martes 13
-Jacinto Benavente “El nietecito”, páginas 289-295
Jueves 15
-Introducción al teatro del absurdo
- Osvaldo Dragún. “Historia del hombre que se convirtió en perro”,
páginas 282-288
Martes 20
-Paloma Pedrero, “Resguardo personal”, pág. 331-337.
Jueves 22
Federico García Lorca, “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”, Acto I, pág.
338-350
Martes 27
-Federico García Lorca, “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”, Acto II, pág.
351-363.
Jueves 29
-Federico García Lorca, “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”, Acto III, pág.
363-373
Martes 4 de Mayo
Película: La casa de Bernarda Alba.
Jueves 6
Repaso para el Examen Final.
Preguntas.
Entrega del ensayo número 2.