The course aims to provide knowledge on central aspects of modern Latin American literature, with a primary focus on tendencies in contemporary literature.

The students are to work with a representative selection of texts, genres and epochs, and are to develop an analytical understanding of the distinctiveness of the texts.

The course aims to provide insight into central themes and questions on Latin American literature, and aims to give the students the possibility to develop skills at analysing the subject material and drawing their own conclusions.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student should:

• have an increased understanding of representative texts, genres and tendencies in modern Latin American literature.

Skills

The student should:

• further develop essential skills at textual analysis and be able to read and interpret modern literary texts in Spanish
• further develop the ability to express himself/herself in written and oral Spanish, both on literature and more generally

General competence

The student:

• is able to analyse academic texts and draw their own conclusions.
• can demonstrate knowledge and ability to engage in an academic discussion in shorter pieces of writing, using clear and correct Spanish
• is able to further extend his or her knowledge, skills, and understanding through continued studies or employment.

Most of the teaching is offered in the form of lectures, where the reading list texts are commented on and analysed. Attention is paid both to the contextual, as well as formal and thematic aspects of the texts. In addition, the language, content and analysis of select texts are discussed in smaller group sessions.

Lectures are held for four hours a week for ten weeks. As far as resources allow, group sessions focusing on textual analysis and writing practice will be held.

In the case that less than five students register for a course, the organized teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1. February/1. September.

There is one obligatory assignment: a textual analysis. This assignment must be completed by the given deadline. The assignment is assessed as a pass/fail.

In accordance with the University of Bergen¿s Regulations for Degrees and Studies, the students have the right to a second try for each assignment, if one or more of the first hand-ins were not passed. The assignment must be approved before the student can be assessed in the course.

The compulsory assignment is valid for one semester after the teaching semester.

The students may use a one or two language (for example Norwegian-Spanish / Spanish-Norwegian) dictionary that is approved by the Department on the day of the exam.

The students must bring their own dictionary to the exam, stay updated on and follow the rules on the control of the dictionaries.