01:940:331 Literature & Culture of the Hispanic Caribbean (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 01:940:215 or permission of Department.




Synopsis

Critical analysis of literary expressions from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic with emphasis on their political, ideological, cultural, linguistic contexts.  Emphasis will be placed on representative works of major literary figures such as Alejo Carpentier, Senel Paz, Lezama Lima, Rosario Ferré, Ana Lydia Vega, Magali García Ramis, Luis Rafael Sánchez, Marcio Veloz Maggiolo, Pedro Mir.  Viewing of 1-2 films and/or video clips to complement the readings.

Learning goals*:

-To become familiar with the literary production of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic;

-to increase students’ appreciation of different literary genres such as the historical novel, the short story, poetry, theatre;

-to examine literature as a site of convergence of different types of discourse -cultural, social, philosophical, political, ideological-;

-to analyze the writer’s craft, his style and use of figurative language -symbol, metaphor, simile, personification, etc.-, as well as the structure, themes and settings of his literary product;

-to illuminate the possible ways in which literature enriches our awareness and knowledge of ourselves and of contemporary Caribbean societies;

-to engage students in critical discussions and in in-depth analyses of representations of self-other relationships, race and class conflicts, and gender construction in Caribbean texts;

-to improve written and oral proficiency in Spanish through literary analysis, class participation, exams, compositions and assignments.

*Refer to our Departmental learning goals https://span-port.rutgers.edu/learning-goals

Required texts*:

Alejo Carpentier, Guerra del tiempo

Senel Paz, El lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo

José Luis González, La llegada

Marcio Veloz Maggiolo, La vida no tiene nombre

Supplemental readings posted on Sakai: José Lezama Lima, Ana Lydia Vega, Luis Rafael Sánchez, Magali García Ramis, Pedro Mir, etc.

***Required texts may vary from semester to semester.

Method of evaluation*:

Two written exams (in situ): 30% (15% each)

Written assignments: 20%

Oral presentation:  10%

Class participation and punctual attendance: 20%

Final research essay: 20%

*Evaluation may vary from semester to semester.