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Academic Year 2002/2003

Mythical Constructions of National Identity in the Contemporary Spanish Novel
SPAN 241 FA

It is a well-established fact that the fascist Franco regime (1939-1975) used myths systematically as a key tool for legitimizing itself in the popular imagination--cosmetically, one might say--and thereby consolidating its political power. Many of these myths have been appropriated with parodic intent by the novelists of the period for the purpose of contesting or subverting official or hegemonic models of a Spanish national identity. In this course we will study this process through our analysis of key novels from the Franco period, as well as major works published after Franco's death and that reveal the role of myth in the democratic era.

MAJOR READINGS

Camilo Jose Cela, LA FAMILIA DE PASCUAL DUARTE
Carmen Laforet, NADA
Luis Martin Santos, TIEMPO DE SILENCIO
Antonio Munoz Molina, BEATUS ILLE
Julio Llamazares, LA LLUVIA AMARILLA
Also a selection of theoretical readings.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

The students will write a short response paper on each novel. In these essays, students are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the ideas developed through the close readings of both primary texts and some theoretical texts. Students are also expected to write a long, final essay relating most of the material under a new creative light. Attendance, preparation for class, and participation in class discussions are heavily emphasized in this course and form a primary basis for evaluation. Students will occasionally be called on to lead discussions with a classmate. In anticipation of this assignment they will be expected to submit to the instructor a summary and some discussion questions related to the reading

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA SPAN    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: SPAN221 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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