Contemporary Spanish Literature

The course offers a fourth optional step in the diachronic study of Spanish Literature and it's aimed at both undergraduated and graduated students. It focuses on Spain's history, society and culture from the end of the Civil War (1939) to nowadays, including the francoist dictatorship (1939-1975), the political transition and the democratic era. It offers a multifaceted approach to Spanish contemporary literature, starting from some fundamental works in which literary writing is closely connected with historical environment and social changes. Special attention will be paid to how literature deals with Spain's astonishing progress during the democratic period, a crucial phase marked by the rise of a hyper-consumeristic society in a globalized market. In fact, in such complex circumstances, authors explore new forms of expression and techniques that lead to the hybridization of genres and the use of other languages in the literary context (music, films, television, new media, etc.).

Knowledge and understanding: Essential outlines of Spain's contemporary history, from 1939 to nowadays; fundamental authors, literary movements and publishing phenomena in the Spanish book market; evolution of narrative, poetic and theatrical genres. Applying knowledge and understanding: Analytical reading, literary commentary, historical and critical contextualization of the most important contemporary Spanish authors and works. Implementation of critical skills and autonomous thinking, developing a full consciousness of how literature constantly interacts with history, culture, arts and society.