Cultures of Latin America I
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with critical tools and conceptual categories to contextualise and interpret the most relevant social and cultural dynamics of 20th-century Latin America. Different cultural products will be explored to develop students' ability to make critical reflections, whether independently or within a group, so as to foster the creation of a shared knowledge base.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to demonstrate that they can navigate the vast cultural production of Latin America from both a historical and a socio-cultural perspective. They should be able to understand and critically interpret the most important events that occurred in Latin America in the 20th century, by analysing the materials studied in the class and those included in the course syllabus. Moreover, they should demonstrate the ability to do independent research on the cultural phenomena discussed in the class.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course offers a reflection on the various forms of short narrative in twentieth- and twenty-first-century Spanish American literature and is divided into two parts.
The section taught by Prof. Bolognese will provide an overview of the genre of the "crónica". It will begin with an examination of the theory of the "crónica" and of its development during the second half of the twentieth century. The course will then focus on the so-called "Nuevos Cronistas de Indias" before concluding with an analysis of "Cuba en la encrucijada", the essay collection edited by Leila Guerriero.
The section taught by Prof. Calì will offer an overview of the short story in twentieth-century Spanish American literature. It will begin with a discussion of the theory of the "cuento" and the principal trends that have shaped the genre. Subsequently, students will examine a selection of pioneering and particularly significant case studies drawn from the works of authors such as Silvina Ocampo (Argentina), María Luisa Bombal (Chile), Amparo Dávila, and Elena Garro (Mexico)
The section taught by Prof. Bolognese will provide an overview of the genre of the "crónica". It will begin with an examination of the theory of the "crónica" and of its development during the second half of the twentieth century. The course will then focus on the so-called "Nuevos Cronistas de Indias" before concluding with an analysis of "Cuba en la encrucijada", the essay collection edited by Leila Guerriero.
The section taught by Prof. Calì will offer an overview of the short story in twentieth-century Spanish American literature. It will begin with a discussion of the theory of the "cuento" and the principal trends that have shaped the genre. Subsequently, students will examine a selection of pioneering and particularly significant case studies drawn from the works of authors such as Silvina Ocampo (Argentina), María Luisa Bombal (Chile), Amparo Dávila, and Elena Garro (Mexico)
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to possess an adequate historical and cultural background appropriate for a Master's-level course, together with the ability to read, analyse, and critically engage with scholarly materials. As all the materials used throughout the course will be in Spanish, students are also required to have a good working knowledge of the Spanish language.
Teaching methods
Lectures by the teachers and international experts will alternate with group work, both in class and to be done independently at home.
We will start from the texts (literary, audiovisual and musical), which will be analyzed from a formal and content point of view.
We will start from the texts (literary, audiovisual and musical), which will be analyzed from a formal and content point of view.
Teaching Resources
Cuba en la encrucijada. Leila Guerriero. Debate ed. 2017
Materials made available on the course e-learning platform (anthology of texts and theoretical and critical essays).
Materials made available on the course e-learning platform (anthology of texts and theoretical and critical essays).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of two components: the part taught by Prof. Bolognese will be evaluated through a written examination, while the part taught by Prof. Calí will be evaluated through an oral examination. In both cases, students will be asked specific questions on the topics covered during the course and will be required to analyse and comment on one or more passages taken from the texts included in the syllabus.
The examination may be taken either in Italian or in Spanish, at the student's discretion.
The is designed to assess:
- knowledge and understanding of the texts studied;
- the ability to contextualise the different cultural phenomena discussed during the course;
- the ability to analyse the texts and cultural artefacts examined;
- oral and/or written communication skills, as appropriate;
- precision in the use of discipline-specific terminology;
- the capacity for critical and independent reflection on the topics addressed.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. Students have the right to decline the grade awarded; in such cases, the examination record will be registered as "withdrawn".
At least one oral presentation during the semester will be required and will contribute to the final grade.
Warnings:
International or incoming Erasmus students are invited to promptly contact the professor.
The exam methods for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the professor, in agreement with the competent Office.
The examination may be taken either in Italian or in Spanish, at the student's discretion.
The is designed to assess:
- knowledge and understanding of the texts studied;
- the ability to contextualise the different cultural phenomena discussed during the course;
- the ability to analyse the texts and cultural artefacts examined;
- oral and/or written communication skills, as appropriate;
- precision in the use of discipline-specific terminology;
- the capacity for critical and independent reflection on the topics addressed.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. Students have the right to decline the grade awarded; in such cases, the examination record will be registered as "withdrawn".
At least one oral presentation during the semester will be required and will contribute to the final grade.
Warnings:
International or incoming Erasmus students are invited to promptly contact the professor.
The exam methods for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the professor, in agreement with the competent Office.
SPAN-01/B - Spanish-American Languages and Literatures - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Bolognese Chiara, Cali' Giuseppe
Professor(s)