Spanish Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
By taking this course, students will deepen their knowledge of theory and methodology of literary studies in the Spanish field, with an interdisciplinary approach aimed at broadening cultural horizons, enhancing critical skills and consolidating their autonomy of judgment. The texts and themes proposed will stimulate personal interpretation and, through the analysis of case studies, introduce students to research in the literary field.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: framing the cultural, historical and socio-political horizons of the works analyzed; learning critical theories and methodology. Skills: developing the ability to contextualize the authors and texts proposed; being able to integrate content, connect and compare texts, and reflect on the interconnections of historical, cultural and literary phenomena; being able to communicate knowledge, interpretations and conclusions with scientifically grounded argumentation, a consonant register, appropriate language and terminological precision.
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 is divided into two parts.
The first part (modules A and B, taught by Prof. Marrella), accounting for 6 credits, is entitled 'Critical realism, autofiction and political writing: configurations of contemporary Spanish fiction'. It aims to analyse the main features of fiction produced in Spain following the 2008 economic crisis, exploring the complex relationship between literature and historical experience against a backdrop of crisis in traditional forms of representation.
Module A ('The post-crisis Spanish novel: realism or realisms?') will be devoted to the persistence and metamorphoses of realism in contemporary fiction, understood as an aesthetic and critical category that brings together diverse narrative practices and highlights the formal, ethical and ideological tensions of the contemporary novel. As well as providing a historical and theoretical framework for the cultural reality since the Democratic Transition to present day, the module will address a number of central themes in contemporary Spanish literature (precariousness and contemporary ways of life, physical and symbolic violence, representations of gender and dissident subjectivities ), with particular attention to the relationship between historical and social reality and its representations through new forms of narrative subjectivity.
Module B ('The Battle for the Narrative: Representations of the Basque Conflict in
Contemporary Spanish Fiction') will focus on cultural and literary representations of the Basque conflict, a key arena of contention in discourses on memory and Spain's recent history. Specific attention will be devoted to nationalisms and the phenomenon of ETA as a central focal point of the political and symbolic dispute.
Alongside theoretical lectures and guided reading of texts provided by the teacher, the course requires students to read, in full and independently, six novels that represent six key strands of recent fiction: Marta Sanz, "Animales domésticos" (2003); Cristina Morales, "Lectura fácil" (2018); a novel of their choice from either Sara Mesa, "Un amor" (2021) or Alana S. Portero, "La mala costumbre" (2025); Fernando Aramburu, "Años lentos" (2012); Edurne Portela, "Mejor la ausencia" (2017); Adolfo García Ortega, "Una tumba en el aire" (2019).
The second part of the course (Module C, Prof. Cassol), accounting for 3 credits, is entitled "1977 in retrospective: a pivotal year in the Transition". It examines the main literary and cinematic works of that year, considering their links to historical, political and social context. Students are expected to read the novels "Autobiografía de Federico Sánchez" by Jorge Semprún and "Visión del ahogado" by Juan José Millás, and to watch a few films (Luis Buñuel, "Ese oscuro objeto del deseo"; José Luis Garci, "Asignatura pendiente"; José Antonio de la Loma, "Perros callejeros"). Further details regarding the recommended editions and the availability of the films will be provided on the MyAriel webpage of the course.
The first part (modules A and B, taught by Prof. Marrella), accounting for 6 credits, is entitled 'Critical realism, autofiction and political writing: configurations of contemporary Spanish fiction'. It aims to analyse the main features of fiction produced in Spain following the 2008 economic crisis, exploring the complex relationship between literature and historical experience against a backdrop of crisis in traditional forms of representation.
Module A ('The post-crisis Spanish novel: realism or realisms?') will be devoted to the persistence and metamorphoses of realism in contemporary fiction, understood as an aesthetic and critical category that brings together diverse narrative practices and highlights the formal, ethical and ideological tensions of the contemporary novel. As well as providing a historical and theoretical framework for the cultural reality since the Democratic Transition to present day, the module will address a number of central themes in contemporary Spanish literature (precariousness and contemporary ways of life, physical and symbolic violence, representations of gender and dissident subjectivities ), with particular attention to the relationship between historical and social reality and its representations through new forms of narrative subjectivity.
Module B ('The Battle for the Narrative: Representations of the Basque Conflict in
Contemporary Spanish Fiction') will focus on cultural and literary representations of the Basque conflict, a key arena of contention in discourses on memory and Spain's recent history. Specific attention will be devoted to nationalisms and the phenomenon of ETA as a central focal point of the political and symbolic dispute.
Alongside theoretical lectures and guided reading of texts provided by the teacher, the course requires students to read, in full and independently, six novels that represent six key strands of recent fiction: Marta Sanz, "Animales domésticos" (2003); Cristina Morales, "Lectura fácil" (2018); a novel of their choice from either Sara Mesa, "Un amor" (2021) or Alana S. Portero, "La mala costumbre" (2025); Fernando Aramburu, "Años lentos" (2012); Edurne Portela, "Mejor la ausencia" (2017); Adolfo García Ortega, "Una tumba en el aire" (2019).
The second part of the course (Module C, Prof. Cassol), accounting for 3 credits, is entitled "1977 in retrospective: a pivotal year in the Transition". It examines the main literary and cinematic works of that year, considering their links to historical, political and social context. Students are expected to read the novels "Autobiografía de Federico Sánchez" by Jorge Semprún and "Visión del ahogado" by Juan José Millás, and to watch a few films (Luis Buñuel, "Ese oscuro objeto del deseo"; José Luis Garci, "Asignatura pendiente"; José Antonio de la Loma, "Perros callejeros"). Further details regarding the recommended editions and the availability of the films will be provided on the MyAriel webpage of the course.
Prerequisites for admission
The course, held entirely in Spanish, is reserved for students who have completed a B.A. and who have already achieved solid linguistic and literary skills.
Teaching methods
The course adopts the following teaching methods: lectures; reading and commentary of excerpts from the study corpus; viewing of documentaries; analysis of videoclips of stagings; activities in collaboration with students: group discussion.
Teaching Resources
The course has a website on MyAriel, where students will find texts and critical studies provided by the teachers. For each course unit, specific essays on individual works or authors or on general questions will be made available. The complete reading list will be detailed as soon as possible.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of one oral interview in Spanish, in which both theoretical knowledge and the ability to analyse the texts proposed and commented on during the course will be assessed. The evaluation will focus on the knowledge of the historical and cultural context (1975-2026), the ability to connect the authors and the works studied in their context, the ability to independently develop judgments and interpretations of the texts analyzed and to apply the theories presented in the critical bibliography, the correct use of terminology and the ease of expression in Spanish.
To acquire 6 credits, the interview will focus on the syllabus of the first part; to acquire 9 credits, in addition to the interview on the first part, there will be another specific interview on the contents of the second part of the syllabus.
The final grade is expressed on a scale 0-30, with a minimum of 18 as a pass. Students can reject the final grade and resit in another date.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher promptly. The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in connection with the competent office.
This syllabus is valid until February 2028. Starting from June 2028, the only proper syllabus will correspond to the academic year 2027-28.
To acquire 6 credits, the interview will focus on the syllabus of the first part; to acquire 9 credits, in addition to the interview on the first part, there will be another specific interview on the contents of the second part of the syllabus.
The final grade is expressed on a scale 0-30, with a minimum of 18 as a pass. Students can reject the final grade and resit in another date.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher promptly. The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in connection with the competent office.
This syllabus is valid until February 2028. Starting from June 2028, the only proper syllabus will correspond to the academic year 2027-28.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
SPAN-01/A - Spanish literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
SPAN-01/A - Spanish literature - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Cassol Alessandro Roberto
Professor(s)
Reception:
It is possible to meet the teacher both in person and through Teams; students should schedule an appointment in advance via e-mail.
In person: the teacher room is located in Piazza S. Alessandro 1, Iberistica (third floor). Through Teams: direct remote calls