The purpose of this course is to learn how to read critically. It combines the reading of four important Latin American short novels with the reading of a text in critical theory. Emphasis will be put on the critical approaches that show a connection between major Latin American social issues and the literary texts. All readings should be done prior to the class. The class' purpose is to discuss assigned materials.
Daily assignments consist of both literary and critical texts.
There is a relationship between these two types of readings, that is, certain fiction works are understood or interpreted better with a particular critical framework. However, a different approach, to the analyses of the novels by the students is not only acceptable, but encouraged. The required papers should express the student's creativity. The students should apply the critical readings to the literary texts. For the final exam, students will be given a short narrative and asked to interpret it according to their readings in critical theory.