Close reading of classical Spanish literature

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Alvaro Ceballos Viro

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In this course, we will study seminal texts of Spanish literature, ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and subject them to «close reading.» Following John Guillory, we might say that close reading is a fundamental practice of literary study that involves objectifiying the formal and semantic features of literary works. Close reading also generally involves an interpretation of the work; that is, it transforms the literary text - whether lyric or fictional - into a statement relating to some aspect of the extratextual reality, past or present. But above all, close reading «opens interpretation to inspection and contestation by other readers» (John Guillory: On Close Reading, Chicago / London: The University of Chicago Press, 2025, p. 60). Close reading is therefore a practice that alters the rhythms and spontaneous reflexes of reading, one that must be verbalized and that transforms, first and foremost, its own subject.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of the term, students should be able to :

- read carefully and with sensitivity literary texts that are significantly remote in historical and geographical terms;

- read with concentration, at a leisurely pace, and generate original ideas related to literary works, while avoiding what Umberto Eco called "overinterpretations";

- independently write texts of around 300 words, in correct Spanish and in a formal register, clearly articulating the ideas;

- correctly use terms of narratology or cultural history in discussions on literary works.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Prior completion of the course LROM0119 is highly recommended. In order to understand certain reading, questions, explanations and references students should achieve during the term at least an intermediate understanding of Spanish language (B1).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The primary objective of this course is to develop reading and writing skills, primarily in Spanish, but also through French, which is generally the first language of many students. Drawing inspiration from the work of Peter Elbow, we will emphasize exploratory and regular writing, which is considered an effective method for generating ideas and constructing well-structured, coherent texts. For this reason, a significant amount of class time will be devoted to discussions of required readings, writing exercises, and peer review.

Throughout the four-month term, students will be required to write several assignments at home based on the required readings (typically one every three weeks or so); these assignments will be written in Spanish, with the exception of the first one, and will be subject to individual graded feedback as well as oral feedback in small groups.

During in-person sessions for this course, the use of any type of electronic device will not be permitted (with the exception of the instructor's computer). Cell phones must be put away - ideally in airplane mode - and may only be used in cases of justified necessity. When writing assignments at home, the use of any generative artificial intelligence tool is prohibited.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Further information:

This course meets for four hours per week. Several small-group discussion and correction sessions will be organized over the term.

This course is given in French and Spanish.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Compulsory readings (and recommended editions):

- La vie de Lazarillo de Tormes (Paris: Aubier-Flammarion, [1968]; bilingual).

- Félix Lope de VEGA: Fuente Ovejuna (Paris: Flammarion, 1992; bilingual).

- Miguel de CERVANTES: «Le jaloux d'Estrémadoure», in Nouvelles exemplaires. Available in French and Spanish on eCampus

- Ana María MATUTE: Historias de la Artámila.


Students will need to purchase their own copy of these books, with the exception of Cervantes' novella.


Recommended reading:
-Pierre VILAR: Histoire de l'Espagne, Paris : PUF (Que sais-je, 275), 2002 [1947], 128 pages.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Written papers in French and Spanish (40%), and a written exam in Spanish (60%).

However, if the weighted average grade is lower than the score obtained in the final exam, the latter will be used instead, so as not to penalize students who have improved. 

Criteria: linguistic proficiency (in Spanish); structure and arrangement of ideas; relevance of content. See document on eCampus.

All grades for intermediate papers will be transferred to the second call exam (august), including grades below 7.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

This course will be taught using a digitally sober pedagogical approach. This means that students will not be allowed to use mobile electronic devices during class sessions.

In this course, reading and writing are regarded not only as means of knowledge production but also as valuable skills that learners are expected to develop. The use of generative artificial intelligence is therefore explicitly prohibited in intermediate certificative assignments - including for linguistic correction - and de facto excluded from the final exam.

Contacts

Álvaro CEBALLOS VIRO
Département de Langues et Littératures Romanes
Place Cockerill, 3/5 (A2, 6/19) - 4000 Liège
E-mail : A.CeballosViro@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online