Literary Studies in Spanish-Speaking Countries 3305-WOLKH-11W
Literary Studies in Spanish-Speaking Countries I is a compulsory subject for first-cycle students at ISIiI. Its main objective is to familiarize students with the main concepts in the field of poetics of narrative texts (and literary theory), with the analysis of narrative texts in the context of literary studies in Spanish-speaking countries and with Spanish-language terminology related to literary criticism. During the course the students (supervised by the lecturer) will analyze theoretical texts and learn how to present the basic concepts in the field of poetics. Analytical tools acquired by the students will be applied to the analysis of selected literary works representative of the Western canon (the masterpieces of the Spanish speaking countries in particular).
Topics covered will include:
• Literariness and the basic categories of narrative prose (narrating and receiving instances, and diegesis)
• Fundamentals of genre theory
• Style and stylistics
• The literary character
• Narrator and theories for point of view and focalization
• Space in the narrative
• Time in the narrative
• Narrative structure: plot and its transformations
• Key literary codes: realism, modernism, and postmodernism
• Essential literary terms for the proper analysis and interpretation of literary texts
* Please note that some materials presented in this course may contain content that could be difficult for sensitive audiences, including depictions of violence, strong language, or explicit sexual content.
|
Term 2025Z:
See: General information about the course |
Term 2026Z:
See: General information about the course |
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
• Knowledge
The student is able to name and define basic concepts related to the poetics of prose texts within the broader context of selected issues in literary theory. They can identify and describe, among others, the main prose genres, features of literariness, the motivation of literary characters, topoi of time and space, indicators of the passage of time in a text, and narrative devices that diversify the timeline. The student is familiar with the functions of language, selected typologies of characters and narration, the components and types of composition, as well as basic terminology used in stylistic analysis of texts. They illustrate theoretical knowledge with examples drawn from Spanish-language literature and, contextually, from world literature; they are able to relate these examples to historical and cultural processes, present their own views on them, and defend their position. (K_W02, K_W03, K_W04, K_W05)
• Abilities
The student reads and comprehends theoretical texts presenting the fundamental issues of poetics. They apply the analytical tools acquired in this way to selected literary texts representing the Western cultural tradition, with particular emphasis on the literatures of Spanish-speaking countries and their historical and cultural context. The student critically examines and evaluates the works discussed and actively participates in class discussions. They recognize the multidimensional nature of issues within the humanities. They are able to systematize knowledge, monitor their own processes of comprehension and interpretation, and present the results of their reflections both orally and in writing. (K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U05, K_U06, K_U07)
• Social skills
The student plans and organizes the independent reading of theoretical texts in the field of literary studies, as well as the independent interpretation and analysis of literary texts. They participate in discussions on the works under study, adopting a critical approach that goes beyond canonical interpretations. They reflect on the results of their work by asking questions and responding to comments from other participants. They work in a small group, taking on different roles: distributing tasks, discussing the assigned topic, and presenting the results of their collaborative work in a concise oral presentation lasting several minutes. They are prepared to actively participate in the cultures of Spain and Latin America and to follow contemporary processes and phenomena taking place within them through various forms and media.(K_K01, K_K02, K_K03, K_K04)
Assessment criteria
Teaching methods:
- mini-lectures introducing theoretical concepts;
- student-led presentations;
- group work, including the think–pair–share method;
- close (differential) reading;
- discussion.
Assessment Criteria and Passing Requirements:
Point-based continuous assessment system including quizzes, class participation, and a final test:
• Quizzes: 40 points (8 × 5 points); class participation: 30 points (maximum 2 points for each 90-minute class session and up to 4 points for group work); final test: 70 points.
• Passing requirements: a minimum of 60% from the quizzes and at least 42 points overall.
• A maximum of four quizzes may be retaken (each only once).
• Active participation in class includes participation in discussions and engagement in the analysis and interpretation of texts (one substantiated contribution per 45 minutes of class = 1 point), as well as group work (up to 4 points during the semester).
• Points earned from quizzes and participation are added to the result of the final test, which constitutes 100% of the final grade. The final test consists of the analysis and interpretation of a short story using the analytical tools discussed during the course.
Grading scale: 60–67% = 3,0 | 68–75% = 3,5 | 76–83% = 4,0 | 84–91% = 4,5 | 92–99% = 5,0 | 100% - 5!.
The quizzes are designed to verify the acquisition of knowledge concerning the poetics of prose texts and basic concepts of literary theory. Class participation allows for the assessment of the development of analytical and interpretative skills in working with literary texts, as well as readiness for reflection, participation in discussion and group work, and the critical evaluation of one’s own knowledge and skills. The final test verifies all intended learning outcomes.
The requirement for admission to the final test is class participation. Attendance is mandatory. A maximum of two unexcused absences are permitted. In the case of more than two absences, whether excused or unexcused, the student is required to contact the course instructor to make up the missed content by attending the instructor's office hours or by completing an additional assignment. Missing 50% or more of the classes scheduled for a given academic semester will result in a 'not classified' (NK) status.
* The use of AI systems is not permitted when preparing literary text analyses during the semester or the written final test. The lecturer may use publicly available tools to determine the likelihood of undisclosed use of AI systems when verifying students’ work.
Practical placement
Does not apply
Bibliography
Basic literature:
• Chrząstowska Bożena, Wysłouch Seweryna. Poetyka stosowana. Warszawa: WSiP, 2000.
• Korwin-Piotrowska. Poetyka. Przewodnik po świecie tekstów. Kraków: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, 2011.
An anthology of short literary texts and selected novel excerpts, curated in accordance with students’ proposals
In addition to texts originating from Spanish-speaking countries, the anthology will also include works of world literature, which will serve to situate the core readings within a broader cultural, historical, and thematic context. Their selection is intended to facilitate an understanding of universal motifs as well as the specific features of Spanish-language literature against the background of world literary heritage.
Complementary literature:
Articles
• Burzyńska, Anna i Markowski, Michał Paweł. Formalizm rosyjski. [W:] tychże, Teorie literatury XX wieku. Podręcznik. Znak: Kraków, 2006. 111-131.
• Burzyńska, Anna i Markowski, Michał Paweł. Bachtin. [W:] tychże, Teorie literatury XX wieku. Podręcznik. Znak: Kraków, 2006. 155-170.
• Chrząstowska Bożena, Wysłouch Seweryna. Epika [W:] tychże, Poetyka stosowana. Warszawa: WSiP, 2000. 363-459.
• Culler, Jonathan. Co to jest literatura i czy to pytanie ma jakiekolwiek znaczenie?; Język, znaczenie i interpretacja; Narracja; Dodatek. [W:], tegoż Teoria literatury. Warszawa: Prószyński i S-ka, 1998. 27-53, 67-82, 97-109, 139-150.
• Eco, Umberto. O paru funkcjach literatury. [W:] tegoż, O literaturze. Warszawa: Muza, 2003. 7-20.
• Fokkema, Douwe. Historia literatury – modernizm i postmodernizm. Warszawa: Instytut Kultury, 1994.
• Jasińska, Maria. Narrator w powieści. [W:] Markiewicz, Henryk [wyd.] Problemy teorii literatury. Seria 1. Wrocław: Ossolineum, 1987. 222-242.
• Jauss, Hans Robert. Zmiany paradygmatów w nauce o literaturze. [W:] Orłowski, Hubert [wyd.] Współczesna myśl literaturoznawcza w RFN. Antologia. Warszawa: Czytelnik, 1986. 151-162.
• Krzyżanowski, Julian. Problematyka powieści. [W:] Markiewicz, Henryk [wyd.] Problemy teorii literatury. Seria 1. Wrocław: Ossolineum, 1987. 210-221.
• Szkłowski, Wiktor. Sztuka jako chwyt. [W:] Burzyńska, Anna i Markowski, Michał Paweł, Teorie literatury XX wieku. Antologia. Znak: Kraków, 2006. 95-111.
• Todorov, Tzvetan. Definicja Poetyki; Analiza tekstu literackiego; Perspektywy. [W:] tegoż, Poetyka. Warszawa: Wiedza Powszechna, 1984. 7-106.
• Wellek, René. Pojęcie realizmu w badaniach literackich. [W:] tegoż, Pojęcia i problemy nauki o literaturze. Warszawa: PIW, 1979. 317-343.
Further reading:
• Burzyńska A., Markowski M. P. Teorie literatury XX wieku. Podręcznik, Kraków 2006.
• Eco, Umberto. Sześć przechadzek po lesie fikcji, Kraków 2007.
• Genette Gérard. Palimpsesty. Literatura drugiego stopnia, [w:] Współczesna teoria badań literackich za granicą, Kraków 1996.
• Głowiński M. Powieść jako metodologia powieści, [w:] tegoż, Porządek, chaos, znaczenie, Warszawa 1968.
• Głowiski M., Kostkiewiczowa T., Okopień-Sławińska A., Sławiński J., Słownik terminów literackich, Wrocław 2008.
• Kulawik A. Poetyka. Wstęp do teorii dzieła literackiego, Kraków 1994.
• Mitosek, Z. Teorie badań literackich, Warszawa, 2004.
• Stanzel F., Typowe formy powieści, [w:] Poetyka. Materiały do ćwiczeń, Warszawa 1996.
• Wellek R., Warren A. Teoria literatury, Warszawa 1970.
|
Term 2025Z:
See: General information about the course |
Term 2026Z:
See: General information about the course |
Notes
|
Term 2025Z:
See: General information about the course |
Term 2026Z:
See: General information about the course |