Courses

Spring 2009 - Spanish Course Descriptions

Spanish 001 — Elementary Spanish I

B - Block C - John Julian
C - Block E - Elena Paolini
D - Block J - Cynthia Golzman

This course uses the communicative approach to teach listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture.  In particular, it promotes the development of oral/aural skills and the practical use of language in a variety of social situations.  Lab work is required.  Conducted in Spanish.  No prerequisites.

Texts: Spinelli and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Encuentros: Textbook and Workbook, 4^th ed. (Holt, Rinehart & Winston); De Miguel and Santos, Muerte en Valencia (EDI 6).

Spanish 002 — Elementary Spanish II

A continuation of Spanish 001.  The course advances and completes the study of basic grammar and vocabulary.  It provides the linguistic skills and cultural information needed in a broad range of situations met when studying, working or traveling in a Spanish-speaking country. Lab work is required.  Students must also register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 001 or equivalent.

Texts: Spinelli and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Encuentros: Textbook and Workbook, 4th ed. (Holt, Rinehart & Winston).

Spanish 003 — Intermediate Spanish I

A review of Spanish grammar with stress on the four skills:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Using the communicative approach, the course emphasizes the development of fluency and the functional use of language.  Discussion will be based on literary texts as well as newspaper and magazine articles on contemporary issues in Spanish-speaking societies.  Several compositions, debates and weekly lab work are required.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 002 or equivalent.

Texts: González-Aguilar and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Atando Cabos; Textbook and Workbook, 3^rd ed. (Prentice Hall).

Spanish 004 — Intermediate Spanish II

This course aims at developing a level of language proficiency sufficient for participating in conversations about practical and cultural topics and current events.  By means of class discussions, written compositions, written and oral exercises, and literary and cultural readings, it encourages the development of a large active vocabulary and a greater awareness of Spanish-speaking cultures.  In this context, it continues the review, begun in Spanish 3, of grammatical structures.  Students must also register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite: Spanish 003 or equivalent.

Texts: González-Aguilar & Rosso-O'Laughlin, Atando Cabos; Textbook and Workbook, 3rd ed. (Prentice Hall); R. Sender, Mosén Millán,  Novela (Heath).

Spanish 004-WW — Intermediate Spanish II Writing Workshop Option

Block Hf - Patricia Smith

Students will use writing as a means to become more deeply engaged in the readings and films, develop critical thinking, and improve their writing and discussion skills in Spanish.  No extra graded work will be assigned.  The workshop will provide the opportunity to map ideas for compositions, engage in peer discussion of drafts, and have individual conferences with the instructor.  The writing workshop requires an extra 50 minutes of class time each week, and in recognition of the extra time commitment, a record of participation will appear on the student's transcript.  Participants must register for both SPN 004 and SPN 004WW.

Spanish 021 — Composition and Conversation I

The course combines written and oral/aural practice of Spanish through oral reports, compositions, class discussions and debates on assigned topics, articles, short literary works and films.  It offers a review of more advanced grammatical structures with the aim of achieving greater accuracy.  Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 004 or equivalent.

Texts: Labarca and Halty, Convocación de palabras, 2^nd ed. (Heinle & Heinle); Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Davis, Supplementary material for Spanish 21, 2^nd ed. (Pearson Custom Publishing); Antonio Skármeta, No pasó nada, 7^th ed. (Sudamericana).

Spanish 022 — Composition and Conversation II

A - Block J+ - Nancy Levy-Konesky
B - Block C - Conchita Davis
C - Block H+ - Teresa Marcelin
D - Block G+ - Raquel Weitzman
E - Block I+ - Raquel Weitzman

This course continues the grammar review begun in Spanish 021 with emphasis on written and oral expression of Spanish through compositions, oral reports and class discussions.  Material for discussions includes literary texts as well as topics of general interest.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 021 or equivalent.

Texts: Montross and Levine, Vistas y voces Latinas, 3^rd ed. (Prentice Hall); Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Aldecoa, Mujeres de negro (Anagrama); Davis, Supplementary material for Spanish 22, 2^nd ed. (Pearson Custom Publishing).

Spanish 022-XA — Temas de hoy

Block D+ - Anne DeLaire Mulgrew

The goal of this course is to improve students' oral and written skills through the study of issues that confront today's world.  We will read articles and editorials on several issues such as immigration, education, the environment, and health care as they pertain to the Spanish-speaking world as well as the US.  Music videos as well as documentaries will be incorporated into the course, along with some review of advanced grammatical topics.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Handouts.

Spanish 022-XB — El espíritu de Puerto Rico:  Un seminario

Block L+ - Nancy Levy-Konesky

This class takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Puerto Rico.  While students continue to review grammar and to practice oral and aural skills, they will study the history, literature, politics, music, cuisine, art and religions of Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans on the island as well as on the mainland.  They debate the possible political destinies of Puerto Rico: Statehood, Independence or a continuance of the present status of ELA (Free Associated State, or Commonwealth).  Students view two-three films during the semester, sample and learn to prepare Puerto Rican cuisine, and if possible, visit one of the major Puerto Rican neighborhoods of Boston: Villa Victoria and Plaza Betances.  There is an optional opportunity for interested students to work on a volunteer basis with various Hispanic organizations in the Cambridge and Boston areas.

Texts: Course pack:  Includes a brief history of Puerto Rico and a collection of literary selections from major Puerto Rican and Nuyorican authors, such as Jacobo Morales, Pedro Juan Soto, José Luis González, Luis Palés Matos, Julia de Burgos, Tato Laviera, Miguel Algarín, Miguel Piñero, Pedro Pietri, Piri Thomas, Ana Lydia Vega, Luis Rafael Sánchez and Martín Espada; René Marqués, La carreta; Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill).

Spanish 022-XC — Visiones de España

Block F+tr - Teresa Marcelin

This course is designed to upgrade the spoken and written language skills of students and to introduce Spanish peninsular culture and its contribution to world civilization.  Geography, history, literature, and the social and artistic evolution of Spain are presented through a variety of readings, including literary selections.  Course work combines written and oral practice of Spanish through compositions, oral presentations, class discussion as well as an advanced grammar review and vocabulary building.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Piemontese-Ramos / Carlos Arboleda, España temas de civilización y cultura, (ed. Thomson and Heinle); Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha (I), (ed. Edelsa); Federico García Lorca, La casa de Bernarda Alba, (ed. Castalia didáctica); Bound packet of readings. Recommended: The Oxford Spanish Dictionary.

Spanish 022-XD — Teatro breve del siglo veinte

Block H+ - Pam Haltom

The goal of this course is to increase the student's aural/oral fluency and reading/writing competency through the use of theater exercises and short theatrical works while enriching his/her knowledge and appreciation of Hispanic theater and related arts.  Various representative Latin American twentieth century one-acts will be studied as well as one peninsular work, Federico García Lorca's one-act farce Amor de Don Perlimplín con Belisa en su jardín.  Coursework will include writing for theater and performance, examinations, advanced vocabulary study and grammar review, and composition.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave, Medford.

Spanish 022-XE — Cine de Latinoamérica y España

Block E - Conchita Davis

The aim of this course is to expand the students' oral and written skills through the study of Latin American and Spanish films by new and well known directors such as Luis Buñuel, Alejandro González-Iñárritu, Pedro Almodóvar, María Novaro, Fabián Bielisnky or Claudia Llosa.  We will discuss topics such as identity, tolerance, the power of imagination, euthanasia, alienation, and globalization, among others.  The class includes a review of Spanish syntax, a journal, 3 exams, 3 compositions, an oral presentation, and a group project.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Bound packet of readings.

Spanish 022-XF — México: Historia y cultura

Block I+ - Anne Cantú

The focus of this course is to improve conversation, writing and vocabulary-building skills while familiarizing the student with important aspects of Mexican society and challenging prevalent stereotypes.  Topics such as the Conquest, the Mexican Revolution, the Chiapas uprising and contemporary political and social issues will be addressed in a cultural framework through literary selections, articles, art, music and film.  Coursework includes discussion, oral presentations and short essays.  An optional Writing Workshop is offered in conjunction with this course.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Coursepack (available at Gnomon Copy).

Spanish 022-WW — México: Historia y cultura - Writing Workshop Option

Block Ff - Anne Cantú

This writing workshop is open to students of Spanish 22XF.  We will focus on improving your writing skills by working directly with class assignments.  Pairs/small group work, peer editing, creative activities, and brainstorming will help you polish your writing.  Students are strongly urged to take advantage of this opportunity to get help with their compositions before turning them in.  It meets for one 50-minute block per week and will appear on your transcript but is not graded and not for credit.  There is no homework or additional preparation for the workshop.

Spanish 032-A — Main Currents of Spanish Literature II

Block D - Teresa Howe

Readings in Spanish peninsular literature from the eighteenth century to the present.  Authors include Cadalso, Larra, Bécquer, Zorrilla, Unamuno, Valle-Inclán and García Lorca.  Class discussions and writing assignments.  Short writing assignments, mid-term and final exam. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite:  Spanish 21-22, equivalent or consent.

Texts: Fernando de Ibarra and Alberto Machado Da Rosa, Antología de autores españoles modernos, vol. II (New York: Macmillan, 1972); Francisco García Lorca, La casa de Bernarda Alba (Castalia Didáctica).

Spanish 032-B — Main Currents of Spanish Literature II

Block G+ - Kathy Pollakowski

Significant currents of Spanish peninsular literature from the 18th through the 20th centuries.  Selected works of representative authors read and discussed.  Authors studied include Larra, Galdós, Unamuno, Lorca and Martin Gaite.  Midterm, final exam and two papers (5 pages each).  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Text: Fernando Ibarra and Alberto Machado da Rosa, eds., Antología de autores españoles antiguos y modernos, vol. II (Macmillan).

Spanish 032-C — Main Currents of Spanish Literature II

Block H+ - Tamara Márquez-Raffetto

This course is based on the reading, discussion and critique of major literary tendencies in the literature of Spain from the 18^th century to the present.  Group work, class discussions and individual projects will help the student get a panoramic understanding of the array of actions and reactions expressed by Spanish writers.  Three writing assignments (3-4 pages each), midterm and final exam.  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: F. Ibarra and A. M. da Rosa, eds., Antología de autores españoles antiguos y modernos, vol. II  Bound packet available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Avenue, Medford.

Spanish 035-A — Survey of Latin American Literature II

Block E+mw - Amy Millay

This course traces Latin American literature from modernist prose and poetry of the late 19th century through post-boom literature of the last three decades of the 20th century.  We will examine major authors and literary movements of modern Spanish America in historical and cultural contexts.  Authors include José Martí, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez and Elena Poniatowska.  Varied writing assignments, oral presentations, exams.  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21

Texts: Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave., Medford.

Spanish 035-B — Survey of Latin American Literature II

Block G+ - Nina Gerassi-Navarro

This course explores the diversity of cultures and writings of Latin America, from Modernismo (late 19^th century) through the 21^st century.  We will examine major authors and literary movements of modern Latin America in historical and cultural contexts.  Readings will include José Martí, Juio Cortázar, Clarice Lispector, Rosario Ferré, among others.  Class discussions, oral presentations, and assigned papers based on literary analysis and research.

Conducted in Spanish. Not for seniors or for students returning from junior-year programs abroad. Prerequisite: Spanish 21. 

Spanish 035-C — Survey of Latin American Literature II

Block Q+tr - Dean Simpson

This course will examine the literary developments in prose and poetry in Latin America from the Modernist era into the 21st century. Readings will provide an historical understanding of cultural identity, regionalism and issues of race and gender. We will examine major authors and literary movements of modern Spanish America in historical and cultural contexts. Authors include José Martí, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez, and Rosario Ferré. Varied writing assignments, oral presentations, exams.  Conducted in Spanish. Not for seniors or for students returning from junior-year programs abroad.  Prerequisite: Spanish 21. 

Texts: Literatura hispanoamericana, David Foster. Routledge.; Ficciones. Jorge Luis Borges Residencia en la tierra. Pablo Neruda. Cátedra.

Spanish 035-D — Survey of Latin American Literature II

Block J+ - Kathy Pollakowski

This course traces the development of Latin American literature from the Modernist literature of the late 19th century through the Avant-Garde period of the 1920s and 1930s to the explosive "boom" of the novel during the latter part of the 20th century.  In our study of key works of poetry, prose and theater, we will focus on both their literary value and on the historical context in which they were written.  Among the authors to be included are Alfonsina Storni, Pablo Neruda, Nicolás Guillén, Gabriel García Márquez and Rosario Ferré.  Varied writing assignments, two papers, midterm and final exam.  Class participation is essential.  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for senior majors or for students returning from programs abroad.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or equivalent.

Texts: Chang-Rodríguez, Raquel and Malva E. Filer.  Voces de Hispanoamérica, 3rd ed. (Thomson and Heinle); Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave., Medford.

Spanish 035-E — Survey of Latin American Literature II

Block K+ - Nina Gerassi-Navarro

This course explores the diversity of cultures and writings of Latin America, from Modernismo (late 19^th century) through the 21^st century.  We will examine major authors and literary movements of modern Latin America in historical and cultural contexts.  Readings will include José Martí, Juio Cortázar, Clarice Lispector, Rosario Ferré, among others.  Class discussions, oral presentations, and assigned papers based on literary analysis and research.

Conducted in Spanish. Not for seniors or for students returning from junior-year programs abroad. Prerequisite: Spanish 21. 

Spanish 050 — Latin American Civilization

Block N+ - José Antonio Mazzotti

This course will examine the main determinants shaping Latin American civilization and culture at the start of the new millennium.  Particular emphasis will be placed on issues of ethnicity and hegemony as definers not only of all major historical and cultural processes of the Latin American past, but also of the main challenges of its present and future.  Reading materials will cover both canonical works as well as cultural production generated from the margins.  This course counts towards the culture option, International Relations major, Latin American Studies major and Africa and the New World minor, and the World Civilization requirement.  Conducted in English.

Texts: Course Packet.

Spanish 091-01 / JS 091-01 — Ladino Language & Culture

Block F+tr - Gloria Ascher

Introduction to the language known as Ladino and the culture of the Sephardic Jews who have spoken it for over 500 years.  When they were expelled from Spain in 1492, Jews took this language with them, and it has been enriched through contact with languages encountered in their various lands of resettlement.  Emphasis on the living language: understanding, speaking, and writing (including creatively).

Texts will include proverbs, stories, and songs from the folk tradition as well as contemporary poems and songs, and basic language materials: grammar text and verb tables.  Some background in Spanish (or Ladino!) is helpful, but not essential.

Spanish 122 — Advanced Composition and Conversation II

A - Block L+ - Dean Simpson
B - Block N+ - Dean Simpson

This course aims to improve the student's written and oral expression.  The focus of the course will be four-fold: the discussion and critique of daily reading assignments; the creation of creative and analytical work; the study of key grammar points; and the study of colloquial expressions in Spanish.  Four papers (the length will vary on assignment and creation), skits and presentations, a midterm and a final.  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for native speakers.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 121 or consent.

Texts: David Burke. Street Spanish 2: The Best of Spanish Idioms; Gilda Nissenberg. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar; Antonio Orlando Rodríguez. Chiquita; Alfaguara Isabel Allende. Inés del alma mía. Rayo.

Spanish 122-WW — Advanced Composition and Conversation II Writing Workshop Option

Block Jt - Dean Simpson

Students will use writing as a means to become more deeply engaged in the readings, develop critical thinking, and improve their writing and discussion skills in Spanish. No extra graded work will be assigned. The workshop will provide the opportunity to map ideas for compositions, engage in peer discussion of drafts, and have individual conferences with the instructor. The writing workshop requires an extra 50 minutes of class time each week, and in recognition of the extra time commitment, a record of participation will appear on the student's transcript. Participants must register both for SPN 122-A (or 122-B) and for SPN 121-WW.

Spanish 124 — Spanish Translation Workshop

Block H+ - Andrew Klatt

The theory and practice of translation as applied to the contrasting communicative strategies of Spanish and English, emphasizing lexical, grammatical, and stylistic  differences, the treatment of culturally-specific references, and translation as an act of reconfiguration and recreation.  Methodical use of mono- and bilingual dictionaries and other reference materials, including web-based tools, to explore lexical use and the background knowledge necessary to a closer understanding of the source text, the first step in translation. Conducted in Spanish.  Course Requirements:  Active participation in class discussions and workshop activities.  Weekly theoretical readings and Spanish to English translation assignments in literature, humanistic social sciences, and creative journalism.  Midterm exam. Final translation project including commentary and class presentation.

Spanish 129 — Creative Writing in Spanish

Block G+ - Raúl Zurita

How to write poetry, short stories, and other genres in Spanish?  This course is designed for both native and non-native speakers.  Readings from a wide array of authors from the Hispanic world. Weekly submission of original works from the students.  Prerequisites:  a 30-level course in Spanish or permission from the instructor.

Spanish 192-A — Love & Misogyny in Medieval Spain

Block J+ - Tamara Márquez-Raffetto

The diverse cultural landscape that defined the Iberian peninsula during the VIII-XVth centuries provides a unique opportunity to examine the representation of love in medieval Spanish literature.  Frequently characterized as both a physical and a psychological malady, the exploration of the theme of love, and the varying cultural attitudes expressed regarding the person afflicted with its condition, in turn led to an examination of the agency of women.  The ideas expressed by an eclectic mix of authors during this period profoundly influenced the portrayal of female gender in Spanish literature.  We will examine the writings of philosophers, priests, concubines, Christian kings, Arabian princes, and crusading knights, all of whom contributed to the discourse of love by exploring its relation to women.  Our readings will identify the attitudes that these authors and texts disseminated by focusing on the representation of love, the characterization of women, and the tradition of misogyny that developed in Medieval Spanish literature.  Discussions, oral presentations, term paper and exams in Spanish.  Prerequisites:  Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Texts: Rojas, Fernando de, La Celestina; Ruiz, Juan,  Libro de buen amor; San Pedro, Diego de, Cárcel de amor; Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave Medford.

Spanish 192-B — Don Juan

Block H+ - Teresa Howe

A course focused on the protean figure of Don Juan as depicted in Spanish literature and in film, from his dramatic synthesis in Tirso de Molina's El burlador de Sevilla and José de Zorilla's Don Juan Tenorio to modern versions by Valle-Inclán and the Machado brothers.  We will consider the mythic qualities of the character as well as the transformation of the figure through the centuries and the genres, both literary and cinematic, in which he appears.  Papers, discussion, and exams in Spanish. Three films are in English.

Texts:  José de Espronceda, El estudiante de Salamanca, ed. B. Varela Jácome (Cátedra); Manuel y Antonio de Machado, Desdichas de la fortuna o Julianillo Valcárcel Juan de Mañara, ed. Dámaso Chicano Chamorro (Austral); Tirso de Molina, El burlador de Sevilla, ed. Alfredo Rodríguez López-Vázquez (Cátedra); Ramón del Valle-Inclán, Sonata de otoño. Sonata de invierno, ed. Leda Schiavo (Austral); Ramón del Valle-Inclán, Martes de Carnaval. Esperpentos (Austral); José de Zorilla, Don Juan Tenorio, ed. Aniano Peña (Cátedra)

N.B.  With two exceptions (Valle-Inclán's Sonata de invierno and Espronceda's poem), these are plays.  We will only read those that present the character of Don Juan rather than all of the works that might be included in the editions.  This applies particularly to the Machado, and Valle-Inclán Sonatas.

Films: El burlador de Sevilla, RTVE Versión. Films for the Humanities; Don Juan Tenorio, RTVE versión. Films for the Humanities; The Adventures of Don Juan, MGM; Broken Flowers; Don Juan, mi amor; Don Juan de Marco, New Line Productions.

Spanish 192-C — The Late Novels of Galdós

Block L+ - Juan Alonso

Benito Perez Galdós is ranked among the great European novelists of the 19^th century such as Balzac, Dickens and Dostoievsky.  This course will address novels by Galdós produced at his peak, reflecting the Spanish urban, political, sexual and psychological experience of modernity during Europe's last quarter of the 19^th century.  Mid-term and final exams.

Texts: La desheredada, La De Bringas, Tormento, El amigo Manso and Torquemada en la Hoguera.

Spanish 192-D — Recasting the Colonial World - CANCELLED

Block K+ - Nina Gerassi-Navarro

Spanish 192-E — The Latin American Novel

Block G+ - Amy Millay

Significant historical and political shifts between 1950 and 1975 inspired Latin American novelists to publish works that merited international critical attention.  This course introduces students to this corpus of texts, which will include novels by Adolfo Bioy Casares, Carlos Fuentes, and Gabriel García Márquez.  We will explore Alejo Carpentier's notion of “lo real maravilloso” and the phenomenon of the Boom; and consider how the themes of utopia and revolution have been imagined by these writers.  There will also be short narratives, critical readings, and films.  Varied writing assignments, oral presentations and exam; class participation is essential.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisites:  Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Texts (tentative): Jorge Luis Borges, various readings; Adolfo Bioy Casares, La invención de Morel; Alejo Carpentier; Carlos Fuentes, Aura; Gabriel García Márquez, Cien años de soledad, Crónica de una muerte anunciada, and selected stories; Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave., Medford.

Spanish 192-F — Latin American Poetry

Block I+ - Raúl Zurita

This course focuses on some of the major figures of modern Latin American poetry, examined by one of the most outstanding living poets of the region, Raúl Zurita.  The analyses will address issues of aesthetics, politics, and ethnicity that underlie the works of poets like Pablo Neruda, César Vallejo, and others.

Spanish 192-G — Mexico City, Roaring Megalopolis

Block 10+ - Barbara Corbett

This class explores the evolving socio-political history of Mexico City, the oldest city in the Americas from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes the fields of history, art history, literature, anthropology, film, and urban studies.  Through the examination of texts and images (fixed and moving) students will study the city's makeover from an indigenous settlement, once surrounded by floating gardens that later became entombed within a newly established Spanish “City of Palaces,” to one of the cultural capitals of Spanish America that has never lost its indigenous heritage.  The class will examine how despite being ravaged by Colonialism, Independence, American and French invasions, and a Civil War the city has maintained its grandeur over the years making it today one of the biggest most important cities of Latin America.  This investigation of Mexico City's urban environment will show how its bustling streets provide an urban environment where ambulant sellers, street performers, poets, artists and its other citizens mingle in daily exchanges that rival a circus environment and how its indigenous roots, colonial heritage, modern sleek architecture and contemporary elevated highways have at times turned this city of palaces into an urban maze.

WL 150 — A Literature of Chaos

Block H+ - Juan Alonso

The voyage through the spiritual and political chaos of the 19^th and 20^th centuries has produced a literature which speaks of an irrational man in an irrational world.  This course will examine the theme of chaos as it is expressed in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and in works by Dostoyevsky, Thomas Mann, Camus, Nathaniel West, Unamuno, and Borges.  No prerequisites.  Midterm exam and final exam.

Texts: Carroll, The Annotated Alice, (Forum Books); Dostoyevsky, Notes from the Underground, (Dell); West, Miss Lonelyhearts, (Avon); Camus, Caligula and Three Other Plays, (Silbert & Stuart); Mann, Death in Venice, Trans. D. Luke (Penguin); Unamuno, Abel Sanchez and Other Stories, Trans. A. Kerrigan; St. Emmanuel the Good, (Resnery); Alonso, Killing the Mandarin, (Authors Guild Back in Print – iuniverse.com); Borges, Ficciones (in English), (Random House).

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