The aim of this module is to introduce students to poetry written in Spanish, from medieval and early modern times to Golden Age cultural production and the latest movements in performance poetry, slams and jam sessions, including some Chilean folk literature. In summary, the module aims to cover some of the major movements and trends in poetry in Spanish up to the present day.

The module seeks to explore different attempts to assert resistance and the ways in which the poetic art can exert renewal (of the literary field, of ideas, of identities, of political movements...) through some of its best-known literature.

The module aims to approach issues on the political and historical frameworks that surround this poetry, and the creation and establishment of the official literary canon.

(LO1) Upon completion of the module, students will be able to understand and analyse poetry in Spanish within the specific historical and socio-cultural context in which these different bodies of work were composed and originally disseminated.

(LO2) Upon completion of the module, students will be able to substantiate their written work with critical theory relevant to the literature studied and participate in class discussion concerning the role of the poetry in question.

(LO3) Upon completion of the module, students will be able to conduct detailed analyses of the literature in question and will have developed competence in completing systematic readings of a given text and its historical and cultural context.

(LO4) Upon completion of the module, students will have a nuanced understanding of the environment from which this poetry emerged, the different responses it encountered and the challenges it posed for the future of Spanish poetry.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S5) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The lectures will introduce students to key texts, concepts and debates around the poetry studied.
Attendance Recorded: No.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: The seminars will consolidate the material taught in the lectures, as well as instruct and equip students with the skills to apply these concepts to close readings of the relevant literature.
Attendance Recorded: Yes.

Self-Directed Learning Description: In addition to completing the core reading for the module, students should undertake supplementary reading for each topic covered using the reading list provided in the module handbook and / or Vital for guidance. While students are not expected to read all supplementary texts recommended in the handbook and / or on Vital, they should nevertheless make independent study a regular part of their research towards this module and are encouraged to discuss their reading and ideas in class. Students are also encouraged to read - during their independent study time - more literary texts from the period to gain a broader understanding of the literary movements they are studying.

Topics covered during this module may include:

Introduction to the module and Medieval & Early Modern Castilian ballads;

Golden Age Spanish poetry;

20th Century Chilean poetry and folk songs (Victor Jara and Violeta Parra);

The Novísimos and the ‘poesía drogada’ during the Transition to Democracy;

The boom of poetry written by women;

Poetry of the experience versus poetry of difference;

The turn of the new millennium in poetry;

Poetry slams and jam sessions;

Revision and essay preparation / feedback.