Spanish Literature and Culture

World Languages

Completion of Spanish IV

  • This course has a new focus on Latin American literature

Literature is a window that allows us to look inside ourselves to better understand our feelings, attitudes, ideas, and opinions. This window also opens to the outside to perceive different and unknown worlds.

In this course, students will study a variety of literary works by authors from Latin America and the oral traditions of this extensive region, thus exploring a diversity of perspectives that reflect the feelings and thoughts of people from different cultures of the Hispanic world. Occasionally, students will also read selected works from Spanish authors. The readings include legends, short stories, poetry, drama, and literary works addressing current events.

Through these readings, students will have the opportunity to discuss relevant topics such as justice, solidarity, family relationships, and examine fictional characters that live in unconventional worlds. These topics will also serve as a starting point for students to gain confidence in the art of writing in the Spanish language through compositions, poems, essays, letters, and other types of writing.

Students may elect to take this class directly following Spanish IV if they meet the criteria listed below.

  • A course grade of 90% or better, with an average on compositions and oral proficiency assessments of 90% or higher
  • Demonstration of a willingness to share ideas in class discussion exclusively in Spanish in an engaged and thoughtful way
  • A demonstrated willingness to commit to the demands of the curriculum by taking responsibility for one’s own learning