Module Content and Indicative Topics 

In this module, we will explore a range of representations of the supernatural in Latin American culture. We will interrogate the nature and function of the supernatural in short stories, songs, legends, films and novels. In doing so, we will explore key cultural and literary movements and traditions (eg. magical realism and the literature of the fantastic), as well as crucial issues including popular culture, gender, race and ethnicity, conflict and the rewriting of history.

The module will cover the following topics/texts, which may be subject to variation, might include: the legend of ‘La Llorona’ [the Weeping Woman] and its representation in literature and cinema; selected short stories by Latina writers; selected short stories by Elena Garro and Julio Cortázar; selected texts by Gabriel García Márquez.

Teaching Delivery

The module will be taught through two-hour weekly classes, which will involve interactive lectures and seminars, open class and small group discussions as well as students’ presentations.

By the end of the module, you should be able to demonstrate:

A strong understanding of key representations of the supernatural in Latin American culture

A strong understanding of how the supernatural has been used in cultural production to address issues of identity, gender, ethnicity, subalternity and history

A strong knowledge of key literary and cultural Spanish American traditions

A strong knowledge of the work of well-known Latin American and Latina writers and artists

Strong skills of visual and textual analysis

An ability to discuss cultural forms in a written and oral manner, employing appropriate terminology and theoretical frameworks

Recommended Reading

In preparation for the module, we advise reading one or more of the following texts. These can be found in the UCL Library:

R. Campra, Territorios de la ficción. Lo fantástico (Madrid: Renacimiento, 2008) C. Duncan, Unraveling the Real: The Fantastic in Spanish-American Ficciones (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2010)

L. Parkinson Zamora and Wendy Faris (eds), Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1995).

Cynthia Duncan, Unraveling the Real: The Fantastic in Spanish-American Ficciones. (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2010)

Please note: This module description is accurate at the time of publication. Amendments may be made prior to the start of the academic year.