The University of New South Wales

go to UNSW home page

Undergraduate Handbook

PRINT THIS PAGE
Latin American Culture and Globalisation: De Macondo a McOndo - SPAN3339
Library lawn

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Languages and Linguistics
 
 
Course Outline: School of Languages and Linguistic Course Outlines
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: SPAN2003
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the formation of new identities in Latin America resulting from the neoliberal politics and globalisation that have swept the continent since the early 1990s. This process is evaluated through the study of Latin American and Latino literary texts that reflect this change, which is best captured through the image of transformation of the mythical and exotic village Macondo of Gabriel Garcma Marquez into the postmodern global village McOndo defined by Macintosh computers, McDonalds, shopping malls, the Internet and cell phones. Examines the contradictory logic of globalisation that on the one hand "flattens" cultural differences but on the other creates real opportunities for breaking down cultural barriers and overcoming provincialism.

Note: The course is offered in Spanish.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should gain knowledge of the following key concepts related to Latin American culture and literary production:
  • Boom period
  • Post-boom period
  • Postcolonial and postmodern theories
  • Local cultures in the context of globalisation and post-nationalism
  • Dirty realism
  • Experimental writing
  • Border writing.

Assessment

  • Class participation - 20%
  • Essay - 45%
  • Critical reading journal - 35%

URL for this page:

© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.