In this course, we will read a variety of fictional narratives (novels, short novels and short stories) that use crime to talk about something else: violence and political power. The literary treatment of perfect crimes will work as a compass for us to read and discuss Hispanic literary masterpieces, as violence and political power are essential to understand narratives written throughout the Spanish-speaking world: from Colombia, Mexico and Argentina to Chile, Spain and Peru. We will see how these texts challenge a series of intersections: the pen and the sword, personification, personalism and depersonalization, aesthetical and political representation, mythology and history, masculinity and sovereignty. By analyzing the differences and similarities between these authors, we will engage with Hispanic history, politics and culture through the lens of fiction.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse Hispanic culture through the lens of literary texts;
- present and discuss Hispanic cultural and literary topics in oral and written form;
- conduct research relevant to a Spanish and Latin American literature and culture and its socio-historical context, and present it in a coherent fashion; and
- use, integrate and apply relevant historical, ethnographic, political and sociological frameworks contained in the course materials and other sources.
Indicative Assessment
- One-hour Midterm test (20) [LO 1,2,4]
- Oral presentation, 15min (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Class engagement and participation (10) [LO 1,2]
- Shorter Final Paper (800 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Longer Final Paper (1500-2000 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 42 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 3.5 class hours per week, and
c) 6 hours of peer-to-peer group over 12 weeks to prepare oral presentation: 0.5 hours per week, and
b) 82 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8533 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |