A theoretical, historical and literary survey of the group of Spanish poets of the “generation of 1927” with a focus on selected representative works and the cultural climate that created the conditions for a new Golden Age in Spanish Literature.
Prerequisites:
Advanced knowledge of Spanish highly recommended.
Method of presentation:
Introductory lectures on major themes and relevant background information; analysis and discussion of required readings; field trips.
Required work and form of assessment:
Written commentaries and analyses of the works throughout the course, including a final paper (30%); mid-term (30%); final exam (40%). Students are expected to do all required readings. Each student selects one poem to analyze in small groups and present to the class.
content:
1. Survey of contemporary Spanish poetry: From “vanguardismo” to the poets of 1927. Overview of cultural context. The Institución Libre de Enseñanza (Lorca, Dalí, Buñuel). Analyzing poetry: methods and techniques.
2. Defining a group or generation: Criteria and characteristics. Group life. Aesthetic stages or evolution of an aesthetic. The role of tradition and innovation.
3. Pedro Salinas
4. Jorge Guillén
5. Federico García Lorca
6. Rafael Alberti
7. Luis Cernuda
8. Vicente Aleixandre
9. The poetry of Gerardo Diego and Dámaso Alonso. Miguel Hernández.
10. The role and impact of a generation of writers on subsequent generations.
Out-of-class activities:
Two visits: the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (residencia de Estudiantes), the meeting place of most writers of the period and a visit to an intellectual gathering or “tertulia literaria” which continue to be held in Madrid. In addition, attendance is expected at any activity or event in Madrid related to the Generation of 1927, e.g., documentary films, exhibits, tributes.
Required readings:
Copies of poems, articles and reference materials distributed to the class throughout the semester. A complete bibliography for each theme or topic will also be distributed to students.
Gaos, Vicente, ed. La antología poética de la generación del 27. Editorial Cátedra.
Recommended readings:
Alberti, Rafael. La arboleda perdida. Barcelona: Seix Barral, 1975.
Aleixandre, Vicente. Los encuentros. Madrid: Guadarrama, 1958.
Alonso, Dámaso. Poetas españoles contemporáneos. Madrid: Gredos, 1952.
Buckley, R. and J. Crispin. Los vanguardistas españoles (1925-1935). Madrid: Alianza, 1973.
Cano, José Luis. La generación de 1927. Madrid: Guadarrama, 1973.
Debicki, Andrew. Estudios sobre poesía española contemporánea. La generación 1924-1925. Madrid: Gredos, 1968.
Gaos, Vicente, Ed. La antología poética de la generación del 27. Madrid: Editorial Cátedra.
Giménez Frontín, J.L. Movimientos literarios de vanguardia. Barcelona: Salvat, 1974.
Gullón, Germán. Poesía de vanguardia española (antología). Madrid: Taurus, 1981.
Neruda, Pablo. Confieso que he vivido. Barcelona: Seix Barral, 1974.
Rozas, Juan Manuel. La Generación del 27 desde dentro. Textos y Documentos. Madrid: ISTMO, 1987.
A theoretical, historical and literary survey of the group of Spanish poets of the “generation of 1927” with a focus on selected representative works and the cultural climate that created the conditions for a new Golden Age in Spanish Literature.
Advanced knowledge of Spanish highly recommended.
Introductory lectures on major themes and relevant background information; analysis and discussion of required readings; field trips.
Written commentaries and analyses of the works throughout the course, including a final paper (30%); mid-term (30%); final exam (40%). Students are expected to do all required readings. Each student selects one poem to analyze in small groups and present to the class.
1. Survey of contemporary Spanish poetry: From “vanguardismo” to the poets of 1927. Overview of cultural context. The Institución Libre de Enseñanza (Lorca, Dalí, Buñuel). Analyzing poetry: methods and techniques.
2. Defining a group or generation: Criteria and characteristics. Group life. Aesthetic stages or evolution of an aesthetic. The role of tradition and innovation.
3. Pedro Salinas
4. Jorge Guillén
5. Federico García Lorca
6. Rafael Alberti
7. Luis Cernuda
8. Vicente Aleixandre
9. The poetry of Gerardo Diego and Dámaso Alonso. Miguel Hernández.
10. The role and impact of a generation of writers on subsequent generations.
Out-of-class activities:
Two visits: the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (residencia de Estudiantes), the meeting place of most writers of the period and a visit to an intellectual gathering or “tertulia literaria” which continue to be held in Madrid. In addition, attendance is expected at any activity or event in Madrid related to the Generation of 1927, e.g., documentary films, exhibits, tributes.
Copies of poems, articles and reference materials distributed to the class throughout the semester. A complete bibliography for each theme or topic will also be distributed to students.
Gaos, Vicente, ed. La antología poética de la generación del 27. Editorial Cátedra.
Alberti, Rafael. La arboleda perdida. Barcelona: Seix Barral, 1975.
Aleixandre, Vicente. Los encuentros. Madrid: Guadarrama, 1958.
Alonso, Dámaso. Poetas españoles contemporáneos. Madrid: Gredos, 1952.
Buckley, R. and J. Crispin. Los vanguardistas españoles (1925-1935). Madrid: Alianza, 1973.
Cano, José Luis. La generación de 1927. Madrid: Guadarrama, 1973.
Debicki, Andrew. Estudios sobre poesía española contemporánea. La generación 1924-1925. Madrid: Gredos, 1968.
Gaos, Vicente, Ed. La antología poética de la generación del 27. Madrid: Editorial Cátedra.
Giménez Frontín, J.L. Movimientos literarios de vanguardia. Barcelona: Salvat, 1974.
Gullón, Germán. Poesía de vanguardia española (antología). Madrid: Taurus, 1981.
Neruda, Pablo. Confieso que he vivido. Barcelona: Seix Barral, 1974.
Rozas, Juan Manuel. La Generación del 27 desde dentro. Textos y Documentos. Madrid: ISTMO, 1987.