Department of Spanish and Portuguese

VT: Truth and Lies in Luso-Brazilian Fiction: From the Historical Novel to the Post-Truth Period (short title: Truth and Lies in Literature)

The word fiction is defined as “something that is invented or untrue” and refers to literary works in prose that describe imaginary events and people. But the relationship between fiction and the real world is much more complicated that this definition suggests. In this regard, Turkish novelist Orham Pamuk states that “to read a novel is to wonder constantly: ‘How much of this is fantasy, and how much is real?’” If the idea of a single objective truth has never been free from controversy, the concept of truth—and its relationship with literature—has become even more complex (and fascinating) in present times, dubbed by some as the post-truth era. In this course, we will examine the intriguing relationship between fiction and the real world, in an attempt to better understand the value of literature as a cultural practice. What defines the art of the novel? What are the main differences between novels and non-fictional accounts—such as (auto)biographies, scientific studies, philosophical treatises or journalistic pieces? How do readers, in different times and spaces, conceive the connections between fiction, truth, and lies? In order to answer these questions, we will read a selection of works of Luso-Brazilian literature from different genres, including travel accounts, historical novels, fantastic fiction, and the more recent autofiction. Readings and class discussions in Portuguese. Students will write a research paper.

HISP-P 495    #31508      3:00P - 4:15P      TR      BH 312       Prof.  Luciana Namorato

Note:  Above class meets with HISP-P 498 and HISP-P 695.

• A&H
• GCC
• What are CASE requirements?