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Myth & Archive: Historical Fiction in Spanish America

Key information

  • Module code:

    6AASC006

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module sets out to examine how iconic figures and events from key periods of pre-colonial to postcolonial regional and national history have been re-imagined in C20th and contemporary Latin American fiction. Investigating the concept of 'historiographical metafiction,' the module examines how authors experiment with both form and content, creating heterogenous texts that challenge established historical norms. We examine how these novels challenge regional and national mythologies, and disrupt the idealization of archives as infallible repositories of the past. Additionally, the course seeks to understand the resurgence of the historical novel in late twentieth-century Latin America, exploring the factors that fueled this interest in narrating history from unusual, marginal and decentred perspectives.

Assessment details

Two 2000 word tutorial essays (each worth 50%); (the previously advertised assessment weighting was 40%/60%. This information has been updated as of 24 March 2025.)

Teaching pattern

Two hours per week

Suggested reading list

Students are expected to own copies of the core texts and/or of their translations. Texts to be taught may include:

  • The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007) Junot Díaz
  • Nadie me verá llorar (1999) Cristina Rivera Garza
  • El general en su laberinto (1989) Gabriel García Márquez
  • Lost Children Archive (2019) Valeria Luiselli
  • Santa Evita (1995) Tomás Eloy Martínez

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.