This course is intended for any student with previous knowledge of Spanish, with specific interest in creative writing and reading. No previous knowledge of literature required.

This course intends to develop a vision of the short story in the Spanish language, combining a theoretical vision with a practical design. Following a historical approximation, the elements of the short story and the way it has developed through the work of some principal authors will be examined. The main objective is to learn about the short story in Spanish through reading and exercises in comprehension and creative writing.

I. Introduction: The genesis of the short story in Spanish. From medieval stories to the encounter between cultures. The short story as a form of communication. The presence of legend, myth, customs, news and anecdotes in the short story.Contemporary short story. II. Elements of short story: a) Structure: The beginning and the ending of a story. The plot. The intrigue. Open and closed stories. Texts by Juan José Millás, Gabriel García Márquez, Laura Freixas. b) The character: Types of characters. Functions. Attributes. Naturalness, persona and character. A character¿s name. Character and narrator. Texts by Antonio Muñoz Molina, Jorge Luis Borges. c) Space: Space, visibility and scene. Space and character. Space and narrative resources. Space and time. Texts by Julio Cortázar, Juan Rulfo, Juan José Millás. d) Time: Continuity and speed. Time and verbs. Objectivity and subjectivity. Time within and without the story. Time and narrator. Discourse and techniques. Spatial connections. Texts by Javier Marías, Julio Llamazares, Jorge Luis Borges. e) Conflict and plot: Desires of characters. Protagonist and antagonist. Plot and action progress. Types of plots. Texts by Manuel Longares, Rosario Ferré. f) Narrator and point of view: Types of points of view. The narrator, the author and the reader. Grammar and points of view. Texts by Elena Poniatowska. g) Dialogue: Characters¿ voices. Register and tone. The short story and the theatrical text. Dialogue and action. Texts by Mario Benedetti, Juan José Arreola. h) Narrative rhythm: Acceleration and deceleration of the story. Editing and mounting. Flashbacks and flashforwards. Texts by Julio Cortázar, Cristina Fernández Cubas.

The methodology of the course consists of theoretical presentations of each theme on the part of the professor, followed by exercises based on readings. Students should read texts before each class and shall do exercises. There is continuous evaluation of students based on class participation, preparation and presentation of exercises as well as the writing of one short story during the course.