110201 VO Extension module literary lecture - Portuguese (2025S)

In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Brazilian literature through one of its most dynamic and expressive forms: the short story. As a genre, the short story is both versatile and deeply representative of Brazil’s literary tradition, offering a lens through which to explore the country’s cultural, historical, and social transformations. We will analyze works by some of the most influential and canonical Brazilian writers, including Machado de Assis, Lima Barreto, Graciliano Ramos, Clarice Lispector, Guimarães Rosa, and also contemporary authors such as Daniel Munduruku and Nélida Piñon. Spanning different literary styles, historical periods, and artistic movements, the course will trace the evolution of Brazilian literature from the late 19th century to the present day. Throughout the semester, students will engage with key concepts of short fiction, such as narrative conciseness, character construction, the impact of endings, and the interplay between text and socio-cultural context. Additionally, we will draw comparative parallels with short stories by renowned international authors – such as Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Mann, Virginia Woolf, John Steinbeck, Chimamanda Adichie, Edith Wharton, etc –, fostering a broader and more nuanced perspective on literary traditions. Through critical discussions and comparative readings, this course aims to deepen students’ appreciation of Brazilian literature, showcasing a diverse range of voices that reflect the richness and complexity of the country’s literary landscape. The course will be conducted in Portuguese and English. The original Portuguese texts will be provided to students and will include a glossary specially prepared for the course to support reading comprehension. English and German translations will also be available, ensuring a multilingual and inclusive learning environment.