This lesson plan falls within Latin American Studies, English and Cultural Anthropology strands.

To learn about the rich literary history of Argentina. To discover common themes in Argentine literature, leading to a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Argentina.

Argentina is a nation rich in natural resources with a highly literate and multiethnic population, nearly two-thirds of which lives in proximity to the port city of Buenos Aires. Under colonial rule, the native population suffered tremendous losses of population from Spanish exploitation and European diseases. This conflict between civilization and barbarism was a common theme in 19th century writing. Since its independence from Spain in 1816, the government has vacillated between military dictatorship and constitutional rule. Since 1983 it has had a multiparty representational government. This long history of periods of political and economic instability has prompted writers to comment on these social disruptions. At times Argentine authors have spoken to their readers directly and overtly, at other more dangerous times metaphorically and even from places of exile. The writers of this portion of World Cultures Online write: "Not surprisingly, the national literature has provided an enduring and rather detailed social record of Argentina's struggle to comprehend the national culture and the events that shape it."

2 class periods

• Student Activity Sheet
• Historical Timeline of Argentina 
• 2-Column Graphic Organizer
• General Writing or Performance Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write a persuasive essay (see extension below).

What are the major themes in Argentine literature? How have fluctuations in Argentina’s political stability affected its writers?

Students will write a dialogue of an imaginary conversation between two of Argentina's prominent authors. The topic of the conversation should be what each person thinks is the role of literature in Argentina. Students will research these creative people and the social issues they addressed. Students will research the social and political context of these modern social critics. As the dialogues are shared in class, students will listen to their peers and take notes on common themes. The final class discussion will consolidate these themes.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

An olla popular (people’s kettle), the soup kitchens that have fed the poor in outlying areas of the city and in the province of Buenos Aires since both the economic devastations wrought by the military dictatorships and the impoverishment created by neoliberal economic policies of democratic governments. Courtesy of Eduardo Gil.

To start students thinking about the themes in Argentinean literature, have them examine the photograph.

Key questions students should answer are:

• What does this picture suggest about social classes in Argentina?
• How might the political history of militarism and authoritarianism in Argentina have affected the economic conditions of the country? Do you think all the people of Argentina were affected in the same way?
• What might an Argentine writer who is concerned about social issues say about this picture?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Have students work in pairs and assign each of them to a writer. In conducting their research, students should explore the following topics:

• Social Classes
• The Gaucho
• Nostalgia for Past
• Alienation
• Feminism
• Exile
• Popular culture
• Sexuality

Use the Writing or Performance Rubric to assess students' performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: What social issues would you write about if you were a writer?

The class reads a short story by one of these authors. Students write an essay demonstrating how the author conveys one of the themes discussed in the initial brainstorm.