This is a very demanding and prestigious course. It is taken by invitation, and only after having exhausted all other Spanish courses offered. This course requires a thorough study of five Hispanic twentieth-century canonic writers: Jorge Luis Borges (Argentina), Federico García Lorca (Spain), Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia), Miguel de Unamuno (Spain) and Ana María Matute (Spain). For each author, two essays are expected: a two to three page biography followed by a four to five page critical literary analysis. By the end of the year, these ten revised essays are expected to be compiled into a self-published thesis.

Enrollment in this course is contingent upon advance consultation with the sponsoring teacher and the Upper School French & Spanish Department Head. Those eligible need to have previously and consistently demonstrated the necessary level of maturity and linguistic ability to handle the collegiate rigors of said independent literary study. The Advanced Spanish Literature student is expected to function primarily on his/her own and with minimal guidance. The sponsoring teacher is more a consultant and surveyor than a day-to-day observer. A self-designed and pre-approved course calendar will serve as the student's compass. The student is expected to stay on task and pace, and submit the required papers on time, unless otherwise agreed upon with the sponsoring teacher. Self-discipline, diligence and motivation are some of the intrinsic qualities key to success in this unique opportunity.

Efforts are made to provide a sort of linguistic safety net by having this independent Advanced Spanish Literature course scheduled at the same time as the AP Spanish Language course. The Advanced Spanish Literature student is, therefore, welcome to sit in on any AP Spanish Language class to partake in a particular lesson, including participate in Spanish discussion groups.

Advanced Spanish Literature Final Project

At least three identical, professionally bound, edited, and self-published compilations of critical essays and biographies will ultimately determine the final grade (one for the teacher, one for the school library, and one for the student). This thesis will present the end result of a year's worth of work and should proudly reflect the Advanced Spanish Literature student's efforts. It is expected to attractively and tastefully contain a table of contents and/or an index, an appendix, a cover, dividers between authors, page numbers, and possibly photos, if necessary for enhancement and esthetic appeal.