In this course we will examine how Brazilian authors represent fictional writing in their narratives, focusing on works by Graciliano Ramos, Osman Lins, Jorge Amado, and Chico Buarque de Hollanda, among others. In following their portrayal of fictional writing, we will consider topics such as the acquisition of skills by writers, the relation of aspiring writers to literary traditions, the relationship between critics and authors, the institution of literature through the Brazilian Academy of Letters, and the post-modernist configurations of writing. (Students with one 0300-level course, concurrently taking a 0300-level course, or by approval). 3 hrs. sem.