This module will explore the development of experimental narratives in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century within the context of the avant-garde movement. It will begin by tracing the emergence of an avant-garde aesthetic in Spain and exploring the challenge it presented the Realist aesthetic of the 19th century. These ideas will be considered in relation to contemporary theories of the avant-garde in Europe. Early discussions will focus on the theoretical writings on art and the novel of the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. The module will then focus on texts by Gabriel Miró, Ramón Gómez de la Serna, Azorín, and Benjamin Jarnés as a means of exploring how traditional narrative devices such as plot and character are abandoned in favour of other narrative devices.