Through Foreign Eyes: The U.S. in Spain in the 20th Century
SPAN 262
Spring 2022 not offered
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Although the relationship between Spain and the U.S. has a long history that can be traced back to colonial times, during the 20th century, an extensive corpus of literature in which Spanish authors portray the U.S. prominently becomes visible. The appearance of this body of work gives rise to a series of questions: How do Spaniards see the U.S.? What are the consequences of this understanding? Why is there such interest in portraying the U.S. from a Spanish point of view? Of course, cultural and social definitions are constructions always limited to historic, social, and cultural events, be they of a military, political, or purely commercial nature. One could think that these portraits dwell on stereotypes; nonetheless, we are before a literary production that uses the U.S. to create a narrative about how Spain enters a global economic market through a cultural exchange. These are texts about traveling, the construction of the individual, and the shaping of a nation; texts that cross the boundaries of literary genres to define Spanish identity. We are before the construction of a narrative that questions the building of alterity and shapes the identity of modern Spain. In our approach to the main historic events that define the relationship between Spain and the U.S. during the 20th century, we will examine novels, poems, and movies that result from such events to analyze questions related to identity, globalization, localism, modernity, and nation. What we will engage in is, in fact, a debate about how we define ourselves, whether we are Spanish or American, through foreign eyes. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RLAN |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (HISP) |
Major Readings:
Ortega y Gasset, La rebelion de las masas (selection).
Federico García Lorca: Poeta en Nueva York (selection).
Luis García Berlanga: Bienvenido, Mr. Marshall (movie).
Rosa Montero, Estampas bostonianas y otros viajes (selection).
Fernando Díaz Plaja: Los siete pecados capitales en Estados Unidos (selection).
Ramón J. Sender: La tesis de Nancy.
Carmen Martín Gaite: Caperucita en Manhattan.
Vicente Verdú: Planeta Americano (selection).
Josep Lluis Sert: architecture, city planning, urban design.
James Fernández & Luis Argeo, La paella de Daniel Albert (movie)
Antonio Muñoz Molina, Ventanas de Manhattan.
Igancio Martínez de Pisón, Enterrar a los muertos.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two short written reports (3-4 pages); one final essay (7-10 pages); oral presentation; weekly reading notes. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This seminar is intended for students who have completed SPAN 221 with a B- or better. Students who have not done so should consult with the professor before preregistering. Readings, written assignments, and class discussions will be in Spansih. Only COL students may take this course CR/U. Reading and writing are the best ways for adult learners to improve their spoken Spanish. You will therefore improve all your language skills in this course. |
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