Heroes, Lovers, and Swindlers: An Intro to Medieval and Renaissance Spanish Classics and Culture
SPAN 230
Spring 2007 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
COL 229, MDST 228 |
This course is designed to develop students's ability to make informed and creative sense of three fascinating, complex, and influential medieval and Renaissance Spanish texts: the "national" epic called El Cid (12th-13th century), the bawdy and highly theatrical prose dialogue known as La Celestina (1499), and the first picaresque novel El Lazarillo (1554). Through these and selected historical readings the course is also intended to provide students with a basic knowledge of Spanish culture from the 11th through the 16th centuries, the texture of everyday life as well as the larger movements of long-term historical change. We will draw on literature and history to imagine the world of chivalry and crusade in the medieval Spain of "the three religions of the book" (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); of mercantile values, courtly love, and prostitution in the Renaissance city; and of social injustice and religious hypocrisy in Imperial Spain. We will reflect on the interplay of literature and history in our efforts to come to grips with a past both familiar and strange; address the crossing of linguistic, artistic, ethnic, religious, caste, and gender boundaries that has long been a conspicuous feature of Spanish culture; and consider what texts and lives of the past might still have to say to us today. No prior historical or literary preparation is required: only a willingness to engage the readings closely (textually and historically). |
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Essential Capabilities:
Speaking, Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RLAN |
| Course Format: Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (COL)(HISP)(MDST-MN)(MDST)(MDST-Art/Arch)(MDST-History)(MDST-Lang/Lit)(MDST-Phil/Reli)(RMST) |
Major Readings:
El Cid, La Celestina, Lazarillo de Tormes, and Maria de Zayas's novella "Estragos que causa el vicio"; together with selected historical and critical readings.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short papers (3pp.); one longer, final paper (5-7pp.); and one short oral presentation as preparation for the final paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
SPAN 230 is intended for students who have completed SPAN 221 or the equivalent. Students who have not done so should consult with the professor before pre-registering. An additional semester of upper-level Spanish beyond 221 (or the equivalent), taken earlier or concurrently, is recommended but NOT required. Readings, written assignments, and class discussions will be in Spanish. Only COL students may take this course CR/U. |
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