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CS92PROD
Heroes, Lovers, and Swindlers: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Spanish Classics and Cult
SPAN 230
Spring 2008 not offered
Crosslisting: COL 229, MDST 228, IBST 322

This course is designed to develop students' ability to make informed and creative sense of three fascinating, complex, and influential medieval and Renaissance Spanish texts: the "national" epic 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 and 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).

Essential Capabilities: None
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN
Course Format: DiscussionGrading Mode: Student Option
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (COL)(HISP)(MDST-MN)(MDST)(MDST-Art/Arch)(MDST-History)(MDST-Lang/Lit)(MDST-Phil/Reli)(RMST)

Last Updated on DEC-09-2024
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