SPAN 655: Medieval Fact & Fictions
Stories of knights, warriors, magical encounters, princesses and damsels in distress provide the backdrop to our understanding of middle ages. But, equally so, modern understanding of the middle ages produces images that are backwards, unhygienic, and morally stunted. How to understand it all? This course offers a view into the Iberian middle ages that separates modern notions and medieval sensibilities. The course begins with the examination of Castilian legendary hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, as represented in the epic poems and narrative chronicles of the time, which may be contrasted with the history of the actual man. The course examines the role of “Church and State,” and looks at how these institutions of power developed to control gender norms and social relationships. The course ends with a look at the medieval princess who was never supposed to be queen, Isabel I of Castile, and explores how her identity was shaped in poems and medieval “fairy tale,” while glossing over the brutal realities that informed her rise to power.
Prerequisites: SPAN301, SPAN302, SPAN303, or SPAN304.Instructor: Cristina Guardiola-Griffiths
3 credit hours
SPAN 660: The Nations of Spain: From Andalucía to el País Vasco
This seminar explores contemporary literature of Spain across regions. From sun-baked Andalusian towns to the vibrant city of Barcelona to mist-shrouded Galician estates to timeless villages in the Basque countryside, we will experience Spanish life in many different settings. These are regions that lay claim to independent status as nations. All readings will be in Castilian (what we usually call “Spanish”); some are expert translations from Catalan, Galician and Basque. Titles span a range of genres: drama, short story and the novel. The overarching goal of this course is to take a literary journey through Spain, reading a few select works with care and focusing on individual responses. Through intensive practice, each student will build his or her critical skills and language abilities.
Instructor: Joan Brown
Prerequisite: One SPAN 300-level survey of literature course
Notes: A 600 level section meets with a 400 level section.
Check course reserves or view textbooks .
3 credit hours
SPAN 675: Sex and Gender in Latin America
In this course we analyze the construction and performance of gender and sexuality in Latin American cultures and their relationship to political, social and economic power. Students will finish the course with a broad understanding of how sex and gender have historically been constructed and enacted in Latin America, and will be able to articulate perspectives associated with sexual and gender minorities. Topics: pre-Columbian sexualities, sexuality and the Spanish Inquisition, witches and midwives, gender and dress, gender and science, machismo and Marianismo, prostitution, drag cultures, sex tourism, fashion, sports, plastic surgery, gender in reggaetón, trap and música urbana.
Gender and sexuality in Latin American cultures and their relationship to power: pre-Columbian sexualities, sexuality and the Spanish Inquisition, witches and midwives, gender and dress, machismo and Marianismo, prostitution, drag cultures, sex tourism, fashion, sports, beauty, gender in reggaetón, trap and urbano.
Instructor: Persephone Braham
Prerequisite: One of the following: SPAN 301, 302, 303, 304, SPAN 307, SPAN 308, SPAN 325, SPAN 326, or SPAN 355.
Notes: A 600 level section meets with a 400 level section.
3 credit hours
SPAN 875: Topics in Spanish Literature Seminar
Study of selected topics, authors and works in the various fields of Spanish literature. Variable content. Emphasizes preparation of seminar presentations and term papers. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Instructor: Gladys Ilarregui
3 credit hours
