This course will examine the many cultures of Spain through a thematic design. Students will study literary and historical texts, art, music, film, and architecture, among other sources, to understand various manifestations of culture in the Iberian Peninsula from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will learn to critically analyze texts, objects, geographical spaces, architecture, music, film, and art, along with the stereotypes related to “Spanish identity” through the ages.
Student Learning Outcomes:
• Identify major historical periods, key topics, and historical actors important to Spanish Peninsular culture through engagement with period sources (non-fiction, literature, film, music, art, architecture, etc.), classroom discussion, and tests.
• Apply close-reading strategies to literary and cultural texts through homework, classroom exercises, and written assignments.
• Draw connections between cultural artifacts (documents, films, stories, architecture, art, geographical spaces, etc.) and cultural and historical problems relating to Spain’s history through classroom discussion, tests, and formal paper assignments.
• Practice reading and writing skills in Spanish through homework and writing assignments.
• Engage with the FabLab through the design and creation of original objects that critically engage with Spanish culture.