RLSP 111(F) Spain and Its Cultures
Before Spain appeared on Europe's map as a nation at the end of the fifteenth century, a number of different cultures had developed and flourished on its territory. Today's Spaniards owe to Romans, Visigoths, Jews and Muslims their language, law, myths and art, as well as a number of customs. Although imperial Spain defined itself against the traditions that it took over, these earlier influences can still be perceived today. Contemporary Spain is a well-functioning state and society with a strong sense of national identity, yet once again it is a conglomeration of distinct cultures such as Catalan, Basque, Galician, Andalusian and others. Hence, in this course we will study Spain both as modern European state-its history, politics, social organization, debates and conflicts-and also the more important cultural elements shaping it. Literature, painting, as well as contemporary cinema, press articles and news broadcasts will serve as bases for class work. The discussions and presentations-structured in a comparative way-will focus on such issues as: (1) foundational myths, (2) religions and tolerance, (3) historical heroes and national traumas, (4) cultural types and archetypes, (5) the functions of art (6) conflicting ideologies, and others. Requirements: active participation in class discussions, short papers, oral reports, a midterm, and a final exam. Prerequisite: Spanish 105 or permission of the instructor.