Mount Allison University

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

 

Spanish 1801

SPANISH CIVILIZATION

 Winter 2009

 

 

Dr. Lauren Beck                                                       Office Hours: M/W/F 11:30-12:30

lbeck@mta.ca                                                            Crabtree 326

 

 

 

Course Aims and Structure:

This course examines the critical cultural, social and political moments that shaped Spanish civilization.   In order to address these topics comprehensively, the readings will follow chronologically, from the prehistoric age to our time, while lectures will approach the material thematically, as indicated on the syllabus.  For this reason, lectures and readings will not necessarily cover the same material.  Nonetheless, the student will be expected to contribute to classroom discussion having done all the assigned readings, and it is hoped that this classroom discussion will facilitate connections between different areas of the course material.

 

Course Evaluation:   

 

In-class Discussion:     10

Mid-term Exam:          20

Oral Presentation:       10

Essay (5% proposal):   30

Final Exam:                 30

 

Course Materials:

I   The readings will be distributed electronically by the professor (An Introduction to Spanish Civilization and Literature, by Marjorie Ratcliffe).

 

II   Power Points and other materials will be used during lectures.  Some or all of these will be made available electronically.

 

Course Work:

I   Each Wednesday, one to two (according to class size) group presentations will be scheduled.  These presentations are to be max. 10 minutes, and will be geared toward the production and presentation of a two-sided, single page handout for your peers.   The oral presentation and handout will situate the assigned topic within its chronological and historical context using the readings, class materials and secondary materials (include a bibliography in the handout).

 

II   Both the midterm exam (1.5h) and the final exam (3h) will consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and essay style questions. All course material is subject to examination. 

 

III   Essay: 6-8 pages (2500 words) and typed, double spaced, in English or Spanish.  The comparative essay will address a topic of interest as it is manifested in two distinct time periods.  The student must formulate a thesis, around which a well-reasoned argument should support the student’s thesis.  The essay should offer clear and insightful conclusions.  A well-written paper will boast originality of thought, a challenging and engaging topic, and exceptional arguments.  Please follow the professor’s preferred conventions for style.  The Bibliography must include no fewer than 5 academic resources, none of which can be dictionaries, encyclopedias or dodgy online resources, and these references must be included in your Essay Proposal.  When in doubt of any aspect of this assignment, consult the instructor.  Late papers will not be accepted.   Due Date: Mar. 9th, 2009. 

 

Course Outline:

 

Date

Weekly Theme

Readings

Jan. 7

Course Introduction

 

Jan. 12/14

Empire Part I

Chapter 1

Jan. 19/21

Peninsular Geography and the Spanish City

Chapter 2

Jan. 26/28

Religions of Spain

Chapter 3

Feb. 2/4

Language is Power

Chapter 4

Feb. 9/11

MIDTERM M and TBA (W)

(ESSAY PROPOSAL M)

 

Feb. 16/18

Peninsular Ida y Vuelta: Arrivals, Departures, Diasporas and Exiles

 

Feb. 23/25

READING WEEK—NO CLASS

 

Mar. 2/4

Architecture, Ruins and Spanish Memory

 

Mar. 9/11

-Isms and Art

(ESSAY M)

Chapter 5

Mar. 16/18

Empire Part II (The Empire Returns)

Chapter 6

Mar. 23/25

Technologies and Industries of the Peninsula

Chapter 7

Mar. 30/1

Democracy and Spain

Chapter 8

Apr. 6/8

Course Conclusions and Exam Preparations