Understanding Where You Are:
Barcelona, Catalunya and
Spain through Art & History Sessions (2235.YR.014564.2)
General information
Type: |
OPT |
Curs: |
2 |
Period: |
S semester |
ECTS Credits: |
1.5 ECTS |
Teaching Staff:
Group |
Teacher |
Department |
Language |
Year 2 |
Alex Fernández de Castro Krings |
Sección Español |
ENG |
Prerequisites
Students are encouraged to read some of the books (or watch any of the movies) listed on the Bibliography
Previous Knowledge
No previous knowledge is necessary to follow the course. Although students are encouraged to read/watch some of the books/films listed on the bibliography, they will be able to fully understand the material covered during the course
Workload distribution
Time recquired to contribute to all forums of discussion, 4 hours aprox
Time recquired to prepare for the group presentation: 4 hours aprox
Time recquired to write both final essays: 8 hours aprox
Total: 16 hours aprox
Course Learning Objectives
To acquire a deeper understanding of Politics, Economy, Culture and Society in recent Spanish history through some of the most relevant events since the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Franco's dictatorship (1939-1975), the Transition Towards Democracy (1975-1982), the effects of the Financial Crisis (2008-2014), the recent shift from a 2 party system to a 5 party system, the appearence of Vox or Podemos or the independentist drive in Catalunya since 2012. Further Insights will be gained by discussing the work of some of the most cellebrated Spanish and Catalan modern artists (Picasso, Miró). Ultimately, the course aims to provide students with a wel-rounded outlook of Barcelona, Catalunya and Spain, which should help them to better understand Spanish professionals.
CONTENT
Methodology
Contributions to forums of discussion + group presentation, 40%
Final essays, 60%
Assessment criteria
Students will contribute opinions to forums of discussions, and will present as a group about a piece of news, site or work of art which might provide valuable insights into recent Spanish History, current events or Catalan/Spanish Culture
Each students will write to 2 Final essays: one longer paper about a recent history event in Spain, a piece of news, site or work of art which might provide valuable insights into recent Spanish History, current events or Catalan/Spanish Culture. A second, a shorter essay will relate to main take-aways and most important insights gained from the four-day seminar.
Bibliography
About Spanish Recent Politics/History:
The Civil War (1936-1939):
"The Spanish Civil War: "Reaction, Revolution & Revenge". Paul Preston. Harper Perennial, 2006
"Homage to Catalonia?. George Orwell. Penguin Books. First Edition, 1938.
"For whom the bells toll". Ernest Hemingway. Scribner Classics, 1996
Francisco Franco's Dictatorship (1939-1975):
"Franco: A Biography?, Paul Preston, Basic Books, 1995
Post-Franco Spain: "The New Spaniards?. John Hooper. Penguin Books, 2006
About Barcelona + Catalunya:
"Barcelona?. Robert Hughes. Harvill-HarperCollins. 1992
"The Struggle For Catalonia: Rebel Politics In Spain?, C.Hurst & Co, 2017
About The Basque Country: ¿The Basque History of the World¿. Mark Kurlansky. Vintage, 2000
Films about Spanish recent history:
"La Lengua de las mariposas", by José Luís Cuerda (1999), about the year prior to outbreak of the Spanish Civil War
"Mientras Dure La Guerra" by Alejandro Amenábar (2019), a great film about the early stages of the Spanish Civil War, with valuable insights into Francisco Franco's personality
"La Colmena", by Mario Camus (1982). Based on a novel by Nobel Prize Winner Camilo José Cela, it portrays Madrid in the years after the Civil War, the hunger and repression suffered by those on the losing side.
"Los Santos Inocentes", by Mario Camus (1984). Based on a novel by Miguel Delibes, it is a rural drama set in post-Franco Spain, depicting the huge divide between the rich and the poor during the long dictatorship (1939-1975)
Timetable and sections
Group |
Teacher |
Department |
Year 2 |
Alex Fernández de Castro Krings |
Sección Español |
Timetable Year 2
From 2024/1/19 to 2024/2/2:
Each Saturday from 13:00 to 14:30.
Each Friday from 15:00 to 18:30. (Except: 2024/1/26 and 2024/2/2)
Each Friday from 14:00 to 17:30. (Except: 2024/1/19)
Each Saturday from 16:00 to 17:30.