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Spanish Cultural Studies: 1800 to the Present Topic for 1995-96: Europe's Problematic Threshold to A
SPAN240 SP

Over the past few decades, North African and Middle Eastern cultures have become increasingly conspicuous within the arena of Spanish literature. Spanish authors are dealing with these cultures more and more in their writings, while the Spanish reading public's appetite for translations of works by novelists from Lebanon to Morocco has grown immensely. This phenomenon constitutes a significant point of departure for reviewing the treatment of Islamic cultures in modern Spain in its historical context -- from early 19th-century Orientalism in the Romantic tradition to the expatriated writings of the Marrakesh-based Juan Goytisolo -- and for seeking a means for relating the representation of Islamic cultures in Spanish literature to certain social, political, and economic factors, such as Spain's neo-imperialist war in Morocco in the 1920s, which figures prominently in the early writing of Ramon Sender; the polemic over the Islamic basis of Spanish culture; and recent changes in Spain's political ro le vis-a-vis Africa and the Middle East with a united Europe. Edward Said's essay, Orientalism, will constitute the main theoretical tool for bridging sociopolitical concerns and artistic production.

MAJOR READINGS

Claudio Sanchez Albornoz, Americo Castro, Ramon Sender, Juan Goytisolo, Angel Vazquez, Rafael Chirbes, Amin Maalouf, Tahar Ben-Jelloun. Excerpts from Edward Said's ORIENTALISM.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two oral reports; two short written reports (3-5 pages); one final essay (10 pages, approximately) and a final exam. All discussions and written work and most readings are in Spanish.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

SPAN240 is intended for students who have completed SPAN223. Students who have not done so should consult with the professor before preregistering. History or Government majors with an interest in the Mediterranean world are especially encouraged to apply for admission. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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