SPAN 369 - Early Modern Spanish Literature and Culture

This course will study Early Modern Spanish literature and culture. Focus will be given to the analysis of the comedia, an innovative type of drama that gave birth to a lively and eminent theatrical tradition. Some topics to be considered are: crossdressing, the role of women as directors, spectators, actresses, and fictional characters, as well as censorship and propaganda. Other literary genres cultivated during this period, such as the novel, will be reviewed in order to examine the socio-political issues affecting Spanish society during the 16th and 17th centuries and to analyze how they have been adapted for present-day audiences. Writers include but are not limited to: Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, María de Zayas, Ana Caro, Calderón de la Barca, and Agustín Moreto, among others. Course readings will be supplemented with secondary sources, including works of art, contemporary productions of plays, films, and other forms of modern media. The course will be taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: Any three of SPAN 226, 250, 310, or 350 or permission of instructor. Group III Humanities/Literature.