HISP 388 - Peninsular Seminar

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as WFQS 388) A seminar offering in-depth study of topics related to the literary and cultural history of Spain and the Hispanic Transatlantic. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

Topic for 2023/24a: Magic, Witchcraft, and Sorcery: Mapping Gender Disparity, Racial Injustice, and Religious Conflicts in Early Modern Spain. Magic, witchcraft, and sorcery have been practiced for centuries with different levels of “popularity” depending on the era. In the Middle Ages, for instance, there was a fierce witch hunt, while in the 19 th century, there was a resurgence of spiritism and an increasing interest in communicating with the dead. In this course, we explore the literary representation of several superstitions and practices linked to the world of witchcraft in early modern Spain. Approaching these works from a sociological point of view allows us to analyze a series of interrelated racial, gender, and economic issues connected to the study of this field. From this broad approach, witches, sorceresses, and female wizards are studied as cultural standpoints, literary constructs denoting the multiple contradictions and tensions of early modern Spanish society. Materials for analysis include selections of legal, religious, and mystical writings, along with literary works by Fernando de Rojas, Miguel de Cervantes, Calderón de la Barca, and María de Zayas. Nicolas Vivalda.

Topic for 2023/24b: Huellas/Traces. This course surveys the profound and vital signatures–audiovisual, written and body media–produced by people of African, Roma, Arabic, and Asian descent in their respective diasporas toward Spain. We explore recent decolonized revisions and recontextualizations of Spanish history that shift the focus from Spain as the recipient of migration to Spain as the locus of knowledge production by historically underrepresented communities. Looking at the periods of dictatorship, post-independence and the 21st century, we analyze cultural production and public sphere interventions by these diasporic communities on issues related to structural racism; critiques of post-racism in the legal sphere; gender, migrant and climate rights; and struggles over access and (self) representation in audiovisual media, literature and performance. We consider the relationship of these media artifacts to current forms of celebration and collaboration in groups in Spain and beyond that seek to affirm their heritage, memory and existence. Taught in Spanish. Eva Woods Peiró.

Prerequisite(s): HISP 216 and one course above 216.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: CLS