Undergraduate / Honors College. Analysis of three of the most important literary archetypes of western literature (Hamlet, Faustus, and Don Juan) and the development of their stories in the last 400 years. These characters belong to a group of archetypes labeled Myths of Modern Individuality, and while they could never have existed without the values and mores of medieval societies, it is particularly interesting to note that they are all creations of the Early Modern World, the Renaissance, or –in Spanish terms– the Golden Age.
SPN6846: Spanish Paleography & Textual Criticism
Graduate Seminar. Learn about codicology and paleography, explore medieval and renaissance manuscripts from Spain and the Americas, and practice how to carry out archival research. Above all, in this course students will learn how to read and transcribe manuscripts according to different methods of transcription currently in use and produce a semipaleographic and regularized edition of a chosen text. Final paper includes transcription of a manuscript, edition, and scholarly commentary on the transcription / edition process.
Graduate Seminar. In-depth analysis of some of the most important and influential prose narrative works / novels from 15th- to 17th-century Spain, as well as the history and culture of the Spanish Golden Age (1550-1650). Readings include, among others, La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes, La Celestina, El buscón, and Cervantes's Novelas ejemplares. Students will write a research paper and give a presentation in class on a preapproved topic.
SPW5934: Medieval Spanish Tales
Graduate Seminar. In-depth analysis of Spanish medieval tales, stemming from the Latin and the Oriental traditions, as well as the courtly and the ecclesiastical settings. Readings include selections from Calila e Dimna, Sendebar, Conde Lucanor, Libro de los exemplos por ABC, or Libro de los gatos, among others. Students will write a research paper and give a presentation in class on a preapproved topic.
SPN3514: The Three Cultures of Medieval Spain
Undergraduate. History and civilization of Spain from the Middle Ages (1000-1500), with an emphasis on the interactions between Christians, Muslims, and Jews living in the Iberian Peninsula (Reconquista / Convivencia). Lectures on history and culture will be supplemented with the analysis of literary and historical texts in Castilian, Hebrew, and Arabic (in translation), works of art, sculptures, music, and other cultural materials.
SPW4311: The Creative Genius of the Golden Age
Undergraduate. Read and analyze some of the most influential literary works of the Golden Age, including El burlador de Sevilla, Fuenteovejuna, El caballero de Olmedo, La vida es sueño, and other masterpieces of the period. Literary analysis will be complemented with the study of works of art, sculptures, music, and other cultural materials.
SPW5405: Medieval Literature
Graduate Seminar. Analysis of the most influential authors and works of the Middle Ages, including poetic developments and the appearance of prose writings in Castilian. Students will read and analyze complete works (Jarchas, Cantar de Mio Cid, El conde Lucanor, Sendebar, etc) and write a research paper on a topic related to one or more literary works of the time, as well as give a presentation in class.
SPW5605: Cervantes
Graduate Seminar. Discover the life and works of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Explore the magic of El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha, the Novelas ejemplares, and Cervantes's poems and plays. Learn about the 17th century through the eyes of one of the world's greatest and most influential writers. Students will write a research paper on a topic related to Cervantes or one of his works and present it in class.
SPW4930: Early History of Florida
Undergraduate. A panoramic history of early colonial Florida (16th - 17th c.), focusing on the French and Spanish explorations of the peninsula and their interactions with the native tribes of North America. Course readings include historical sources and literary reworkings of the earliest encounters, as well as movies and documentaries on the subject matter.
SPW4930/5388: Golden Age Poetry & Drama
Undergraduate / Graduate Seminar. Read and analyze some of the most influential poetry and theatre plays of the Golden Age (1550-1650). Works include Fuenteovejunaand El caballero de Olmedo by Lope de Vega,El burlador de Sevillaby Tirso de Molina, andLa vida es sueño by Calderón de la Barca, as well as a selection of poems by the most important poets of the time, such as Garcilaso de la Vega, Juan Boscán, Francisco de Quevedo, Lope de Vega, and Luis de Góngora, among others.