History, Art, and Cultural Identity in Contemporary Portugal

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

From the Roman and Muslim roots to the Portuguese Empire, from Monarchy to Democracy, this course examines the impact of history in Portugal's cultural identity. In the course students will discuss how major cultural and historic events played a role in the development of the country, as well as observe the presence of multiple cultural voices in contemporary cultural productions. Students will experience and develop an in-depth perspective of the historical, social, ethnic, and cultural layers that make Portugal a vibrant and unique country. History, architecture, arts, and sports will provide an in-depth perspective of this multicultural country, and the ways in which all these voices come together to make Portugal the center of the Lusophone world. Our course will also emphasize the struggles that the Portuguese society still faces, and the current discussions and solutions found to remediate such inequities. The course will be taught in English.