Catalan Literature and Culture

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course aims to provide students with an introduction to Catalan culture and to the major authors, works, and trends in Catalan literature from the medieval period to the 21th century. We will be reading representative work from such vibrant cities as Barcelona and Valencia, as well as the Balearic Islands, and other Catalan-speaking territories. The study of Catalan literature represents a dynamic and unique opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge of the Iberian Peninsula, and to foment a better understanding -particularly in light of the recent developments in the conflict between Catalonia's regional government and the central Spanish government- of the cultural, linguistic and political reality of today's Spain. While learning about Catalan literature and culture students will also have the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics, such as history, sociolinguistics, politics, the origins of Catalan nationalism, the Catalan separatist movements, and identity politics. This course will place special emphasis on the relationship between Catalan and Spanish literary traditions from the Middle Ages to the present. No previous knowledge of Catalan language is required: Spanish will be the language of class instruction and readings. Primary and secondary sources will be complemented with the use of films and other audiovisual materials. Fulfills 30710 or 30720 requirements or can count as a 30000-level elective.