Literature of Spanish Golden Age

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Spanish Golden Age Literature In this course we explore the main literary trends and the most relevant authors of Spanish Literature during the XVI and XVII centuries. The most representative literary works in prose, poetry and drama will be studied. We will look at the evolution of the different aesthetic concepts and fictional expressions in one of the most important periods of Spanish Literature. At the same time, we will analyze the relationship between literary fiction and its historic and cultural determinations. This course also offers the unique opportunity for the student to learn about Spanish Golden Age outside the classroom. Madrid became the capital city of the Empire in 1561, under the monarchy of Phillip II. Since then, preeminent literary figures such as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Francisco de Quevedo or Luis de Góngora lived and wrote in Madrid. A list of visits and activities in Madrid and surrounding areas are suggested: from museums to convents, churches, synagogues, mosques, temporary exhibits, libraries, palaces or cultural institutions. This way students could learn about Golden Age period not only from literary works but also from paintings and other fine arts, civil and religious architecture, manuscripts, theater and music.