Spain's Golden Age

3 units

The Spanish Empire stretched across Europe and the New World. Beginning with the unification of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in 1469 and ending with the death of Philip IV in 1665, this course explores the ways in which Spaniards, Africans, and Indians -- both male and female -- were involved in and affected by the Imperial endeavor. The course also investigates the experiences of religious minorities (e.g., Jews, Muslims, Protestants) within the home country. Students will evaluate the successes and failures of the period through close studies of several major spiritual, artistic, and literary figures and their works. We will also explore the dynamics between political, domestic, and religious policy on the mainland and in the colonies, with particular focus on the operations of the Spanish Inquisition.