Professor: John Gardner
Texts
Description
This class examines the changes Spain has experienced throughout the twentieth century
and at the beginning of the twenty-first, with special emphasis on the unique characteristics of Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country (the three regions considered historical nationalities) as well as the transition from dictatorship to democracy. Art, music, architecture, literature, film, history, politics and many other manifestations of culture (in the broadest sense of the term) are explored.
Objectives
Our goal is to gain an understanding of the current state of Spanish society and culture, the conditions that produced it, and what directions it may take in the future.
In doing so we will not only learn about a particular country and culture in
detail, but also learn how what approaches are useful in beginning to understand
any country or culture other than our own.
Activities:
Participation
Participation is an important part of the classroom experience, and I will
strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable expressing his
or her point of view, in order that you may do just that. If you're not in
class, both physically and mentally, you can't participate in or learn well from
the classroom experience. So, in the words of Jack Kerouac, "Be here now."
Exams
In order to be well informed about Spain, it is important that you know historical and current information about the country and its culture. You must
also be able to think independently
about relevant issues. The tests are designed to allow you to demonstrate
those abilities. There will be two: a mid-term exam,
worth 20% and an end-of-term exam worth 25% of your final grade. Some exams may have take-home components.
Reseña
A reseña is a critical review. For this project you will write a two- to
three-page review of a film, book (which may be literary or non-fiction), or
extensive website which is related to the content of this course. [The book or
website may be one you are using in the course of writing either of your
research papers if you wish. If you are writing a research paper about one or
two films, however, it may not be about either of those films, but if you are
writing about a larger body of film, say, a particular theme that recurs in many
of the films of Almodóvar, then it may be a review of a film from that group. In
may not be about a film viewed in class or as an assignment for the whole
class.] . The reseña is worth 10% of your final grade. A "page" is
defined as about 250 words. I do not want a summary of the book, film or
website's contents, but rather an informed analysis of its value. Samples of the sort of writing I am looking for
may be found here
and
here.
These may be just a bit short on the word count, but in terms of content, tone
and subject matter they are the sort of thing I have in mind. Note that you do
not have to like what you are reviewing (the second
reviewer does not like the Doucet book particularly) but you should state why
you feel it is good or not so good as well as giving an idea of the
content and context.
Papers
Papers are an opportunity to learn and think in detail about specific issues of interest to you. You
will write two papers, each five to seven pages in length. Topics must be different but may be related.
While one of the papers may deal with a topic related to any historical period
you wish, at least one of the papers must I encourage you to consult with me in advance concerning the topic if
you have any questions or doubts. You will be required to turn in a topic
statement in advance of the paper. Whichever paper you receive a higher grade on
will be worth 25% of your final grade; the other paper will be worth 20%.
You are required to submit one or both of your papers to the appropriate
category of the RosE portfolio; if both papers would fit in the same category
and subcategory, then you will only need to submit one of them; if they would
fit into different categories or subcategories then you should submit both of
them. Because of the limitation inherent in the Angel on-line gradebook, each paper is
shown as worth 20% and there is an additional category worth 5% where the grade
from your best paper will be entered again. Incidentally, the gradebook is the
only part of Angel that I will use during this class.
Due dates
Papers and assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due dates listed on the syllabus or announced in class.
Papers which are late will be penalized in the following manner: Turned in by 5:00pm of the due date - no penalty.
Turned in during the first 24 hours after 5pm of the due date: minus 5%; Turned in more than one day but less than
three days after 5pm of the due date: minus 10%. Later than that: minus 25%.
However, no work is accepted more than two weeks late except in unusual
circumstances, such as extended illness or family emergency. You may ask for an extension on the due date if you have need for one, for
example, if you have several tests on the same day the paper is due. However,
you should ask for the extension at least 24 hours in advance. If the extension is
granted you will be given a new due date and the above penalties will apply to
that new due date.
Grading
The following scale correlates percentage grades to letter grades. An "A" is earned only for work which is exceptionally
well-done in every respect. It is not an easy grade to earn. A "B" is earned for work well above the norm, yet which lacks
the delicious superbness that unmistakably radiates from "A" work. A "C" is earned for competent work A "D" is earned for
work bordering on the unacceptable, and an "F' is for unacceptable work. A+ 98-100%; A 90-97.9%; B+ 88-89.9%; B 80-87.9%;
C+ 78-79.9%; C 70-77.9%; D+ 68-69.9%; D 60-67.9%; F 0-59.9%.
Trip to Spain
A number of you have chosen to travel to Spain at the conclusion of the course.
There are some special requirements for those going on the trip. Those not going
on the trip do not need to do any of the things listed below.