WARNING: Courses with * mark are available under request and if enough students are enrolled.
Culture & Society in Contemporary Spain
Clara Bonet, PhD
3 US credits
With an emphasis on the present-day, but setting the examination of institutions and attitudes in their historical context, this course offers an introduction to Spanish culture, familiarizing students with the social, economic and political structures of contemporary Spain. Course highlights include: the restoration of the ancestral monarchy after years of dictatorship; the organization in autonomous communities; and the perception of Spain in the world today.
Requirements: n/a
Language of Instruction: English or Spanish based on demand.
History of Spain Through Arts and Media
Juan Gomis, PhD
3 US credits
This course provides students with a general overview of Spanish history from the Middle Ages to the present through cinema. In order to understand contemporary Spanish society, the class focuses on important aspects of the country's history and analyzes each through a selection of films and historical texts. The aim of this course is not only to teach students how to analyze a film, but also to demonstrate how cinema can be both enjoyable and didactic, as it provides students with an increasing knowledge of Spanish culture and history.
Requirements: n/a
Language of Instruction: English or Spanish based on demand.
The Gothic in Literature
Paul Mitchell, PhD
3 US credits
This course explores the Gothic as an artistic and cultural phenomenon from its earliest development in eighteenth century literature to its contemporary manifestations in modern cinema. Apart from discussing key works of the Gothic imagination, students will also seek to understand this genre in terms of its philosophical, psychological and sociological dimensions. As students engage in a thorough analysis of each text or film, they are also encouraged to think critically about the Gothic in relation to the European/American cultures in which it has developed.
Requirements
Language of Instruction
Literatura española contemporánea
Prof. Mª del Puig Andrés, PhD
3 US credits
The main purpose of this course is to analyze recent Spanish culture through a selection of films and literary works. Students read excerpts or full novels, several short stories, and watch a number of films over the course of the semester. Works selected focus on the period of rapid social, economic, and political change in Spain between 1979 and the present day. Through the study of each literary work, students will gain valuable knowledge of critical issues and a deeper understanding of the complexities of Spanish culture.
Requirements: Spanish language.
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Social Justice (+ Learning Service Internship)
Beatriz Morera, PhD
3 US credits
This course introduces students to the study of social justice, attempting to link social theory, particularly the theories of Catholic social teaching, with social action and change. Students explore the diverse meanings and definitions of social justice while developing a critical understanding of key concepts and theories. Presented in relation to some of the most important social justice debates today, this course encourages students to apply their knowledge to a wide range of subject areas and social issues. As a key component of the course, students choose a relevant placement in a community service organization/NGO, complete a minimum of four hours of service per week, and engage in meaningful reflective practice with their peers.
Requirements: n/a.
Language of Instruction: English
*Medicine and Health in Literature and Film
Paul Mitchell, PhD
3 US credits
This course will challenge the traditional division between the humanities and science by exploring how medical and health-related issues are represented in a range of literary and filmic texts. Particular emphasis will be given to the cultural and social dimensions of health, as well as to two specific questions: What is health? What is illness? Each week, we will explore the experience of illness, disease, and disability from the perspective of both patients and medical practitioners in order to better understand the biological, economic, political, and aesthetic discourses that shape our understanding of physical and psychological well-being.
Requirements: none.
Language of Instruction: English