Time Schedule:
Suzanne Helen Petersen
SPAN 304
Seattle Campus
Masterpieces of Spanish literature from origins to 1498. Prerequisite: either SPAN 301, 310 or SPAN 314.
Class description
Study of the major works and representative authors of the principal literary forms of the Spanish Middle Ages: Narrative verse: Poema de Mío Cid (epic), Romancero Tradicional (ballad), Berceo's Milagros de Nuestra Señora and Juan Ruiz's Libro de buen amor; Traditional and learned lyric poetry: Villancicos, Santillana, Manrique; Prose: Alfonso X (historiography), Don Juan Manuel's El conde Lucanor and Fernando de Rojas' Celestina.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion. We read the early texts in modernized Spanish or dual editions. A copy of all major works in English translation is on reserve (OUGL) and may supplement, but not replace reading the works in Spanish. Class is conducted in Spanish. Papers are researched and written in Spanish. Exams may be written primarily in English (unless take home), but on each exam at least one essay must be in Spanish. See website for other guidelines.
Recommended preparation
Same as required for all 300-level literature/culture courses.
Class assignments and grading
Primary readings (initially quite short, progressively longer)for each class period. Some background reading during the 1st week, and 3-5 short critical essays thereafter.
4 typed one-page commentaries (20%), 1 four page paper (20%, 1 mid-term (20%), 1 final (20%), preparation and participation (20%).
