History on the Big Screen

Catalog description

This course examines Spain's history and culture through the analysis of historical films. The course begins with a brief introduction to the concept of History and a definition of historical cinema. After this introduction, the class will focus on some key historical periods of Spanish history such as the Conquest of America; the rise and decay of the Spanish Empire; the Spanish Civil War, Franco dictatorship, and the transition to democracy. In addition to introducing students to key moments and aspects of Spanish history and culture, this course invites students to think critically about History's objectivity and how historical events are often shaped to satisfy current political projects. Other underlying issues will be reflecting on whether film may be considered History or not.