History of the Spanish Language

Catalog description

Focus is on the evolution of the Spanish language from its earliest Latin roots to its modern forms, placing it in dialogue with other Iberian Romance vernaculars. Students will explore how historical, social, and political forces - from early contact with Arabic to the rise of Castilian as a state language - shaped the development of Spanish over time. Through close analysis of primary texts and engagement with key secondary scholarship, we will investigate sound changes, shifts in grammar and vocabulary, and the emergence of literary registers. No prior background in linguistics is required. Taught in English.