COURSE SYLLABUS: GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY OF SPAIN

Location: Granada, Spain

Partner Institution: University of Granada

Course Title: Geography & History of Spain (Historia y geografía de España)

Session: Summer (CILYC)

Instruction in: Spanish

Contact Hours: 45 hours

Credits: 3 credits, 4 quarter units

Course Description

This course gives an understanding of Spain through the study of geography and history. The student will learn about the geography of Spain through studying the natural environment of the country, population, economic activities, and the distinct regions of Spain. The course also seeks to teach the political, economic, social and cultural events that are most significant for the recent past century. The class presents the most relevant aspects in the overall history of Spain, and then enters into the contemporary age. Special focus is given to the social movements and the aspects of the most important cultural manifestations of the Spanish 20th century.

Program

Geography of Spain:

• General introduction. Unity and diversity in the Iberian Peninsula; Spain in the European context. Spain and its relationship with America and North Africa.
• Physical characteristics: the land, climate, water, and natural vegetation.
• The Spanish regional divisions. Historical anecdotes. The constitution of 1978 and the definition of the “modelo autonómico”. The regional map of Spain.
• Atlantic Spain. Galicia. Asturias, Cantabria. Pais Vasco.
• The Valle del Ebro. Comunidad Foral de Navarra. La Rioja. Comunidad de Aragón.
• Mediterranean Spain. Cataluña. Comunidad Valenciana. Región de Murcia.
• La Meseta. Comunidad de Castilla-León. Comunidad de Castilla-La Mancha.
• Extremadura. Comunidad de Madrid.
• Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía. Physical characteristics, the population, economic activities, unity and regional diversity.
• Insular Spain. Islas Baleares. Comunidad de Canarias.
• Cities with special status: Ceuta and Melilla.

History of Spain:

• Introduction to the History of Spain. Brief chronologic view of the general history of Spain.
• Alfonso XIII and the Monarchy Crisis (1902 – 1931). The basis of the parliamentary system (caciquismo, parties and regionalism). Regime problems: regionalism, social questions, Morocco. The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-30). The Generation of 98 and Zarzuela.
• The Second Republic (1931-1936). Political, economic, and social bases. The reform (1931-33). The governments of the center-right (1933-1936). The Popular Front (1936). The Generation of 27 and the vanguard movements.
• The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The coup d’etat. The military situation and foreign intervention. The political evolution of the two sides. Consequences and balances of the Civil War. Film as an instrument of political propaganda.
• General Franco’s Spain (I) (1939-1951). The post-war. The creation of the national state: its laws and doctrine. The National Catholic School. Film and radio. Censorship. The birth of NODO.
• General Franco’s Spain (II) (1951-1975). The first opening phase. The development plans: social change, economic impulse, and political problems. The importance of tourism. Catholic culture and the culture of secularization and consumerism. University protests and protest songs. Television and the arrival of essay cinema (cine de ensayo).
• The political transition: the New Spain; political reform; the first democratic elections. The constitution of 1978. “La Movida” and Generation X: postmodern Spain.

At the professor’s discretion, films on pertinent topics of discussion may be viewed in class.

Activities

The first part of class is normally dedicated to introducing and presenting the topic of discussion. The final part is to complete practical activities that facilitate understanding and will complement the professor’s lecture.

Classes are based on a mix of theory with student participation. Class participation comes from discussion of previous assigned readings.

The course will utilize audiovisual mediums such as documentaries, music from the time period, films, etc. to complement discussions.

Course Evaluation

The final course grade is determined by:

• 25% of the final grade is based on the attention, participation, and attendance of the student. This is intended to motivate the student to think, form opinions, and discuss their ideas with their classmates and the professor, and also use and practice their Spanish.

• Another 25% is from the correction and evaluation of written exercises, lectures, and activities realized in class.

• The remaining 50% is from the results of a final written exam.

Bibliography

Spanish Geography:

• MÉNDEZ, R. Y MOLINERO, F., Geografía de España, Barcelona, Ariel, 1993.
• TERÁN, M. de y otros, Geografía General de España, Barcelona, Arie l, 1986.
• TERÁN, M. de y otros, Geografía Regional de España, Barcelona, Ariel, 1988.
• BIELZA DE ORY, V., Territorio y Sociedad en España, Madrid, Taurus, 1989, 2 vols.
• VARIOS AUTORES, Geografía de España, Barcelona, Planeta, 1992, 10 vols.
• CANO PÉREZ, G. y otros, Geografía de Andalucía, Sevilla, Tartessos, 1991, 7 vols.

Spanish History:

• ARTOLA, M., Historia de España, Madrid, Historia 16, 1990
• DOMÍNGUEZ ORTIZ, A., España. tres milenios de historia, Madrid, Marcial Pons, 2001
• TUÑON DE LARA, M., Historia de España, Madrid, Istmo, 1989
• GAY ARMENTEROS, 1, La España del s,~/o XX, Madrid, edi6, S.A., 1986
• CARR, R., PRESTON, P., GARCÍA DELGADO, J.L., La época franquista, Vol. XL de la Historia de España dirigida por José María Jover, Madrid, Espasa Calpe, 1996.

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