Class Schedule for Fall 2022

The course moves chronologically beginning with the earliest known poems in Spain in the Middle Ages. It progresses through the latter part of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism until the end of the 19th century. Beginning with the Generation of '98 there is even more of a historical connection of the poems. After the Generation of '27, they are tied to the Spanish Civil War and then the various stages of the Franco regime. After Franco's death in 1975 the poetry is viewed more in terms of its social value, feminism, and other tendencies of current importance.

The Latin American part of the course begins at this point and we go back to pre-Columbian times to read some poems that illustrate philosophies and artistic values of the indigenous cultures. Then we move relatively fast through the colonial period stopping to look with more attention to Sor Juana Inés de La Cruz. After Modernism at the end of the 19th Century enters the picture, the rest of the term is spent looking at specific poets of major importance as well as various movements that are evident in specific countries, in most cases associated with the historical moment. Countries such as Chile and Argentina which went through difficult political periods are represented by poetry that illustrates their struggles. Feminist poems from various countries are studied, as well as poetry that represents environmental concerns.