The Spain of Don Quixote: Literature and History in the Golden Age

Step back in time to an era of literary brilliance, social upheaval, and imperial transition. This course invites you to explore the rich historical and cultural backdrop of Golden Age Spain as depicted in Miguel de Cervantes' iconic novel, Don Quixote. By analyzing the text alongside historical contexts, you will uncover the realities of daily life, class struggles, religious tensions, and the artistic triumphs that defined this pivotal epoch. What you'll learn: Understand the historical, political, and cultural landscape of Spain's Golden Age; Analyze how Don Quixote reflects and critiques the social structures, chivalric myths, and religious atmosphere of its time; Explore the literary techniques, narrative innovations, and enduring influence of Miguel de Cervantes; Examine the daily realities of diverse social groups in early modern Spain, from nobility to marginalized communities; Trace the transition from medieval ideals to modern perspectives as captured in the text. You will begin with foundational historical concepts and key literary terminology of the early modern period, before moving into a thematic reading of key chapters and modern critical perspectives on the text. This course is designed for beginners, history buffs, and literature lovers alike, with no prior knowledge of Spanish history or literature required. Start your journey into the world of Cervantes and discover how a single novel captured the soul of an empire.