This topic examines key aspects of contemporary Spanish society through the analysis of films and/or texts. The films and literary texts will form the basis for the study of a particular historical or cultural period such as the Republic and the Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, transition to democracy and today's Spain.
The films and literary texts provide an excellent medium for the analysis of 20th and 21st Century Spain as they serve both as an artistic expression and as a historical document. They are also an excellent source of information about the customs, values and attitudes of Spanish society. In addition, the topic will examine the close relationship that exists between Spanish literature and cinema as some of the films are movie adaptations of important 20th Century Spanish literary works.
The choice of examining films, literary texts or a combination will vary form year to year. Authors and film-makers who may be covered in this topic include, García Lorca, Miguel Delibes, Martí Gaite, Rosa Montero, Carlos Saura, Mario Camus, Pedro Almodóvar and Icíar Bollaín.
Teaching will be based on lectures and, above all, on tutorials, in which students are expected to participate actively by discussing the films and literary texts.