Menu
Tools
Listed in: Spanish, as SPAN-210
Carmen C. Granda (Section 01)
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This interdisciplinary course will explore the origins of the Camino de Santiago through the Middle Ages, and its recent transformation into a cultural phenomenon. It will be divided into several units that focus on art and architecture, religion, gastronomy, music, history, literature, philosophy, pop culture, and tourism. Major cities along the camino francés will act as cultural “stops” to complement these topics. Primary sources will include historical documents, excerpts from medieval literary texts, poetry, and contemporary travel narratives. Secondary critical readings, films, music, maps, and interviews with pilgrim-scholars will supplement primary sources. Other significant pilgrimage traditions beyond Spain will also be considered. Evaluation will be based on student discussion, research writing, and oral presentations. Although readings and films will be in both English and Spanish the course will be conducted in Spanish.
In the spring, SPAN210 will be taught online through video conferencing. Synchronous sessions will be communicative; most of class time will be focused on speaking through engaging collaborative activities. Asynchronous materials and activities will also be provided to facilitate in class learning. The course will use authentic texts, multimedia (films on Moodle, music, short videos, etc.). The instructor will provide all material. There is no travel component (overseas) for Spring 2021. The course will include several walks and pending the pandemic, will culminate in a one-day group hike on a local trail. For spring 2021, this course may be counted toward the Spanish Major. The class will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
Requisite: SPAN 202 or Spanish Placement Exam. Limited to 15 Amherst College students. Spring Semester. Lecturer Granda.
If Overenrolled: Priority given to Spanish majors