HISP 353 - Narrating the Past: History and Fiction in 19th- and 20th-century Spain

Semester Offered: Second Semester
Credits (Range): 3 hours
Attribute: 3HU, CD

Much to historians’ chagrin, most people prefer novels over history books. In fact, historical fiction has long played a crucial nation-building role. What is it about historical fiction that makes it so fascinating and popular? What is its precise relation to historiography? How does it reflect and help shape collective images of the past? These are among the questions we will address in the context of 19th- and 20th-century Spain, taking advantage of Oberlin’s own unique collection of Romantic historical novels. Taught in Spanish. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Instructor: S. Faber
Prerequisites & Notes
HISP 304 or equivalent