SYLLABUS
Golden Age Spanish Theatre
SPAN 5203Dr. PierinaBeckman
Golden Age Spanish TheatreOffice 403D
Fall semesterPhone:(940)565-2388
e-mail:
Disability Accommodation:
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
Student Behavior in the Classroom:
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at
Required text: Diez Comedias del Siglo de Oro
Edited by José Martel and Hymen Alpern
Second Edition
Suggested Readings: An Introduction to Golden Age Drama in Spain
by Sturgis E. Leavitt
Historia del Teatro Español
by Francisco Ruiz Ramón
Course objectives:
- Understand the historical context for the author and his/her epoch.
- Interpret symbolic literature.
- Understand, appreciate and interpret Spanish literature.
- Consider and discuss intellectual concepts (in Spanish).
- Enhance preparation for M.A. comprehensive exams
Every class period we will discuss the contents and meaning of the play assigned as well as critics’ and students’ opinions. The professor will also provide some background on each of the playwrights and their literary period, and will present relevant materials in class as needed.
There will two exams including the final exam, plus a short presentation and a paper. Further explanation regarding the presentation and the paper will be provided in class.
Grading:
First exam 100 points
Second exam 100 points
Final exam100 points
Paper50 points
90% or higher = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
59% or lower = F.
There will be no make-up exams given at any time, unless a written medical excuse or an official University activity excuse is provided. Family and/or social engagements are not considered valid excuses.
Attendance and participation:
Attendance and participation in class are required. Students are expected to read the plays on their own. The professor will lecture in class, so that students may take notes to prepare for their exams. It is important to notice that without the information that is provided by the professor, students most likely will not do well in their exams. Reading the plays alone will not be sufficient. Therefore, attendance and participation are crucial.
Office Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., also by appointment.
Students can also contact me any time by e-mail
Make Up:
There will be no make-up exams given at any time, unless a written medical excuse or an official University activity excuse is provided. Family and/or social engagements are not considered valid excuses.
Course/Professor Evaluation:
The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) is a requirement for all organized classes at UNT. This short survey will be made available to you at the end of the semester, providing you a chance to comment on how this class is taught. I am very interested in the feedback I get from students, as I work to continually improve my teaching. I consider the SETE to be an important part of your participation in this class.
Tentativeschedule:
Class meets on Tuesdaysand Thursdays
3:30 – 4:50 p.m.
Week 1:Introduction to the course
Week 2:Background
El Auto de los Reyes Magos
Week 3:La Generación de los Reyes Católicos
Theatre during the Golden Age Period
Week 4:TeatroFemenino:
Angela de Azevedo
Ana Caro de Mallén
Leonor de la Cueva y Silva
Feliciana Enríquez de Guzmán
María de Zayas y Sotomayor
Week 5:Miguel de Cervantes
La Numancia
Week 6:Exam 1
Week 7:Lope de Vega
Fuenteovejuna
Week 8:Juan Ruiz de Alarcón
La verdad sospechosa
Week 9:Tirso de Molina
El Burlador de Sevilla
Week 10:Exam 2
Week 11:Calderón de la Barca
La vida es sueño
Week 12:Rojas Zorrilla
Del rey abajo, ninguno
El martes, antes del día de Acción de Gracias, los trabajos de investigación
deberán ser entregados
Week 13:Agustín Moreto y Cabaña
El desdén con el desdén
Week 14:La Estrella de Sevilla
Thanksgiving: Nov. 27, 2014
Week 15: Presentations
Presentations
Week 16:Final exam
I look forward to working with you.