SPAN 0493
Hispanic Spiritual Poetry
Hispanic Spiritual Poetry
In this course we will read Hispanic Catholic spiritual poetry from medieval Spain to the 20th century. St. Thérèse of Lisieux describes spiritual poetry as a “surge of the heart” toward God through praise, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession; however, we will explore how contemporary poets multiply these modalities. We will begin with the psalms, since Christian spiritual poetry often recalls/rewrites Hebrew religious hymns. Students will be introduced to the practice of lectio divina before engaging folk ballads (romances), Golden Age poetry, and modern examples. Authors may include Gonzalo de Berceo, San Juan de la Cruz, Fray Luis de Leon, Santa Teresa de Avila, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Gabriela Mistral, Ernesto Cardenal, and Jorge Eduardo Eielson.
In this course we will read Hispanic Catholic spiritual poetry from medieval Spain to the 20th century. St. Thérèse of Lisieux describes spiritual poetry as a “surge of the heart” toward God through praise, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession; however, we will explore how contemporary poets multiply these modalities. We will begin with the psalms, since Christian spiritual poetry often recalls/rewrites Hebrew religious hymns. Students will be introduced to the practice of lectio divina before engaging folk ballads (romances), Golden Age poetry, and modern examples. Authors may include Gonzalo de Berceo, San Juan de la Cruz, Fray Luis de Leon, Santa Teresa de Avila, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Gabriela Mistral, Ernesto Cardenal, and Jorge Eduardo Eielson.