One of the most tragic and decisive events of Spain's contemporary history was its Civil War, between 1936 and 1939. This course will consider the circumstances that led to the civil unrest, and the short-term and long-term consequences of the war; in addition, we will try to delve into the complex and contradictory situations which Spain had to endure once it had been fractured socially, culturally, and ideologically, as well as the international context of the period preceding World War II. The course will incorporate cinematic documentary, as well as a selection of diverse historical texts, journalism from foreign newspapers of the period, and a selection of web-based readings of recognized historiographic merit.

Required text : 1) Julián Casanova, República y Guerra Civil. Barcelona: Crítica/Marcial Pons, 2007; 2) Material in electronic form, to be made available to students upon arrival.