The Travels of El licenciado Vidriera: Exploring Cervantes' Spain

Course Description

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the pages of literary history with our captivating online course, "The Travels of El licenciado Vidriera: Exploring Cervantes' Spain." This immersive experience will transport you to the Golden Age of Spain, where you'll follow in the footsteps of Cervantes' iconic character, El licenciado Vidriera, as we recreate his unforgettable travels.

Dive deep into the heated debate between "arms and letters" that ignited passions during this era, and explore the evolution of landscapes, cities, people, and professions over the past four centuries. Uncover the anachronisms and enduring moral teachings hidden within these timeless stories as we traverse the countries Cervantes visited 400 years ago.

What students will learn from the course:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of Golden Age Spain
• Explore Cervantes' life and travels through the character of El licenciado Vidriera
• Discover the culture, politics, economy, and society of 16th and 17th century Europe
• Compare historical locations with their present-day counterparts
• Study university life and professional occupations of the era, including teachers, students, doctors, judges, and popular trades

Pre-requisite or skills necessary to complete the course:

None. This course is designed for beginners and requires no prior knowledge or skills.

What the course will cover:

• The three fundamental stages of the novel, representing the protagonist's mental states and name transformations
• The geographical journey through Salamanca, Italy, Spain, and Flanders
• The cultivation of letters in Salamanca
• The dolce far niente (sweet idleness) in Italy
• The protagonist's descent into madness upon returning to his homeland
• The pursuit of glory through arms in Flanders
• The evolution of landscapes, cities, people, and professions over time
• Anachronisms and enduring moral teachings in Cervantes' works

Who this course is for:

This course is perfect for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Spain's Golden Age. Whether you're a student, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about Cervantes and his world, this course offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating period of literary and historical significance.

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

• Enhance critical thinking and analysis skills by examining historical texts and contexts
• Develop a deeper appreciation for literature and its connection to societal changes
• Improve cross-cultural understanding by comparing historical and contemporary perspectives
• Sharpen debating skills through engaging discussions on the course topics
• Apply historical insights to better understand current social, political, and cultural issues
• Cultivate a more nuanced approach to interpreting literary works and their cultural significance

Syllabus:

While a detailed syllabus is not provided in the course description, the course structure appears to follow the protagonist's journey through three main stages:

1. The student years of Tomás Rodaja in Salamanca
2. The mysterious madness of El licenciado Vidriera in Italy and upon return to Spain
3. The return to sanity as Tomás Rueda and his pursuit of arms in Flanders

Each stage likely includes explorations of the geographical, cultural, and historical contexts relevant to the character's experiences, as well as discussions on the deeper themes and moral teachings present in Cervantes' work.