The Spain of Don Quixote from edX

This MOOC focuses on Spanish history between the Renaissance and Baroque periods—a time when the Spanish culture set the tone in the Western world.

The monarchy of this Spain created the first global empire of History. The greatest literary works of this period, including La Celestina, Lazarillo de Tormes, were immediately translated in the first European and American printing houses. Spanish fashion was the trendiest at the Courts of Early Modern Europe. Spanish military and political treaties set the standard for political machinations of the era.

In this period—between the 16th and 17th centuries—, Spain’s society achieved excellence in Arts and Literature. Exceptional and talented people such as Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Velázquez, were drawn to Madrid. Literary academies, theatre productions and celebrations flourished in other big cities of the Empire as Seville, Lisbon, Barcelona, Naples, Mexico, and Lima. A synthesis of nations united for the loyalty to the Crown and the Catholic faith. In our tour through the Spain of Don Quixote, we will discuss the relationship between fantastic to real geography. Society was polarized between the privileged—nobility and clergy—and the poor and rogues. Humanism was cultivated in universities. Family, food, housing, games, and celebrations played a part in everyday life.

In times of Don Quixote, the lights of Literature and Art geniuses shined upon the shadows of the Inquisition. Let’s travel to this sublime culture of Spanish Golden Age.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Spanish golden age history, with don quixote as common thread
Everyday life in the 16th and 17th centuries through society and culture

Don quixote’s period of time as if you lived then, through written and visual sources
How values of the spain of don quixote have evolved over the history

Spanish golden age history, with don quixote as common thread
Everyday life in the 16th and 17th centuries through society and culture
Don quixote’s period of time as if you lived then, through written and visual sources
How values of the spain of don quixote have evolved over the history

Syllabus

Introduction: Time and Space

Everyday Life

Economy and Society

Policy, Religion and Inquisition

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

The subject matter is highly relevant to academics who study the history of the arts, literature, and society of the 16th and 17th centuries

Instructors in this course are recognized for their work in Spanish history and Spanish literature

Provides a foundation for learners who wish to understand the history of the arts, literature, and society of the 16th and 17th centuries

This course is taught by professors at a university which is recognized for its work in Spanish history and Spanish literature

Offers a study of the history of the arts, literature, and society of the 16th and 17th centuries

Provides a foundation for learners who wish to understand the historical events and figures of the 16th and 17th centuries

Reviews summary

Exploring spain's golden age through don quixote

According to learners, this course offers a fascinating deep dive into the Spanish Golden Age, using Cervantes' Don Quixote as a brilliant common thread. Students frequently praise the instructor's knowledge and passion, which helps bring the historical period, society, and culture to life. While some find the lecture format dense at times, the rich content on everyday life, politics, religion, literature, and art is widely appreciated as comprehensive and insightful, offering a solid understanding of 16th and 17th-century Spain.

Excellent look at daily life and arts.

"The course did a great job covering the everyday life, customs, and social structure of the time..."

"I particularly enjoyed the modules on literature and fine arts, they were very insightful..."

"Learning about the food, games, and celebrations of the Golden Age was fascinating."

Using novel to frame historical context.

"Using Don Quixote as a narrative thread was a brilliant way to connect the history and culture..."

"I appreciated how the course wove in references to the novel to illustrate points about the era..."

"The integration of Don Quixote made the historical information more relatable and engaging..."

"Such a clever approach to explore the society through the lens of this iconic work."

Deep dive into Golden Age Spain.

"This course provides a wonderful overview of 16th and 17th century Spain, covering society, culture, art, and literature..."

"I learned so much about the historical context of Don Quixote and the fascinating daily life of the time..."

"The content is incredibly rich and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the Golden Age..."

"An excellent exploration of a pivotal period in Spanish history and its cultural achievements."

Professor is knowledgeable and passionate.

"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, making the lectures engaging and informative..."

"The professor's expertise shines through, offering deep insights into the period..."

"I loved the professor's enthusiasm! It made learning about this era truly captivating."

"His lectures were clear, concise, and full of interesting details about Golden Age Spain."

Content is very dense in parts.

"Some sections felt quite dense, requiring multiple rewatches of the lectures to fully grasp the information..."

"While the content is rich, it can be a bit overwhelming due to the sheer amount of detail presented..."

"I found the lectures packed with information, sometimes wishing for a slightly slower pace or more segmented topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Spain of Don Quixote with these activities:

Review basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary

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Reviewing basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary will help you to better understand the course materials.

Browse courses on Spanish Grammar

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Review your notes from previous Spanish courses.
Use a Spanish grammar book or online resource.
Practice speaking and listening to Spanish.

Review key concepts of the Spanish Golden Age

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Refresh your knowledge of the key concepts and events of the Spanish Golden Age in order to better understand the context of the course materials.

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Review your notes from previous courses or textbooks on Spanish history.
Read articles and books about the Spanish Golden Age.
Watch documentaries or videos about the period.

Explore the Prado Museum's online collection

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The Prado Museum has a vast online collection of paintings and sculptures from the Spanish Golden Age. Exploring this collection will give you a visual understanding of the period's art and culture.

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Visit the Prado Museum's website.
Browse the online collection.
Select a few paintings or sculptures that interest you.
Read the descriptions and learn about the context of the works.

Six other activities

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Attend a workshop on Spanish Golden Age literature

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Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts and to engage with other students who are interested in the Spanish Golden Age.

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Find a workshop on Spanish Golden Age literature.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.

Read Don Quixote

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Reading Don Quixote will provide you with a deep understanding of the values and society of the Spanish Golden Age.

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Obtain a copy of Don Quixote.
Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on the characters, plot, and themes.

Join a study group

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Discussing the course material with other students will help you to deepen your understanding and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Practice translating Spanish Golden Age texts

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Practicing translation will help you to develop your comprehension and fluency in Spanish.

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Find a Spanish Golden Age text.
Translate the text into English.
Check your translation against a reliable source.

Write an essay on a topic related to the Spanish Golden Age

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Writing an essay will help you to synthesize your knowledge of the Spanish Golden Age and to develop your critical thinking skills.

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Choose a topic for your essay.
Research your topic.
Write an outline for your essay.
Write a draft of your essay.
Revise and edit your essay.

Contribute to a Wikipedia article on the Spanish Golden Age

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Contributing to Wikipedia will help you to deepen your understanding of the Spanish Golden Age and to share your knowledge with others.

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Find a Wikipedia article on the Spanish Golden Age.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Write and submit your contribution.

Career center

Learners who complete The Spain of Don Quixote will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. The Spain of Don Quixote provides a thorough examination of Spanish history during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, which could prove invaluable for Historians specializing in Spain or Early Modern Europe.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the cultural practices and beliefs of different societies. The Spain of Don Quixote provides an in-depth look at Spanish society and culture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. This course can be particularly beneficial for Cultural Anthropologists who specialize in European or Spanish culture, offering them valuable insights into the historical roots of cultural practices.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions and collections. The Spain of Don Quixote offers a comprehensive examination of Spanish art and culture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. This course can be particularly relevant for Museum Curators who specialize in Spanish art or history, providing them with a deep understanding of the subject matter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent their country's interests abroad. The Spain of Don Quixote course provides a deep understanding of Spanish history, culture, and society, which can be invaluable for Foreign Service Officers posted to Spain or working on Spanish affairs.

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Art historian

Art Historians research, analyze, and interpret art and its history. The Spain of Don Quixote delves into the history of art in Spain during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. This course can be particularly beneficial for Art Historians who specialize in Spanish art, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. The Spain of Don Quixote course can be particularly valuable for Professors specializing in Spanish history or literature, providing them with a comprehensive overview of the period and its cultural significance.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. The Spain of Don Quixote course can aid Librarians specializing in Spanish literature or history by enhancing their knowledge of the subject matter, enabling them to better assist researchers and patrons.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and implement educational programs and materials for museums and other cultural institutions. The Spain of Don Quixote course can help Museum Educators who focus on Spanish art or history gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, allowing them to create more engaging and informative programs for visitors.

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Curator

Curators develop and implement exhibitions and programs that engage the public with art, history, or science. The Spain of Don Quixote course may aid Curators who specialize in Spanish art or history by providing deep insights into the cultural and historical context of their work.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. The Spain of Don Quixote course can be beneficial for Teachers specializing in history or culture, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of Spanish history and culture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. The Spain of Don Quixote course can be beneficial for Writers specializing in historical fiction or non-fiction, as it provides a rich understanding of Spanish history and culture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news and current events. The Spain of Don Quixote course can provide Journalists specializing in history or culture with a solid understanding of a significant period in Spanish history, helping them produce informed and engaging content.

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Archivist

Archivists organize, describe, and preserve historical documents, thereby making priceless information accessible to scholars, researchers, and other interested parties. This course, focusing on the history of Renaissance and Baroque Spain, can help build the foundation of historical knowledge required to excel as an Archivist.

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Travel Guide

Travel Guides lead tours and provide information about historical sites and attractions. The Spain of Don Quixote course may be helpful for Travel Guides specializing in Spanish history or culture, as it offers a deep dive into the history, art, and society of the period.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research in various fields to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. The Spain of Don Quixote course may be useful for Researchers specializing in Spanish history, literature, or culture, as it provides a thorough examination of the period and its cultural context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher