Spanish 335 - Seminar: Race and the Foundations of Europe
Sem: Race & Foundations Europe
Spring
2025
01
4.00
Ibtissam Bouachrine
TU TH 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Smith College
SPN-335-01-202503
Wright 002
ibouachr@smith.edu
Focusing on Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, this seminar provides students with distinct analytic tools to think critically and comparatively about race in European foundational narratives from the Muslim conquest of Iberia to the Enlightenment period. Using a variety of sources, the course explores the contextual and evolving meanings of categories including “black,” “white,” “Arab,” “Amazigh,” “European,” “African,” Jewish,” “Muslim,” “Christian” and “human.” Readings include historical chronicles, religious treatises, scientific texts and philosophical writings on race by Voltaire, Hume, Kant, Diderot, Spinoza, Juan de Mariana and Giambattista Vico. Students have access to works in the original language and in Spanish translation. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.
[CE] JR/SR only