Castilian is one of the Romance Languages derived from Latin. But how did this local dialect become one of the most-spoken languages in the world?

One of the key moments in the growth of Castilian was the reign of one of Iberia’s greatest kings — Alfonso X, “The Wise,” who ruled in Castile from 1252-1284. This course will study the literary, musical, historical, legal, and artistic production in his court that “created” Castilian as a written language of prose expression (in place of Latin). We will learn about Alfonso’s poetry and songs, his translations of scientific and astronomical knowledge, his legal writing, and his historiographical work. Students will also gain experience working with manuscripts of Alfonso’s many works. Readings will include the General Estoria, Setenario, Cantigas de Santa María, Lapidario, Picatrix, and others.

This course counts as literature credit toward the Spanish minor.

Intended Audience:

All discussion and most readings will be in Spanish.

Class Format:

Most readings and discussion will be in Spanish, with some texts assigned in English translation. Most readings and discussion will be in Spanish, with some texts assigned in English translation. No knowledge of languages besides Spanish and English is expected.