Spanish 3/4: Lorca, Dalí and Buñuel: El arte en tiempos de conflicto

What is the course about?

Explora las vidas de estas tres grandes figuras del arte y la cultura española. Descubre la estrecha amistad que los unió en su juventud, reflejada a menudo en su arte y los diferentes caminos que siguieron en sus vidas personales, arte e ideología política al estallar la guerra civil.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

The course will focus on the relationship between the three artists and on how they influenced each other's work. We will look at the beginnings of their friendship during their student days at the intellectually stimulating Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid. We will analyse how the close relationship Dalí had with both Lorca and Buñuel helped shape their artistic personalities and produce some extremely original work. We will also look into the increasing hostility of Buñuel towards Lorca. We will explore the development of the three men's political views and the different ways in which they reacted to the volatile atmosphere of 1930s Spain. Finally, we will consider how Lorca's death affected Dalí and Buñuel and their different attitudes towards Franco's Spain.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Have a better understanding of the lives and works of Lorca, Dalí and Buñuel
- Critically analyse how the Civil War affected the three artists.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable if you have a high-intermediate level of Spanish (if you have completed 4 or 5 years of Spanish).

For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide or at http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level.
It is also essential that you have knowledge of more complex grammar terminology such as: conditional, indirect and direct pronouns, hypothetical sentences, subjunctive, subordinate clauses and more complex conjunctions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course is based on the tutor’s own resources.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other Spanish advanced courses or workshops. Please email languages@citylit.ac.uk for advice.