Center: 
Madrid
Discipline(s): 
History
Course code: 
HS 332
Terms offered: 
Fall
Spring
Credits: 
3
Language of instruction: 
Spanish
Instructor: 
IES Abroad Madrid Faculty
Description: 

Survey of contemporary Spain, its structural transformations, political evolution, and changes in its international position. Emphasis on the most important features of social history and recent social change. Comparisons will be drawn between Spain and other European countries.

Prerequisites: 

None

Method of presentation: 

Lecture and discussion

Required work and form of assessment: 

 Regular attendance and active class participation (20%); annotated bibliography of required and selected recommended reading (10%); detailed analysis of one or more selections from the list of recommended reading (20%); mid-term exam (20%); final exam (30%).

content: 

1. 1898-1998: The transformation of Spain in the 20th century.
The century of “Disaster” or of satisfaction?; abandoning the paradigm of failure in recent history

2. Spain in 1900
The weak economy; “Caciquismo” and regeneration; rise of anti-establishment forces; disaster of 1898 and international isolation.

3. The agony of the Restoration
The weaknesses of the Free State; impact of World War I and the crisis of 1917; Moroccan question;
dictatorship of the First Rivera.

4. The first attempt at democracy in the 20th century: The Second Republic: 1931-36
Reforms; teaching and culture; Church and State; regional problems; social problems.

5. Civil War  and Revolution (1936-1939)
The victory of the Popular Front;  colonial troops against the popular militia; international reaction and foreign intervention; religious persecution and the crusade against Communism; the end of the war:
exile and repression.

6. The consolidation of the Franco dictatorship  (1939-1959) Spain and WWII; international isolation

7. Franco and modernization (1960-1975)
The economic rise; new Spanish society; social and opposition politics; the fall of Franquismo

8. The transition to democracy (1975-1981)
The reform process; the constitution of 1978; social aspects; the autonomies

9. Democratic Spain
The socialists in power (1982-1996); the integration in CEE and OTAN; the new system of political parties; economic and social problems

10. The modernization of Spanish society
Changes in the Spanish economy; political economics, from the autarchy to international stage;
structural changes in productivity; population changes; social behavior and cultural changes.

Required readings: 

Paredes, J. (Coord.): Historia Contemporánea de España (Siglo XX), Barcelona, Ariel Historia, 2004 , 4ª Edición ampliada.