Being a teacher, I think you would have a hard time getting away with showing an Almodovar film in an American high school. Almost all of the ones I have seen are rated R and Tie me up! Tie Me Down! is an NC-17. Although I agree that would be a good way to start/end a course I think you may have some problems with parents/administrators. Also you need to keep in mind that all high school seniors aren't 18 or even 17. I had a late birthday and was 16 when my senior year started.

There is no problem showing Almodovar's films...it is a VERY liberal school and I can really choose just about anything. I know this group has already seen (and liked) Mujeres...
I don't want to show any American films dubbed in Spanish...Not authentic! I am grateful for your ideas. Thanks.

I'm currently reading "The New Spaniards" by John Hooper as mentioned above. It was stolen from my public library so I ordered it from Amazon for $12.

Good book and lots of detail. I especially enjoyed the section on the Spanish royal family. Juan Carlos is and interesting man.

I second (or is third) the Hooper book The New Spaniards. Sorry there doesn't seem to be a Spanish version.

I taught in public schools for five years and although I personally do not watch those films that are rated "R", I did screen "Women on the Verge..." for my AP students during the final sememster of school. I ran the permission slip, got administrative approval with my supporting explanation, and they bought into it. The end result was a class of Spanish students who FINALLY were able to see a movie, in Spanish, that was well-made, hilarious, and gave them a different perspective on Spain.

We had discussions on what was and wasn't appropriate for Spaniards under Franco (absolutely no pornography on the streets vs. today's glut of it), and the film provided a springboard into numerous other topics. That is probably Almodóvar's tamest offering to date (language and innuendo, but little nudity other than Carmen Maura in a see-through bra).

Additionally, we got into the philosophy of whether Spain is better off today with all of its "freedom" vs. the rigid rule of Franco. (That's not the topic of my thread, and reread this: I made NO comment as to when they were better off...so don't even go there!! )

I also agree that "contemporary Spain" has its roots in the intellectual renaissance brought on by the "Generación del '98". You can easily segue into Camilo José Cela, etc. (watch your langauge Don José...) and others who were influenced by those of '98. This also provides you with a multitude of "texts" from which to draw, as Lorca, Unamuno, and others produced some of the greatest novellas, poetry and thoughts, period.

I envy you...I envy your great opportunity...and none of us will ever talk to you again if you don't post your syllabus for all to see and enjoy!!

¡Te deseamos un mogullón de suerte en esta aventura!

I am getting very excited about the course and it is still a few months away. I ordered a copy of Ella baila sola, and one of the latest from La oreja de Van Gogh. I also orded a copy of Raymond Carr's book. I saw it for a great price on half.com
Nevado, if you have found that syllubus yet..I would love to look at it for some ideas. Thanks so much for the offer! Also,Madridman, I received the video today...and I am REALLY looking forward to seeing it. THANKS and a special thank you for the little surprise you sent with it! Thanks to everyone for your ideas and good wishes.

well everyone, we are now into the semester a bit so I decided to let you all know how things are doing...

I am having a blast! ( As I expected...how could I not, being able to focus on Spain and all things Spanish every day )

I gave them a quiz to see how much they already knew on the first day of classes. Of course I didn't grade the quiz. It was good to see what I was starting with. I then gave an intro to the geography and early history of the country and its people. They seemed to enjoy that a lot.

We, of course, are listening to music every day! Today was Ana Belen singing the poetry of García Lorca.

We started speaking about the Spanish society and the land hierarchy ...and we viewed the film " El abuelo" Excellent choice!! It was a great background piece. Fernán Gómez is great in this film. The students really were able to have a good discussion on the value of "la honra".

I then got into the history surrounding the Civil War. I had a friend of mine ( a history teacher who is very well versed on the Asturian miners protest of the Civil War.) come in to really give them a good basis.

We just finished seeing "Ay Carmela" this week and it was also well received. Having a good background on the war really helped them understand the emotional outbursts by Carmela ( Carmen Maura).

And now, I am moving on to Federico García Lorca I adore Lorca! We will be reading some poetry from "Romancero gitano", and then "La casa de Bernarda Alba." We will even get to see the play here in NY a Repertorio Español . They always do wonderful productions.

Sorry to go on and on; but I wanted to just let everyone know that things are going very well and Muchas gracias por vuestras ideas y opiniones...

I'm glad that all is working out for you, and although I could never teach a class as the one that you are doing for lack of interest in culture and history, to each his own. The main thing is that you stimulate the students and keep their interest and it seems that you are doing that well. I made chicken fajitas and quesadillas in my class and the kids loved it. Food is something else that you can introduce to your class. I had everyone bring something and I made the food right there.

Keep posting and letting us know how it goes.

Shawn

SO glad to hear all is going well!!! That's great news. Just wait 'til you get them addicted to Eserejé , the Las Ketchup song!! hehehe.. Please keep us posted!

Saludos, MadridMan

marilena,
You sound like the kind of teacher we all wished we had been lucky enough to get! Sounds as if you are instilling a tremendous love of Spain, its culture, history and language in your students. Good for you!

your class sounds wonderful!
I took a class on Modern Spanish History in college, and another on the Literature of the Civil War. They were fantastic, and really gave me a good grasp on Spanish life when i decided to study abroad in Sevilla.
Have you seen the movie Bienvenido Mr. Marshall? I thought that one was fantastic!