OSU Alumni Association
2008 Spring Term
Spain Strand
Arabic Spain: 711 A.D. - 1492 A.D. and Beyond
Tuesday, April 1, 1:30
Guy Wood, OSU Professor and Acting Chair of Foreign Languages, will
discuss almost eight centuries of direct
Arabic influence in the Iberian Peninsula. After a brief historical
overview, he will consider the invasion of
Spain via the Straits of Gibraltar in 711 A.D., the formation of the
Caliphate of Cordoba, the "taifa" states such
as Seville, and the last bastion of Arabic influence: Granada. He will
include a series of slides that illustrate
this history and the lasting cultural impact of Moorish Spain on the
Spanish language and the arts today.
Host: David Eiseman
Spanish Art in the Late Medieval and Early Modern Era
Wednesday, April 9, 1:30
Nicole von Germeten, OSU Assistant Professor of History. By the 1600's,
the Spanish monarchs had become some of Europe's greatest art collectors
and sponsors. Ambitious building projects provided the settings for the
thousands of paintings collected by the Spanish kings. She will discuss
the various European and regional Iberian influences that formed a
distinctly Spanish artistic style, emphasizing the Counter Reformation
and Baroque painters
Host: David Eiseman
An Expatriat Mom in Barcelona Tuesday
April 15, 1:30
Kim Thackray, Corvallis, will share her experiences living in Barcelona,
Spain as a "trailing spouse" and mother of two small children. When her
husband, Mark, was asked to work at the Hewlett-Packard site near
Barcelona, the family started the adventure of a lifetime. Kim will
discuss the delights and challenges of these four-plus years, from
visiting the incredible museums to navigating the grocery stores. Photos
and mementos will enhance your understanding of this wonderful
opportunity.
Host: Lloyd Swanson
Spanish Art Music: The Mystique of Albéniz and De Falla
Thursday, April 24, 9:30
Mike Curtis, musician and composer. The music of Spain has an almost
identifiable mystique. The early 20th century composers Isaac Albéniz
and Manuel De Falla were able to capture that fragrant essence in their
timeless ballets and works for piano.
Host: David Eiseman
Barcelona and its Architecture at the Turn of the 20th Century
Tuesday, April 29, 1:30
Anuncia Escala, OSU Senior Instructor of Foreign Languages, will offer a
brief history of the culture and social movements that led Catalunya and
Barcelona to develop its modernist movement in architecture, including
Antonio Gaudi and other artists.
Host: David Eiseman
Growing up in Franco's Dictatorship and the Transition to Democracy
Tuesday, May 6, 1:30
Charo Hudspeth, from Spain and a Corvallis resident, will offer a
personal account of the 1970s and 80s in Spain, the last Franco decade
which initiated the transition to democracy. This inspired an array of
challenges that resulted in the transformation from a traditional,
Catholic country into a modern western secular society.
Host: David Eiseman
Spanish Poet: Garcia Lorca vs. Franco: Spanish Standoff
Tuesday, May 20, 1:30
Roger Weaver, OSU Professor Emeritus of Poetry, asks why lyric poets
threaten totalitarian regimes, resulting in their persecutions and
(often) deaths. What is it about the lyric which produces this reaction?
Roger will offer tentative answers and see how this phenomenon is not
unique to Spain.
Host: Keith Dunlap
A Taste of Spain
Wednesday, May 28, 4:00PM-6:00PM
Come and get a sensory flavor of the authentic foods and wines of Spain.
Carol Trueba and Linda Ahlvin, Corvallis, will offer us tapas from
Spain. Spanish Tortilla and Escalivada are two of several tapas we will
try, all served with Spanish red wines. Carol and Linda lived in
Barcelona with their families while their spouses were working at HP,
and they became connoisseurs of the Spanish lifestyle. They appreciate
good food and wine and will share with us their best experiences. Meet
at the First Alternative Co-op Community Room, 1007 SE 3rd St. (South
Store).
There is a $7 per person charge. (Submit Payment with Class
Registration) Enrollment is limited to 24.
Host: Lloyd Swanson
Travel in Spain: Highlights and Insights
Wednesday, June 4, 9:30
Mike Curtis returns to discuss his recent trips to various regions of
Spain. Through photos, he shares his
insights and appreciation of Spanish art, architecture, music, food, and
geography.
Host: David Eiseman