This course introduces students to major developments of the Hispanic World from antiquity to the independence of the Spanish American colonies in the early 19th century. Discussions center on the relationship of major literary and artistic works to economic, political, religious, and social developments in the Iberian Peninsula and the Castilian colonies in the Americas. This course is normally the first in a sequence of two and is designed to prepare students for advanced-level culture and literature courses in the Spanish department. Oral presentations and research paper are required. Prerequisite: Spanish 301.