Power and Passions: Barcelona through the Lens of History

About

How did citizens work? What was the place of masters and apprentices within guilds? Who was in charge to supply wheat, meat or fish to town? Who was authorized to sell bread, vegetables and fruits? Were families organized in a strict or flexible way? What was happening if a wife was unloyal to her husband and vice versa? Which were the most popular parties and celebrations? Were Jews and Muslims religious ceremonies public and welcome? Who was allowed to prepare medicines? Drugs, tobacco, coffee, chocolate, were easily available or forbidden? Was it easy to play cards and other games? Even though Barcelona citizens were submitted to many legal, social and religious rules, did they manage to enjoy life?

In order to better understand history, we may make a double comparison: on one side, we may compare what happened 400 or 500 years ago with present times; on another side, we may compare Barcelona with other European towns.

The course will be based on some readings, a lot of in-class discussion and a visit at the permanent exhibition of the Born Cultural and Memory Center, close to the UPF.

Course leader

Cornel Rodenbusch

Target group

2nd, 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students

Fee info