This course will look at the ways in which the arts have played a key role in the history of Barcelona and by extension, Catalonia. To understand the city and its inhabitants and their sensibility one needs to have some knowledge of history -- particularly 20th century history. To the Catalonian, Spain is to some degree an intellectual and political construct. With its own language, culture traditions and cuisine the Catalonian sees himself as distinct from the Castilian Spanish speaking population of Spain. As a culture that experienced considerable oppression -- especially during the Franco regime, Catalonians are eager to celebrate and preserve their distinct customs and traditions. This has become particularly important in recent years as the movement for Catalan independence has gained momentum. The course will meet several times on the Charles River Campus before travel to Barcelona.