Led by Carmen Herrero, Reader in Hispanic Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University
This course will examine the dynamic and intricate representations of motherhood in Spanish film. It will explore motherhood not only as a personal journey but also as a social and political institution, delving into the narratives surrounding the experience of being a mother. It will also look at the complex and multifaceted portrayals of women making the choice to become mothers or to remain childfree. The course will examine how Spanish filmmakers address the themes of reproductive rights, societal expectations, personal autonomy, and the diverse experiences of women in their journey towards or away from motherhood.
The evolving representations of mothers and the complexities of mothering are linked to the broader socio-political implications tied to these roles. Thus, the course will offer an insight into the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape these portrayals from the Franco dictatorship to the present day.
The course will be thematically organized to cover various dimensions of motherhood considering how factors such as class, race, and sexuality intersect with the choices of motherhood. Key themes include traditional vs. modern motherhood; mother-filial relationships; motherhood and identity; the absent mother; motherhood in crisis; motherhood and precarity; motherhood and care; political dimensions of motherhood; narratives of childlessness; societal expectations and pressures; and women’s autonomy and reproductive rights. The course will pay particular attention to the role that women filmmakers and scriptwriters have played in giving visibility to a wider range of maternal figures.
This eight-week course includes two feature-length film screenings.
Beginners’ level, no prior knowledge necessary.
The course runs from 11 September to 6 November 2024.
11 Sep – Lecture 1. Introduction to the course. Historical context of motherhood in Spanish culture and film.
18 Sep – Lecture 2. Conventional depictions of mothers. Political dimensions of motherhood.
25 Sep – Screening Parallel Mothers – 18:00 – Cinema 2
2 Oct – Lecture 3. Mothering and care: from conventional depictions of mothers to more contemporary and diverse representations
9 Oct – Lecture 4. Discussion on the intersectionality of motherhood (race, class, gender).
16 Oct – Screening La Maternal - 18:15 – Cinema 2
23 Oct – Lecture 5. The absent mother and narratives of childlessness. Autonomy and reproductive rights.
30 Oct – Break
6 Nov – Lecture 6. Motherhood in crisis and precarity: societal expectations and pressures.