Acclaimed Catalan Author Engages ISU Students in Disability and Literature Discussion

Renowned Catalan author and journalist Màrius Serra made a virtual visit to Idaho State University as part of the Spring Speaker Series, engaging graduate students in the Master of Arts in Spanish program in a thought-provoking discussion on literature and disability. 

This event marked a significant milestone for the Spanish program at ISU, as it is the first time a course on Disability Studies within the Spanish context has been offered. Given the increasing academic focus on inclusivity and accessibility, this seminar provides students with critical perspectives on disability, particularly in Spain, where social and political factors have shaped the discourse on accessibility and representation. The course has drawn students from diverse professional backgrounds, including special education and social work, reinforcing its relevance beyond literary studies.

During the discussion, Serra reflected on his personal experience as a father of a child with multiple disabilities, which inspired Quieto (Still) (2008), a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative that challenges perceptions of disability and ableism. This critically acclaimed work was integrated into the graduate seminar “Disability Studies in Spain,” taught by Dr. José Eduardo Villalobos Graillet, Assistant Professor of Spanish Peninsular Literature and Culture in the Department of Anthropology and Languages.

Students posed insightful questions on themes such as the role of humor in disability narratives, the intersection of medicine and faith, and the representation of mobility and accessibility in the novel.

Notably, one ISU Spanish MA graduate student enrolled in this course had the opportunity this week to meet Serra in person in Barcelona, Spain, where the author resides, further strengthening the connection between the students and his work.

“Having an internationally recognized author like Màrius Serra engage with our students is a testament to the global reach of ISU’s Spanish program and the importance of Disability Studies as an emerging field within Hispanic literature,” said Dr. Villalobos Graillet, who designed and teaches the course.

Serra’s presence at ISU highlights the interdisciplinary and socially engaged approach of the graduate program in Spanish. By incorporating Disability Studies into literary and cultural analysis, ISU is fostering a more inclusive curriculum that prepares students to think critically about representation, identity, and accessibility in both academic and professional settings.

To learn more about Màrius Serra and his work, including Quieto, visit https://mariusserra.cat/en/works/still-excerpt-85.