Compare and contrast two historical periods: the period just after Ferdinand's restoration to the Spanish throne in 1823, and the time of Franco's takeover of Spain after its civil war (1936-1939). Then, investigate the late sixties in Spain for events that could have immediately led to Buero writing The Sleep of Reason.

Study the history of Spain from the 1800s to the present. Focus on attempts to limit the power of church and crown in order to establish greater freedoms and increased political input. Present your findings as a "Democracy Chronology" or "Democracy Timeline."

After studying the Black Paintings, provide reasons for their projection at particular times in The Sleep of Reason. Present these findings to your class showing the paintings as either slides or plates from books.

Provide your class with a history of twentieth-century Spanish theater up to The Sleep of...