Instructor: Samuel Pierce is an Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina Aiken. He teaches courses on European history and has published research on modern Spain in the Journal of Contemporary History and Catholic Historical Review. Current research projects include Catholic mobilization in Spain’s Second Republic, masculine indoctrination in Franco’s Spain, and the history of intellectual and developmental disability. Description: Since 1956, the annual Eurovision Song Contest has crowned the year’s best song submitted by a member country of the European Broadcasting Union. Besides introducing the world to the likes of Abba and Celine Dion, the contest is known for its occasionally wacky acts and national rivalries. In this class, we will explore the rich history of the contest, some of its better-known acts, and other elements that helped inspire the film Eurovision: The Legend of Fire Saga.