SPAN 505 Cultures of the Spanish-Speaking World

This course will provide an overview of cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Taught in Spanish with directed readings in Spanish and English.

As modern society continues to feel the effects of globalization, the knowledge of other languages and cultures has become a highly valuable skill. What is more, as the Spanish language has continued to grow in importance throughout the world, and as the United States has become the second-largest Spanish-speaking country (despite the language not having official status), a thorough background in the history and contexts of the people and regions that comprise the Spanish-speaking world is increasingly imperative.

This course will begin with the histories of Spain and Hispanic America, two histories that, to be sure, share much in common and have more than a little overlapping. Simultaneously, the course will present the literary history and various literary works of the Spanish-speaking world.  The emphasis will be on understanding the works as representations of the history and culture that produced them.  There is also an emphasis placed on understanding how current issues in the Spanish-speaking world have their foundation in historical events.  The course ends with a discussion about the experience of the Spanish-speaking community in the United States. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will craft four discussions in which they will explain significant events in the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking country of their choice. (CLO: D).

Content Application Assignments (6)

Students will read various selections and answer questions that require them to demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply the material. (CLO: A, B, C)

Cuando era puertorriqueña Assignments (4)

The student will complete a digital project in which they explain various aspects of Puerto Rican culture and the culture of Puerto Ricans who immigrate to the United States. The student will also write two essays explaining why Hispanics choose to immigrate to the United States and what their life is like as immigrants in the United States. (CLO: E)

Quizzes (6)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain varying numbers of true/false questions, and have a 1 hour time limit.