Social and Cultural Connections Between Spain and Latin America

DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
This course offers an approach to socio-cultural relations between Spain and Latin America, a vast, complex and ever-changing network made up of not one but a variety of different cultures. Throughout the length of the course, different subjects will be studied in order to guarantee that students have access to this previously mentioned cultural diversity. These topics are the following: the history of colonization and independence of the Americas, natural wealth and variety of the landscape, the history of the Spanish language and its varieties, commercial activities on both sides of the Atlantic, the world of art from different points of view, the employment system and the education system, as well as some of the most representative ceremonies and festivals of Hispanic culture.

PREREQUISITES
The student must be registered for Spanish 301 or have an equivalent level.

CONTENT
Weeks 1 to 3 PRESENTATION AND INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
1. HISTORY
1.1. Spain: history and political organization
1.2. Colonization and independence of the Americas
1.3. Dictators and dictatorships
1.4. Revolutions: Cuba and Mexico
1.5. Regional alliances
Weeks 4/5
2.GEOGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPES
2.1. Landscapes of Spain
2.2. Landscapes of North America, Central America and the Caribbean
2.3. Landscapes of the south
Week 6
3.SPANISH LANGUAGE
3.1.History of the Spanish Language
3.2. Diversity
3.3. Contact languages
Weeks 7/8
4. THE ECONOMY
4.1. Economic activities
4.2. Big businesses in Spain and Latin America
4.3. Migratory movements: Return tickets?
Week 9
5. WORK
5.1. Work and organization of time
5.2. Work day, holidays and days off
5.3. Unemployment benefits and financial compensation
Weeks 10
6. EDUCATION
6.1. Universities in Spain
6.2. Diversity in the School System
Weeks 11/12
7. ART
7.1. Portraits
7.2. Sculpture
7.3. Architecture
7.4. Icons in the world of design
Week 13/14
8. LEISURE TIME AND CELEBRATIONS
8.1. Dancing and music
8.2. Sports
8.3. Fiestas and ceremonies:
-Fiestas of the sun
-Harvest Festivals
-December celebrations
-Fertility Festivals
 

METHODOLOGY
During this course, the lecturer will present and teach the units with the aid of a variety of learning materials such as videos, documentaries, articles and musical fragments that will function as complementary material to the course textbook. Student participation is required throughout the duration of the course, and students will be expected to actively engage in class debates both individually and in groups.

The course includes one or two field trips that will help students to gain experience in terms of exposing themselves to Spanish-speaking culture. Students will be assessed through a midterm exam and a final exam.

Students must also hand in a written assignment about one of the topics addressed in class, as well as an oral presentation about a Spanish-speaking country.

ASSESSMENT
Students interested in having their credits recognized at the end of the course should know that their final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria:

• Written assignment: 25%
• Oral presentation: 25%
• Midterm exam: 20%
• Final exam: 20%
• Participation: 10%