CCOG for SPA 262A Fall 2024
- Course Number:
- SPA 262A
- Course Title:
- Spanish Culture
- Credit Hours:
- 3
- Lecture Hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Introduces Spanish culture though reading, discussion and writing. Explores specific regions and topics (e.g. Spanish film and culture, Spanish food and culture, Spanish Civil War, Autonomous Communities of Spain). Conducted in Spanish or English. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
At the completion of the course students will be able to:
- Interpret cultural and social perspectives and contributions as related to the region or topic of focus, based on a deepened understanding of themes such as Spanish history, ecology, society and politics.
- Use critical thinking skills to evaluate social and cultural consequences of human activity as related to the region or topic of focus.
- Identify culturally-grounded assumptions of one’s own culture and apply a basic understanding of Spanish culture.
- Analyze historical and cultural works as related to the region or topic of focus (works include but are not limited to literature, film, art, dance, music, language, philosophy, religion).
Aspirational Goals
- Apply cultural understandings learned in class effectively in authentic interactions with members of Spanish society.
- Enhance intercultural skills through the practice of self-appraisal and examination of one’s personal beliefs in comparison to the beliefs of others.
Course Activities and Design
- Regular attendance
- Assigned readings
- Research of specific themes individually and/or in groups
- Discussion in class
- Presentations individually and/or in groups
- Written essays assigned outside of class or in-class
- Written quizzes in-class and/or oral evaluations
- Optional: Student portfolio
- Optional: Service Learning activities
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Students will be assessed by any combination of the following:
- Regular attendance
- Active participation in small groups and class discussions
- Presentations individually and/or in groups
- Written essays assigned outside of class or in-class
- Written quizzes in-class and/or oral evaluations
- Optional: Student portfolio
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
General overview of the following:
- Concept of culture
- Cultural identity (contrast of the cultures of the United States of America and Spain)
- Cultural diversity in Spain
- Spanish motivations, values, and beliefs
- Geography and History of Spain
- Spanish civil war and transition to democracy
- Modern Spain
- Spain and the European Community
- Relationship between Spain and the Americas
- Choice of folkloric festivities and music
- Choice of key figures in history, graphic art, architecture, music and Spanish literature