Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students taking second year Spanish may simultaneously take this culture course with the instructor's permission.

The objectives of this course are threefold. One, to learn about the culture of the specific region and/or topical cultural focus from a historic perspective, and in so doing, more objectively understand the world we live in. Third, the students will improve proficiency in Spanish by enriching vocabulary and syntax.

A generally sound foundation in grammar and vocabulary is assumed. Grammar will not be the subject of this course. Students should plan on two hours of outside work for each class session.

At the completion of SPA 261B the students will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the specific area’s culture, social and political issues, as well as be aware of their own culture’s complexities.
• Travel to the specific area and demonstrate basic understanding of its history, ecology, society, politics and culture.
• Be able to begin to think critically and creatively solve problems by understanding own cultural filter, using concepts learned.
• Be self-appraising examining and evaluating personal beliefs, and comparing them with the beliefs of others.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate orally and in-written form minimally at the ACTFL standards of Intermediate-Low.

Course Activities:

• 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 portafolio
• Optional: Service Learning activities

• Regular attendance
• 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 portafolio

General overview of the following:

• Optional: Concept of culture
• Optional: Cultural identity (contrast of the cultures of the specific region and the United States of America)
• Cultural diversity in the specific region and social hierarchy
• Geography, ecological environments, outline of History, Society and Politics of specific region
• Relationship between the specific region and the United States
• Optional: Choice of key figures in history, visual art, music and specific region’s literature