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 an 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. Spanish will be used in the classroom at all times. Students should plan on two hours of outside work for each class session.

At the completion of SPA 260A the students will be able to do the following:

1. Recognize cultural and social perspectives and contributions as related to the region or topic of focus, based on a deepened understanding of themes such as Hispanic history, ecology, society and politics.
2. Use critical thinking skills to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products, practices and perspectives of the culture(s) studied.
3. Identify culturally-grounded assumptions of one’s own and apply a basic understanding of the Hispanic culture(s) of focus.
4. 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).
5. Apply cultural understandings learned in class effectively in authentic interactions with the Hispanic community.
6. Enhance intercultural skills through the practice of self-appraisal and examination of one’s personal beliefs in comparison to the beliefs of others.

• 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

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:

• Concept of culture
• 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
• Motivations, values, and beliefs
• Geography, ecological environments, History, Society and Politics of specific region
• Relationship between the specific region and the United States
• Choice of crafts, folkloric festivities and music
• Choice of key figures in history, visual art, music and specific region’s literature