HUM 1030 - Culture and Civilization of Spanish Speaking Peoples

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: Taught in English, this course introduces students to the culture and civilization of Spain and Spanish-speaking peoples of the Americas. Students study geography, history, politics, economics, arts, and literature to develop an awareness of the cultural, religious and social values of other cultures. Students will also examine interconnections with Spanish-speaking peoples and nations to develop an understanding of the responsibility world citizens share for our common global future.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts, 8 Global Perspective

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Culture and Civilization of Spanish-Speaking Peoples
   1. This course will explore a few basic questions, using a comparative and historical approach:
      1. What are the relations and contributions of Spanish-speaking peoples to the world?
      2. What are the current and historical relations between the various peoples comprising the Spanish-speaking world, and between the Spanish-speaking world and the U.S.?
      3. How do Hispanics (outside the U.S.) and Latinos (inside the U.S.) define themselves?
      4. What does it mean to be Hispanic/Latino?
      5. How do the Latinos in the U.S. navigate being bicultural?
      6. What is the difference between being bicultural and bilingual?
2. Introduction:
   1. Current global context and issues: Who are the Spanish-speaking peoples?
      1. Spain
      2. Latin America
      3. U.S.
   2. Framework for study, methodology: how do we study a civilization?
      1. Comparative and historical approach
      2. Critical thinking: contextualization
3. Latin American origins:
   1. Hispanic: Spain
   2. Amerindian: the Caribbean, Mesoamerica, South America
      1. Empires: Mayas, Aztecs, Incas
   3. African
4. Latin America under Spain:
   1. Conquest
   2. Colonization
   3. Framework for understanding cultural practices and identity
5. Latin America since independence:
   1. Independence: change and continuity
   2. Twentieth Century: revolutions, authoritarian regimes, U.S. interventions, Latin America in the global economy, socialism vs. capitalism, new social movements
   3. The future
6. Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S:
   1. Mexican Americans
   2. Puerto Ricans
   3. Cubans
   4. Central Americans

1. Outline the history and cultures of Spanish-speaking nations
2. Compare and contrast various cultures in Spanish-speaking nations
3. Critically analyze works of art and literature in historical context
4. Compare and contrast cultures under study and their own culture in a global context
5. Demonstrate empathy toward other peoples by exploring our shared humanity and diversity
6. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global community

06. 02. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

06. 03. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
Competency 2 (7-10)
08. 01. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.

08. 02. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.

08. 03. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

08. 04. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

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