SPA 110 Introduction to Hispanic Cultures
This is an introductory course for students interested in understanding Hispanic culture from general concepts of culture to different art expressions. How does a major geographical area come to be defined as Hispanic? What diverse elements merge together to form an identity? How are the concepts of culture, nation, language, geography, and power understood, invented or defined in our contemporary world? The course will address these topics, among others, through an organized focus of four fundamental elements: FAMILY (organization of the household, gender roles and personal interrelations); ETHNIC DIVERSITY (contributions to culture according to ethnicity); BELIEF SYSTEMS (religions, supernatural and superstitions –including holidays and practices); and ENTERTAINTMENT (sports, telenovelas, secular celebrations).