Spanish Culture (In English)

The aim of this course is to explain and study in depth the basic points considered to be the basis of Spanish culture. The program is conceived as an open structure adapted to the students' needs for integration in the Spanish social life. Lessons will be based on the description of the main aspects of Spanish life and culture from an intercultural perspective in the search for the knowledge of the Spanish reality of the twenty-first century.

1. A Walk Around Spain:
a. Spain: A First Impression
b. Geographical, Linguistic, and Cultural Diversity
c. Madrid, Galicia, País Vasco, Cataluña, Andalucía: Clichés and Realities

2. Gastronomy:
a. The Mediterranean Diet
b. Olive Oil and Wine
c. Some Typical Spanish Meals

3. Spain Is different:
a. Lifestyle
b. Social Customs and Habits
c. The ?Bar? Culture

4. The Spanish Society:
a. Family Structure
b. Religion
c. Immigration

5. Festivals and Folklore Expressions:
a. Christmas, Carnival, Easter Time
b. Las Fallas, Pilgrimages, Sanfermines, Feria de Abril, etc.
c. The Bullfights: Symbol, Rite, and Metaphor
d. Flamenco and ?Duende? (Magical Quality or Energy)

6. History of the 20th Century:
a. From 1898 to the Civil War
b. The Spain of Franco
c. From 1975 to Present Day

Bibliography:
See References In:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_culture
2. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/spain-country-profile.html
3. http://www.red2000.com/spain/culture-index.html
4. http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
5. http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/countries/spain/society_and_culture/
6. http://en.www.mcu.es/