MLO 3 The student develops a reasonable understanding of the ways of thinking (ideas, beliefs, attitudes, values, philosophies), the behavioral practices (patterns of social interactions) and the cultural products – both tangible and intangible (for example, art, history, literature, music) — of Hispanic cultures. There are two pathways by which this outcome can be fulfilled:
The student completes between two and six courses (depending on his or her choice of emphasis, as either in language and linguistics knowledge or literary and cultural knowledge) in Hispanic literature, culture or society. General areas to choose from are: literature, the social sciences (anthropology, geography, history, political systems), art history, music history, religion or other non-Spanish courses specific to Hispanic culture or society.
With prior approval and guidance from WLC faculty, the student may opt for a more individual pathway. He or she may choose to independently study, research and analyze four of the following areas as they are reflected in the civilization or national culture of the language chosen to study: architecture, dance, dress, fiction, healing processes, high art, issues of gender and racial equity, music, national history, poetry, political systems, popular art, religious beliefs, theatre.
Courses Completed:
Spanish 322 Masterpieces of Hispanic Literature: Latin America and the Caribbean
Spanish 307 History and politics of Mexico
Spanish 365 The Chicano Novel
Reflection: Each of these courses gave me a lot to learn by reading works of the past. Spanish 322 helped me practice my Spanish vocabulary and literacy skills by reading in class and analyzing the works. The past history of Mexico and the United States is a time where we all should know the correct information and have an important outlook because that time affects us now in time, especially in politics. The Chicano Novel course exposed me to different and important types of chicano literacy from the 90's to now. One of the books that outspoke to me the most was Desert Blood by Alicia Gaspar de Alba which is a piece of my Senior Capstone.