Course Description: Spain’s multicultural civilization from its Roman roots to the “movida” of post-Franco Spain. Recurrent themes in Spanish national ideology and culture will be examined: Spain as a crossroads of Christian, Jewish and Islamic cultures; linguistic and cultural diversity; regionalism and nationalism; dictatorship and democracy.
During my time abroad Spanish Civilization and Culture was one of my preferred courses because it helped me understand the cultural differences that are present between Spanish civilization and my personal Latin American civilization. The course presented and explained various common celebration that occur in many different regions of Spain. For example, we focused on significant celebration such as Semana Santa ( Holy Week), La Feria de Abril ( Sevilla Fair), and La Tomatina (Tomato festival) these are a few of the many that were discussed. The class also explained the gastronomy of the Spanish culture and the variety of climates that exists in Spain. In addition, we examined much about the population and impact that both men and women have on the economy and structure of the country. As an international at the time, the course was useful in the process of adaptation and assimilation into the Spanish culture.