A Sample Proposal for a Dedicated Class:
Spanish 348, Spanish Civilization and Culture

1. How does the content of the course address the proposed general education goal? (limit 99 words)

Students study the history of such Spanish cultural phenomena as artistic expression (music, film, painting), social customs (food, the family, celebrations), regional identities (languages, customs, politics), government, and international relations. Students gain knowledge and understanding of Spanish cultures and learn to analyze their own culture from that new point of view.

2. What will students do in pursuit of learning the general education goal? (limit 99 words)

Students read a textbook that presents an overview of the history of the Spanish peoples. Supplementary readings cover in more detail the specific cultural phenomena mentioned above. Class discussions and written assignments encourage students to react to readings critically and to compare what they learn about Spain to their own cultural identity.

3. How will student learning of the general education goal be assessed in the context of the course? (limit 99 words)

Students take exams, in which they demonstrate their knowledge of the historical development of Spanish culture and civilization in addition to their ability to apply that knowledge in an analysis of specific moments or events from Spanish history. At least one exam or writing assignment asks students to analyze a U.S. cultural phenomenon from a specific Spanish point of view. Students write one research paper, in which they explore a topic related to Spanish culture in order to show knowledge, understanding, and analytic capacity.