This curriculum unit was designed for the reader who is interested in learning some of the basic roots about the Spanish American heritage.
An attempt has been made to clear some misunderstanding that, (in my opinion,) people might have about the great contributions made by the Spanish American to the American Continent.
The material presented in this unit examines two important concepts. First, the concept of “New World,” and second, the concept dealing with “A New Race.”
In the “New World” a new image of man and nature was formed in the early days of the discovery and conquest. This image was the product not only of an observation of reality but also of the dream and fantasies of the sense of “greatness” that the Europeans brought to the New World.
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In our days, the new image of man is known by those who study Latin American Literature as “Criollo” or “Criollismo.” The “Criollo” concept will serve as our center of focus, hence it marks the emergence of a “New Race” in the New World.
This curriculum unit touches on other concepts such as cultural pluralism.
The goal of this curriculum is that the information which is being made available will serve as another instructional tool which would be added to the existing curriculums of the school system where I’m currently teaching—as a history teacher in the Social Studies Department. Teachers will be able to use the unit content to enhance not only their pupils’ knowledge, but their own as well. Both Middle and High School teachers will be able to teach the unit content to their students because each segment has been designed for the accomplishment of each task involved.
Included in the final unit content is a series of objectives and strategies. Teachers will be able to use them as a guide when teaching the unit content to their classes. Both teachers and students will be able to learn more about the America’s history. Hopefully teachers, but most of all students, will achieve a basic understanding about themselves as well as others, as natives and residents of the American Continent.
There are at least three sample lessons in the unit content. Each lesson plan is especially designed for the purpose of promoting the following:
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-teacher’s classroom lesson activities, teaching method, flexibility, students’ motivation, additional background information, better learning classroom environment, and lesson design;
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-students’ writing and reading skills;
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-students’ understanding of specific areas of studies about the history of the American Continent;
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-student learning and better understanding of their heritage.
