This unit will address several Standards for Foreign Language Learning, specifically American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, ACTFL World Readiness Standards 1.2 “Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics” and 2.2 that states that “Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied” which could be in terms of products of the target culture like a piece of literature, an oral tale. Whatever the form of the product, it will be presented and studied in the context of the perspectives, values and beliefs of the target culture (ACTFL World Readiness Standards). In addition, this unit follows the standards of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) and native and heritage students are expected to reach level 4 (Intermediate High) and some students even level 5 (Advanced Low). In case of non-native speakers, the expected level to reach would be level 3 (Intermediate Mid)3.
The main objective of this unit is to provide students with some foundational knowledge of Hispanic literature, focusing on epic poetry and some in-depth knowledge of one of the historical canons in Spanish literature, El Poema de mio Cid or El Cantar de mio Cid (The Poem of the Cid) in addition to some historical background while working with El Cantar del Cerco de Zamora. El Cid can be worked in terms of historical context, legend and linguistics. First, there is the relevance of the coexistence of different cultures in a specific time in the past, being the historical and geographical context of this poem Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula between 711 and 1492. Also, geography will be relevant due to the Muslim influence on some parts of Spain -in terms of the language, Moorish architecture (like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alhambra) and remnant traditions.
These objectives will be achieved through the methodology explained below and the resources provided at the end of this unit. They are classified into three categories: readings for teachers, material list for students and the resources used in class.
