This instructional unit is designed to deepen students' understanding of Spanish culture through the exploration of iconic objects and legends such as La Dama de Elche, Los Amantes de Teruel, El Lagarto de Malena, San Jorge y el Dragón, La Tomatina, Los Sanfermines, and Las Fallas. By analyzing these cultural symbols, the unit aligns with the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, promoting communication, cultural understanding, and critical thinking.
Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
In this unit, students will participate in conversations where they will discuss significant cultural symbols. For instance, they will engage in dialogue about La Dama de Elche, exploring its artistic and historical value, and share personal feelings and opinions about its role in Spanish heritage. Discussions will also cover Los Amantes de Teruel, where students can reflect on the emotions embedded in the tragic love story and its connection to Spanish traditions. Additionally, students will talk about the legend of San Jorge y el Dragón, analyzing the symbolic aspects of the dragon-slaying hero in Spanish folklore. Through role-playing, debates, and guided group discussions, students will practice exchanging information, expressing opinions, and reflecting on the emotional resonance of these cultural artifacts.
Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics.
Students will interpret various written and spoken materials about Spanish legends and traditions. For example, they will read and analyze stories about La Tomatina, the annual tomato-throwing festival in Buñol, to understand the cultural significance of this chaotic, communal event. Similarly, students will explore narratives about Los Sanfermines and the running of the bulls in Pamplona, considering both the excitement and the dangers associated with the festival. They will also interpret the folk tale of El Lagarto de Malena, which tells of a mythical creature in Albacete, and how local legends influence regional identity. These interpretive activities will strengthen students' listening and reading comprehension skills while enhancing their understanding of the cultural values embedded in these stories and events.
Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
As part of this unit, students will present information on key cultural topics. They may focus on the significance of Las Fallas in Valencia, explaining the creation and destruction of the giant sculptures during the festival, and how the event reflects social and political commentary. Presentations will also explore the historical and cultural meaning of Los Amantes de Teruel, discussing how this legend has shaped local art and literature. Through these presentations, students will develop their ability to organize and present information in Spanish, improving their public speaking and writing skills while reinforcing their cultural knowledge.
Standard 2.2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied.
This unit encourages students to explore how cultural products, such as La Dama de Elche, Los Sanfermines, and Las Fallas, reflect deeper societal values and perspectives. For example, La Dama de Elche not only represents an ancient piece of art but also symbolizes the historical connection between Spain’s distant past and modern identity. Los Sanfermines, while a festival of bravery and tradition, also raise questions about cultural practices related to risk and spectacle. In examining Las Fallas, students will see how art and politics intersect, as the festival often contains satirical representations of current events. These cultural products offer insight into the social, political, and historical ideologies of Spanish society, helping students understand the broader cultural perspectives that these traditions represent.
