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Spanish 341: Spanish American Civilization Spring 2016
San Diego State University Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Section 2: MWF 10:00am-10:50am Storm Hall 213
Instructor: Dr. Lauren Applegate
Office: AL 127
Email: lapplegate@mail.sdsu.edu
Phone: 619-594-4240
Skype username: applegatel
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. 1:00pm-1:50pm
or by appointment/Skype
Required Materials
 Eugenio Chang-Rodríguez. Latinoamérica: su civilización y cultura. Fourth Edition, 2008.
 Selections from other texts will be on our Blackboard site.
 CourseKey access code and program
Course Description:
The primary goal of this course is to develop an appreciation for both the pluralities and the
commonalities of peoples who inhabit the American continents and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean
islands. The course will take a historical perspective to understanding the civilizations of Latin
America, beginning with pre-Columbian civilizations to the present. Generally this will be
accomplished through discussions of Spanish-American migration, geography, arts, and history. In
particular we will pay attention to issues of class, gender, race and religion as they pertain to Latin
American identity.
Prerequisites: Spanish 301 and 302, or Spanish 381 or 382; and completion of the General Education
requirement in Foundations of Learning II.C., Humanities required for nonmajors.
Explorations of Human Experience in the Humanities and Fine Arts:
This course is is an upper-division General Education (GE) course in Explorations of Human
Experience in the Humanities and Fine Arts. Explorations of Human Experience in the Humanities and
Fine Arts courses take the goals of Foundations of Learning courses to a more advanced level, and
include more extensive reading, written analysis involving complex comparisons, and well-developed
arguments. Note: Explorations of Human Experience courses are upper division and cannot be used to
fulfill this requirement if taken before students reach junior standing (passing 60 units).
More specifically, this course is in GE Area C Humanities and Fine Arts. Upon completion of a course
in this area, you should be able to demonstrate the following GE Area C Student Learning Outcomes
as well as the course-specific Student Learning Outcomes:
Goal 1: Analyze written, visual, or performed texts in the humanities and fine arts with sensitivity to
their diverse cultural contexts and historical moments;
Goal 2: Describe various aesthetic and other value systems and the ways they are communicated across
time and cultures;
Goal 3: Identify issues in the humanities that have personal and global relevance;
Goal 4: Demonstrate the ability to approach complex problems and ask complex questions drawing
upon knowledge of the humanities.
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Student Learning Outcomes
During and by the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Interpret and draw comparisons between the civilizations and cultures of Latin America from
pre-Columbian times to the present in written homework, exams, and in-class discussion.
2. Verbally summarize in class discussion the main themes of the text read for class.
3. Complete written homework and exams that describe issues of cultural relevance and historical
value integral to the text and cite the text in order to enunciate and contextualize phenomena
present in these issues.
4. Summarize arguments and construct analyses about the concepts learned about the civilization
of Latin America through written homework and exams.
5. Verbally argue during class discussion from multiple perspectives about issues that arise in the
texts that have personal and global relevance.
6. Listen to other students during class discussion well enough to demonstrate the ability to
approach complex problems and ask complex questions drawing upon knowledge of the
humanities by:
a. Verbally summarizing other speakers’ viewpoints
b. Seeking clarification from the original speaker
c. Incorporating clarifications in a revised verbal summary
d. Presenting a query or comment that develops the discussion
Graded Categories
Class Participation/Attendance: 5%
Homework Assignments/Pop Quizzes: 10%
Noticias de la semana: 5%
Presentation: 5%
Map Quiz:
5%
Mid-term Exam: 35%
Final Exam: 35%
Grading Scale
94 – 100
A
90 – 93
A87 – 89
B+
84 – 86
B
80 – 83
B77 – 79
C+
74 – 76
C
70 – 73
C67 – 69
D+
64 – 66
D
60 – 63
D0 – 59
F
Comments regarding student evaluation
A. Class Participation / Attendance [5%]:
Participation is a mandatory part of your grade and learning. Arriving late to class or being absent from
class will lower your participation grade. In light of this, the course will make use of the Course Key
application (pending availability), which students must purchase. Just being in class is not equal to
participation. Participation includes completing all of the reading and homework before the class for
which it is due and volunteering comments or questions that add to the conversation. Participation
additionally includes being an active listener, such that you can verbally summarize other students’
expressed viewpoints and ask pertinent questions that add to the discussion. You should prepare
yourself before coming to class, bring the text for the day to class, and be willing to read from it if
asked to do so or in order to support a point you are making (always go to the text!).
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B. Homework/Pop Quizzes [10%]: Pop quizzes may be given on an as-needed basis. Please read and
complete the homework assigned for each class, the specifics of which are delineated below. In case of
any urgent changes, you will be notified by email.
Homework from Latinoamérica: Su civilización y su cultura and posted on Blackboard: Answers
to these questions from the “Cuestionario” and “Temas” of LCC and Blackboard readings should be
intelligent responses that demonstrate that you are understanding and reflecting on the material read,
and should inspire reflection that you can use in class discussion. You will be assigned specific
selections of these questions (see calendar). You must upload the answers to the homework to
Blackboard – Assignments by 10am each day they are due and also you must bring your
homework answers to class for discussion.
C. “Noticias de la semana” [5%]: In order to gain an understanding of current culture and civilization
in Latin America, you will find, read, and report on current news items taken from one of the many
online newspapers of Latin America or Hispanic communities in the United States. You will choose
one country and report on the same country all semester. See link here or copy the following link to
your browser: http://www.prensaescrita.com/ to find a list of newspapers by country. You will be
asked to periodically report to the whole class what is in the news. Countries/regions you may choose
from: México, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Perú, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brasil, Cuba, República
Dominicana, Puerto Rico, o la comunidad hispana de los Estados Unidos. By 10:00am on the day of
the class it is due you should:
1) Find a brief news article that you find interesting and create a post about it on the discussion
board on Blackboard (a short paragraph of 2-4 sentences). Include a link to the article, news
video clip, etc. and state where you found it. Be sure to note how the news article reflects
some aspect of Latin American civilization.
2) Read and comment briefly on one other news item that a classmate has posted on
Blackboard.
D. Class Presentation [5%]: There will be group presentations that correspond to class themes. Each
group is required to present a topic of their choosing associated with each region or historical period
with equal participation by each member. Presentations are expected to last 5 minutes per person (they
will be timed – be prepared!) followed by a question/answer/discussion period if time permits. You
will turn in an informative 1-page outline on your presentation topic to the professor on the day
of your presentation and include at least 2 academic resources that you used for the presentation.
You must use MLA formatting. If you need a brush up on how to use the MLA format, consult here.
NOTE: Since select information from each group presentation will appear on examinations, it is to
your benefit and that of your classmates that the main ideas of the presentations are clearly
communicated to the whole class. It is extremely advisable that you consult me prior to your
presentation date. See the grade rubric for the presentation below.
E. Examinations:
1. Map Quiz [5%]: There will be a short map quiz on contemporary Latin America and the
Caribbean. Students are responsible for learning countries, their capitals, and select
geographic landmarks.
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2. Mid-Term Exam [35%]: This exam will consist of multiple choice, short-answer
identifications, and essay questions that deal with the cultures, the events and the
civilizations of the Americas (pre-Colombian to present). You will be tested on your
knowledge of material covered in class up to the Mid-Term such as readings, lectures,
movies and group presentations.
3. Final Exam [35%]: While the final exam is cumulative, a majority of the questions will
derive from material covered after the Mid-Term exam. The format will be similar to that of
the other exam and there will be NO EXEMPTIONS OR MAKEUPS.
Classroom Etiquette:
I expect students to follow rules of common courtesy such as arriving on time to class, waiting until
the end of the class period to pack up their things or to leave, respectfully listening to one another and
turning off electronic devices such as cell phones. Please speak with me before using a computer in
class to take notes. Internet browsing in class is forbidden unless specifically stated.
I expect each student to take responsibility for the energy he/she brings to the classroom. As with any
class, what you put into it is what you get out of it. This is a class for those who want to learn, and who
are willing to put the time, energy, effort, and most importantly a good attitude into that learning. You
are responsible for your learning, and for remembering to keep your attitude professional, positive, and
respectful for all in the classroom, students and professor. If at any time during the semester you feel
that you are falling behind in the class, please contact me as soon as possible.
Cheating as well as plagiarism are strictly prohibited, as noted in the University’s laws and will be
handled accordingly. Cheating/plagiarism include but are not limited to asking someone else to write
for you, copying on exams, and/or neglecting to cite sources correctly according to the MLA, Chicago
or other recognized guidelines. If you are in doubt as to how to cite correctly consult here
(https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/).
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the
receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible.
Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability
cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from
Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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Usage and Style of Email Messages:
Learning how to write polite, professional, and well-worded e-mail messages in Spanish is considered
an integral part of a university education in Spanish (though of course if you need to write in English
for any reason please do so). Below see a guide sheet to help with this kind of email. I will respond to
e-mail messages once a (work) day; hence, you can expect an answer from me between 24 and 48
hours after you send an email (except for weekends/holidays). No class summaries will be available
via email.
Style standards for email messaging:
Be sure to choose an appropriate subject heading that describes the content of your email. Begin your
message with:
“Buenos días/buenas tardes etc., profesora Applegate:” (neutral) “Estimada
profesora/doctora Applegate:” (formal)
“Hola, Lauren:” (very informal yet polite)*
*Note that a colon (“:”), rather than a comma, is normally used after the greeting.
In the main body of the text, summarize in Spanish your question, concern, or information.
End your message with: “Atentamente” (neutral, professional)
“Muy atentamente” (neutral, professional)
“Agradeciéndole, como siempre, su inapreciable ayuda” (very formal)
“Esperando su grata respuesta, le saluda atentamente” (very formal)
“Quedo a la espera de sus noticias” (if your message contained a
question or a request, rather formal)
“Cordialmente” (professional but friendly)
“Un saludo” (neutral, friendly)
“Un abrazo” (friendly, only if you know a person well).
Then sign your name.
If you would like to add additional lines or observations to your message, you can write “PD” o
“Pdta.” after your signature and then add whatever you would like to add.
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CourseKey Student Engagement App:
1st Course - $25.00
Additional Courses - $5.00
REGISTRATION EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS:
This course will be using CourseKey (www.thecoursekey.com) - a higher education, classroom engagement software that is
designed to boost attendance, increase lecture interaction, and facilitate peer-2-peer learning. The app combines features
that help the professor more efficiently manage the class and allows students to connect more effectively outside of class.
You will be able to use the iOS application or any smart device (smartphone, tablet, laptops, etc.) with a web browser. If
you do not have a smart device please contact the support team at support@thecoursekey.com so that arrangements can be
made to accommodate you.
 App Store Link: CourseKey – Student iOS App
You can visit the CourseKey Youtube channel for the Student Quick Start Guide which outlines how you will register for a
student account, as well as providing a brief overview to get you registered for the class. The first day of class we will go
over the integration of the software and how attendance and participation will be graded.
Please follow these instructions to create your account and register for the course through the application. If you
require assistance you can find the CourseKey support team from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST, M-F in the Zahn
Innovation Center (EBA-419).
Step 1: Create Account
To sign up use the following link to create your account: https://portal.thecoursekey.com/signup

You will then be able to create an account, entering your first and last name.

Enter your email that you can access (you will receive a confirmation link).

Enter a secure password that you will remember and re-enter it.

Select your campus/school and then enter SCHOOL ISSUED ID – This is your REDID
 Click on the link to read the terms of service and privacy policy and after reading click the box.

Click “SIGN UP” and you will receive an email shortly after with a verification link.
o If you don't receive an email, check your spam or junk folders and make sure to add CourseKey to
your inbox.

Click on the verification link in the email and then click “VALIDATE” to activate your CourseKey account.
Step 2: Register for the Course
To register for the event simply log in at: https://portal.thecoursekey.com/login

Once logged in, click “Add a Course” and type “ck178hn” and you will see the class.
o You can also search for the professor name and class through the search option.

Click “Yes” to add the class and you are now ready to participate in the lecture.
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Temario general
Important Announcement: The California Faculty Association is in the midst of a difficult contract
dispute with management. It is possible that the faculty union will call a strike or other work stoppage
this term. I will inform the class as soon as possible of any disruption to our class meeting schedule.
This schedule is subject to change.
NOTE: There may be additional readings/homework assigned in class and uploaded to Blackboard.
Semana
Tema general
Lecturas
Actividades
S. 1
20 de enero
Introducción
22 de enero
Unidad del mundo
latinoamericano
LCC Cap. 1
Cuestionario: 1, 6, 8;
Temas: 3, 7, 8, 10
S. 2
25 de enero
Geografía
Mapa de las Américas
(Indoamérica)
LCC Cap. 2
27 de enero
Civilizaciones
precolombinas
LCC Cap. 3: 3.13.5
“Noticias”
Cuestionario: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9,
10;
Temas: 8
Cuestionario 1-5
29 de enero
Civilizaciones
precolombinas
LCC Cap. 3: 3.63.8
Cuestionario 6-10
S. 3
1 de febrero
Las exploraciones,
conquista, significado
LCC Cap. 4: 4.14.5
“Noticias”
Cuestionario: 2, 3, 6, 7
Temas: 2, 3
3 de febrero
Las exploraciones,
conquista, significado
(terminar)
Map Quiz
El régimen colonial y su
legado
LCC Cap. 4: 4.64.9
Cuestionario: 8;
Temas: 6, 8, 9
LCC Cap. 5: 5.15.5
Preparar: Map Quiz
Cuestionario: 1, 2;
Temas: 1, 4
El régimen colonial y su
legado (terminar)
LCC Cap. 5: 5.65.11
“Noticias”
Temas: 7, 10
Busca información sobre
una pieza de
arte/arquitectura colonial.
Trae información (1
párrafo) y una imagen
para explicar.
5 de febrero
S. 4
8 de febrero
8
10 de febrero
Brasil colonial
LCC Cap. 6
Temas:
1, 5, 7, 10
12 de febrero
La vida intelectual
(Colonia)
LCC Cap. 7:
7.1-7.4
*Poema “Hombres
necios” por Sor
Juana (Blackboard)
S. 5
15 de febrero
Film: Libertador
Cuestionario: 1, 2
Temas: 1, 2, 3
Escribe un párrafo –
¿cuál es el tono y el tema
del poema? ¿Qué
ejemplos usa Sor Juana
para hacer su argumento?
“Noticias”
Imprimir las preguntas
sobre el film(Blackboard)
17 de febrero
Film: Libertador
19 de febrero
Film: Libertador
Terminar film.
Discusión
S. 6
22 de febrero
La independencia
LCC Cap. 8:
8.1-8.4
24 de febrero.
La independencia cont.
LCC Cap. 8:
8.5-8.8
“Noticias”
Escribir reflexión (media
página) sobre el film y la
conexión con la historia
real. Para entregar en
Blackboard con las
preguntas en un solo
documento.
Cuestionario: 1, 2, 3, 6,
Temas: 1, 5
Cuestionario: 7, 9, 10
Temas: 10
26 de febrero
Brasil del siglo XX
LCC Cap. 9:
9.3-9.5
Cuestionario: 6
Temas: 4, 6, 7, 8
S. 7
29 de febrero
Río de la plata: fundaciones LCC Cap. 10: 10.1- “Noticias”
10.4
Cuestionario: 1, 2, 3
Temas: 1, 2
Río de la plata: Argentina
LCC Cap. 10: 10.5- Temas: 5, 6
10.6
*Escribe un resumen (1
*Selección de
párrafo) de “Martín
“Martín Fierro”
Fierro” y explica por qué
(Blackboard)
es tan importante a la
imagen argentina.
Entrega en Blackboard.
Río de la plata: Uruguay,
LCC Cap. 10: 10.7- Cuestionario: 5, 7, 9, 10;
Paraguay
10.11
Temas: 8, 9, 10
2 de marzo
4 de marzo
Traer preguntas a la clase
para la discusión.
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S. 8
7 de marzo
Repaso (see Blackboard)
9 de marzo
MID TERM EXAM
(Parte 1)
MID TERM EXAM (Parte
2)
11 de marzo
S. 9
14 de marzo
Los países andinos
meridionales: Bolivia
16 de marzo
Los países andinos
meridionales: El Perú
18 de marzo
Los países andinos
meridionales: Chile
S. 10
21 de marzo
Film: No
23 de marzo
Film: No
25 de marzo
Film: No
Discusión
S. 11
28 de marzo a 1 de
abril.
S. 12
4 de abril
Descanso de medio
semestre. No hay clases.
Los países andinos
septentrionales: El
Ecuador, Colombia
“Noticias”
Preparar la hoja del
repaso (Blackboard)
Estudiar
Estudiar
“Noticias”
Cuestionario: 7
Temas: 5
Busca información (por
lo menos 5 cosas) sobre
la tradición del Tío en las
minas de Bolivia. Incluye
esta información con la
tarea en Blackboard y
tráela a la clase.
LCC Cap. 11: 11.8- Cuestionario: 3, 4;
11.10
Temas: 9
Busca información sobre
por lo menos 5 de los
sitios históricos más
importantes del Perú.
Ponla en BlackboardDiscussions y tráela a la
clase.
LCC Cap. 11: 11.1- Cuestionario: 2;
11.4
Temas: 1, 4
LCC Cap. 11: 11.511.7
*Lectura adicional
“La Palliri” por
Víctor Montoya
(Blackboard)
“Noticias”
Imprimir preguntas de
Blackboard y traerlas a la
clase.
Termina las respuestas
sobre la película para la
discusión. Ponlas en
Blackboard –
Assignments antes de la
medianoche.
LCC Cap. 12:
12.1-12.4
“Noticias”
Cuestionario: 1, 2, 3, 5
10
6 de abril
Los países andinos
septentrionales: Venezuela
LCC Cap. 12:
12.5-12.6
8 de abril
México y su revolución
LCC Cap. 13
S. 13
11 de abril
La personalidad hispánica
de las Antillas mayores: la
República Dominicana,
Puerto Rico
La personalidad hispánica
LCC Cap. 15: 15.1- Temas: 1, 3, 4, 6
de las Antillas mayores:
15.4
Cuba
Film: El juego cubano/The
Imprimir preguntas de
Blackboard
Cuban Game
Film: El juego cubano/The
Cuban Game
13 de abril
15 de abril
S. 14
18 de abril
Temas: 1, 5
Cuestionario: 2, 4, 7;
Temas: 1, 6, 7, 9
LCC Cap. 15: 15.5- “Noticias”
15.9
Cuestionario: 4, 6, 7
Temas: 8, 10
20 de abril
Film: El juego cubano/The Lecturas sobre la
situación actual en
Cuban Game
Blackboard
Discusión sobre el film y
las relaciones americanas
con Cuba hoy día
22 de abril
S. 15
25 de abril
27 de abril
29 de abril
Presentaciones
Presentaciones
S. 16
2 de mayo
4 de mayo
LAST DAY OF
CLASS
Presentaciones
S. 17
VIERNES 6 DE
MAYO
De 10:30-12:30
Verify this date and
time with the registrar
website.
Examen final
There are no makeups or
alternate dates for final
exam. Remember this in
making your plans!!
Según las lecturas,
¿cuáles son los cambios
en la relación entre Cuba
y los EE.UU.? Escribe
por lo menos 5 frases de
cambios y entrega.
Termina respuestas a
preguntas sobre el film.
Presentaciones
Presentaciones
REPASO - último día de
clases
Preparar hoja de repaso
de Blackboard: Escribir
resúmenes y apuntes
sobre los temas en la lista
del repaso.
Estudiar.
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Presentation Grading Rubric:
To earn the top score of 50 points you must perform perfectly on all of the following:
Visual Presentation: 15 pts.
Grammar, intelligibility, clarity, pertinence of information, breadth of information
Oral Presentation: 35 pts.
Presenter:
clearly prepared, ready to begin on time, does not read from visual
able to answer questions
able to clarify information/answers
turns in the outline on time in MLA format with reliable research resources
Expression:
vocabulary: precise vocabulary, most words well-chosen
grammar: very good control of the language, few errors
pronunciation: few mispronunciations
Information:
relevant
intelligible (by classmates)
logical
supported with evidence