SPA377
Boise State University
World Languages Department
FALL 2025
Instructor: Manuel Gómez Navarro, PhD
Latin American culture and civilization from the Pre-Columbian period to the present. Discussion of topics such as an analysis of historical, political, economic, social, and cultural development in the Spanish-speaking Latin American nations, as well as the impact on the Conquest and its implications for Latin American identity formation and nationhood. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 300 or SPAN 301, and SPAN 302 or SPAN 402.
Interpersonal communication: Negotiate meaning to share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions as well as to defend an idea in written, oral, and/or multimodal communication in Spanish.
Interpretive listening: Analyze, assess, and evaluate what is being heard on a variety of topics authentic to Hispanic culture(s) in Spanish.
Interpretive reading: Understand, interpret and analyze a variety of texts in Spanish authentic to Hispanic culture(s).
Presentational communication: Present information, concepts, and ideas to inform, explain, persuade, narrate and/or defend a variety of topics in Spanish through written, oral and/or multimodal communication in Spanish.
Intercultural Awareness: Identify, investigate and explain products and practices in Spanish and Hispanic cultures to compare/contrast, evaluate, and reflect on cultural perspectives associated with the primary language (L1) and the Spanish language (L2).
Critical Analysis: Engage in effective critical inquiry by identifying and interpreting a diverse body of culturally specific works and scholarly sources, and producing clear, argumentative discourse in Spanish that formulates original perspectives and positions.
Discover the significance of ancient civilizations in the Americas, such as the Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas, among others. These remarkable cultures form the foundation of Latin American heritage and play a vital role in shaping the region's identity. Today, the descendants of these civilizations encounter various challenges in preserving their traditions, way of life, and even their languages. Explore how these communities navigate contemporary difficulties while striving to safeguard their rich cultural legacies.
The 1970s and a portion of the 1980s marked a harrowing period for numerous Latin American nations, particularly those in the Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay), as well as in Central America during the 1980s. These regions were plagued by brutal and oppressive dictatorships that not only had a profound impact on the political landscape but also left lasting scars on the economy and, most significantly, on human rights. Today, the lingering effects of these dictatorships are still apparent in many of these countries.
Over the course of several decades, women in Latin America have been engaged in an ongoing struggle for their rights. While some countries in the region were once beacons of progress in the fight for women's rights, unfortunately, others continue to grapple with significant challenges. In these countries, women face not only a lack of freedom but also endure pervasive violence and even murder.
From the fifteenth century onwards, millions of Africans were subjected to the horrors of human trafficking and forcibly transported to the Americas. Over time, their languages and cultures have become integral to the vibrant tapestry of Latin American expression. These African contributions form a vital foundation for the richness and diversity found within Latin American culture.
The LGBTIQ+ community in various Latin American countries has confronted enduring challenges and violence in their pursuit of equal rights. While a majority of countries now acknowledge certain rights for this community, the struggle for full recognition and acceptance persists.
The Americas stand as a continent shaped by immigration. Waves of immigration from other continents and neighboring countries have significantly influenced the cultures of Latin American nations throughout different periods. However, one notable negative impact has been the profound and lasting consequences on native American populations, both historically and in the present day.
The Latino presence in North America predates the founding of the United States. In several current U.S. states, Spanish and Latino culture existed before English and Anglo culture took root. The history of the Latino culture and the Spanish language in the United States has been marked by a mixture of animosity and appreciation. Today, both are finally being recognized for their foundational role in shaping American culture.