Welcome! Get ready to explore the fascinating world of commodities and their impact on the economies, cultures, and daily lives of Spanish-speaking countries. In this course, we will dive into the global trade of essential products, uncovering their history, cultural connections and economic significance.
Together we will learn Spanish while we explore the journey of 7 key commodities largely produced in hispanic countries.: gold, oil, lithium, soy, olive oil, beef, bananas, and coffee. This topic is incredibly dynamic, evolving every day with new developments that impact culture and society, geopolitics, and the environment. Through engaging discussions we will approach current topics like: energy sources and the rising demand, food supply chains, illegal mining, labor conditions and the challenges of protecting natural resources.
Unit 1: Precious minerals: Gold and lithium
Unit 2: Energies That Move the World: Oil and Soy
Unit 3: From Farm to Table – Oil and lithium
Unit 4: Traveling Fruits – Bananas and Coffee
Student course pack (available on Canvas Files).
Additional readings, articles, and case studies provided in class.
Consuelo Digon
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