Program Overview

Introduction to the Spanish Culture Course

The Spanish culture course, "Catalonia: Language, Culture and Society I," is designed to introduce students to the language and culture of Catalan society. This 45-hour course aims to provide students with basic language and cultural skills, enabling them to understand and appreciate the unique aspects of Catalan culture.

Course Description

The course will cover various topics, including:

• Introduction to Catalonia: geography and history
• Basic structures of the Catalan language
• Traditional fiestas: sardanas, castellers, gegants, and capgrossos
• Montserrat and popular piety
• Family and family relations in Catalonia: la pubilla and l'hereu beauty pageant
• The National Day of Catalonia (La Diada): September 11
• All Saints' Day: chestnuts and panellets
• Jacinto Verdaguer: the prince of Catalan poets
• Christmas: Santa Lucía Christmas fair, the caganer, and the tió de Nadal

Methodology

Each session will include a presentation of the topic based on a PowerPoint that students will study and prepare. Students will then share their findings with the group and complete the definition or clarification with the help of the lecturer. Active participation from students is expected.

Assessment System

The assessment system consists of:

• Examination: 40%
• Course work: 40%
• Class attendance: 20%

Syllabus

The course syllabus includes:

• Introduction to Catalonia: geography and history
• Short history of Catalonia
• Basic structures of the Catalan language
• Traditional fiestas: sardanas, castellers, gegants, and capgrossos
• Montserrat and popular piety
• Family and family relations in Catalonia: la pubilla and l'hereu beauty pageant
• The National Day of Catalonia (La Diada): September 11
• All Saints' Day: chestnuts and panellets
• Jacinto Verdaguer: the prince of Catalan poets
• Christmas: Santa Lucía Christmas fair, the caganer, and the tió de Nadal

Bibliography

The course bibliography includes:

• CANAL, J. (2015): Historia mínima de Cataluña, Madrid, Turner Publicaciones
• ORWELL, G. (2013): Homenaje a Cataluña, Madrid, Editorial Debolsillo
• SOBREQUÉS, J. (2007): Historia de Cataluña, Barcelona, Editorial Base
• SOBREQUÉS, J. (2012): La cultura catalana, Barcelona, Editorial Base
• UTRERA DOMÍNGUEZ, D. (2014): Cultura y civilización catalanas, Brno, Masarykova univerzita
• VVAA (2017): Un viaje por la cocina catalana, Madrid, Editorial Tikal
• Dictionaries:
  • Diccionari de la llengua catalana, Barcelona, Institut d'Estudis Catalans, 2007
  • Diccionari català – castellà, castellà – català, Barcelona, Enciclopedia Catalana, 1995
  • Diccionari anglès – català, català – anglès, Barcelona, Enciclopèdia Catalana, 1993

Technical Specifications

• Language: Spanish
• Type: Culture
• Duration: 45 hours
• ECTS credits: 6
• Format: Face-to-face

Information of Interest

• Courses in Spanish culture
• Diploma in Hispanic Studies
• Certificate in Hispanic Studies
• Cancellation and course changes
• Cancellation of enrollment

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