Submitted by Pam Harens, Kate Aydin

Language: Spanish Unit Cultural Theme or Academic Content Area: Exploring culture with a Minnesota perspective Target Audience: Traditional High School Year of Instruction: 2 Proficiency Level: Novice High

Standards: Communication:    1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Cultures:    2.1, 2.2 Connections:    3.1 Comparisons:    Communities:

Unit Timeframe:

Approximately three weeks of 50 minute sessions

Unit Overview:

This unit explores the concept of culture and, in particular, Minnesota culture, through a series of 5 lessons, which can be integrated into a Spanish level 2 course early in the school year. An interactive Internet activity initially helps the students learn the cultural concepts of "practices," "products" and "perspectives" from a Minnesota perspective. The unit culminates with students presenting their personal cultural histories via PowerPoint presentations. These PowerPoint presentations are ultimately linked using a PowerPoint "front page" that includes a class-written introduction to be shared with parents and other students.

Context:

This unit is good for the beginning of second year, serving as a review for many topics from the first year - physical description of self, description of daily activities, geography, climate, etc. but in a new context of cultural concepts and heritage.

General Unit References and Resources:

Mohr, H. (1987) How to Talk Minnesotan: A Visitor's Guide. Penguin Books.

Links or files for unit content:     A new window will open for each lesson.

Lesson 01 - Introduction to Minnesota Culture
Lesson 02 - What is Culture?
Lesson 03 - Minnesota Immigrants
Lesson 04 - ¿Quién Soy Yo?
Lesson 05 - ¿Quiénes Somos?
Unit Assessment