Handbook

The societies of Spain and Latin America are rich and complex and have a history that dates back thousands of years. In this topic students will be introduced to some of the key aspects of the societies of Spain and Latin American countries. Areas that may be studied include: Spanish and Latin American history, physical and human geography, popular culture, and linguistic diversity.

Historical topics that may be covered include the colonisation of Latin America, independence movements in Latin America, and key events in contemporary Spanish and Latin American history. The physical and human geography of Spain and Latin America may include topics such as the relationship between the physical environment and social organisation. When studying Spanish and Latin American popular culture, students will learn about popular traditions in those countries, including religious and other celebrations. The area of linguistic diversity may include issues such as the past and present of Spain's four official languages; indigenous languages in Latin America; and the similarities and differences between the varieties of Spanish spoken in Spain and in Latin America.