During the past decade, interest in chocolate and its history has increased significantly. Following on this trend, a vast number of books dealing with chocolate have appeared in different publishing venues, both academic and nonacademic. Similarly, some instructors have included units that study the commodity or, in some rare instances, have…

This article analyzes Vinicius de Moraes's "Patria minha" (1948) within the historical context of his first diplomatic post abroad. "Patria minha" was written while Moraes was stationed in Los Angeles as a Consul de Segunda Classe (Ministerio, "Moraes" 385). Moraes's poetic interpretations of Brazil often originated…

This curriculum unit, designed for a Spanish I class at the high school level, explores the Olmec, an ancient civilization in Mexico. The unit aims for students to develop an appreciation for early civilizations and their importance to the present day. It gives seven objectives for students to work toward and lists detailed strategies for…

A rich artistic tradition developed in Mexico hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The indigenous people of Mexico created beautiful works of art that reflected their religious beliefs. Then the Spanish Conquest and colonization during the 1500s introduced Spanish beliefs and traditions to the region. This curriculum unit…

This curriculum project, using research and literary and historical perspectives, seeks to help students develop an awareness of the rich cultural diversity of Mexico through studying the mythology of the Aztec people. Through literature and storytelling, students see how mythology is often about real people and events and woven into the fabric of…

Proposes an analysis of the representations produced by the first generations of the Brazilian Republic about 19th-century Brazil. Presents a new direction for reading about the same period. (PA)

This overview of the changes in political control experienced in the Dominican Republic demonstrates the extensive contributions of people of various ethnic and racial backgrounds which have molded Dominican society. The present cultural policies are oriented toward Spanish ideology, but the country has also been influenced by France, Haiti, and…

Contrary to common wisdom, the authorities of Colonial Mexico (1521-1600) were vitally concerned with the teaching of reading to the indigenous people. Alphabetic literacy was introduced in Mexico with the coming of the Franciscan friars, who brought with them many innovations and heartily set about the task of education. Some of the friars'…

This teaching guide is comprised of four interdisciplinary units dealing with the expeditions of conquistadors in the New World: (1) "Cortes and the Aztecs: Different Views of the World"; (2) "Pizarro and the Incas: The 'What Ifs?' of History"; (3) "Orellana and the Amazon: Human and Environmental Issues"; and (4)…

This curriculum unit is adaptable for students in grades 1-12, from Mexico, Latin America, or any culture using the Roman alphabet in their written language. The unit proposes that students of limited English proficiency will transition from visual and tactile work to written English production. Using culturally familiar activities to enhance…