Cultural Breakout Sessions
The Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI) has numerous Cultural Breakout and Series sessions as part of the immersion experience. Students learn language and culture through classes in grammar, history, dance, travel, crafts, holidays, history, traditions, literature and more. These are drop-in sessions that are part of the Institute day. Below are a few examples of what may be found.
Genre |
Description |
| Art, Film and Literature | Learn about important artists, films and writers from across the Spanish-speaking world. Past sessions have focused on artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, films such as Roma, and writers such as Gabriel García Márquez and Pablo Neruda. |
| Cultural Celebrations | Learn about a variety of events that celebrate the histories and the flavors of various Spanish-speaking cultures! Past sessions have focused on celebrations large and small in Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and so much more. |
| Dance and Physical Activity | Let's get active! By learning about different ways to incorporate Spanish in our daily lives--through dance, yoga, or walking--we put our ISSI lessons to good use! |
| Games and Sports | Games and sports are elements that all cultures partake in. Come learn about different games to practice Spanish, as well as games that are important in various Spanish-speaking cultures. Learn about important athletes who have made major contributions to different Spanish-speaking groups. |
| Grammar | Learning grammar isn't just about what you learn in the core courses; it's about applying it in different ways. Our ISSI Instructors are gifted in making learning grammar fun--including story-telling activities, acting in skits, and so much more. Get guided help on those areas of grammar that are tricky for everyone. |
| History | In order to understand a culture, you have to learn about its history. Come learn about various aspects of history in different Spanish-speaking cultures. Past sessions have focused on topics of Mexican history, Spanish history, Chilean history, and so much more. |
| Indigenous Cultures | Spanish is spoken throughout the world, but it is important to recognize the important contributions of the various indigenous communities to Spanish-speaking cultures. Come learn about their histories and their lasting imprints on today's societies. |
| Music | Music is an important way to learn about a culture's roots and values. Come learn about important music genres and their histories, as well as some important musicians who have changed the landscape of Spanish-language music. |
| Societal Topics | Spanish-speaking societies are so varied and nuanced, so let's learn about different aspects together. We'll cover topics like cultural differences from one region to another, important people and social movements, and aspects about a given Spanish-speaking culture's mannerisms and expressions that make them stand out. |
| Travel | Ever wanted to know about what traveling in different Spanish-speaking countries is like? Let our instructors give you the highlight and provide some important information as you set up your next travel adventure. |
| Vocabulary and Pronunciation | Let's build up that vocabulary! Through various activities, these breakouts and series focus on how we can expand our verbage through fun activities. |
ISSI students will be emailed (to their personal email addresses and their LTCC student email addresses) a draft of the breakout and series topics for ISSI Monday, approximately 1 week before the start of ISSI. When you get here for the Pre-ISSI Event on Sunday, 27 July, 3-5pm, you'll be given a paper copy of the full breakout and series schedule.
Remember: Breakouts and series are part of your core course instruction; only those enrolled in a core course can attend breakouts and series.