The Art and Culture of Spain

The history and culture of Spain is fascinating. The geography, traditions and history of the country can be studied from a variety of perspectives and in several different disciplines. Certainly, geography teachers can teach about Spain as part of their study of Europe, but art teachers may choose to explore specific artists or movements that originated in Spain as well. Social studies teachers will want to convey the idea that the history of Spain was not only influenced by other nations, but also that Spain itself had a significant impact on world history.

Students will enjoy researching and making models or drawings of the numerous landmarks found throughout Spain. Using clay, Model Magic, Sculpey or a similar material, you can have students create a small model of some of Spain’s most important sites, including the Museo del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Alhambra, the Alcala Gate and the Rock of Gibraltar. You may also choose to have them write a brief report on the site to reflect their research.

You can also divide students into small groups to report on different Spanish cities, including Madrid, Seville, Granada and Barcelona. Each group should chart the history of the city, its landmarks, and its significance. The information gathered should be presented to the class either orally with visual aids, or through a PowerPoint presentation.

Spain is the birthplace of countless individuals who influenced the course of human history. Have a Spanish Society meeting in which all of these figures come together to share their ideas – for better or for worse – including inventions and writings. Be sure to include King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, explorers Hernan Cortes and Hernando DeSoto, and artists Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and El Greco to name a few. Have students dress in character, deliver a brief speech introducing themselves, and then allow them to mingle with the other historical figures whom they might not have met previously. What follows are more lessons to make it easy for students to learn about Spanish history, art, and culture.

Spanish History, Culture, and Art Lessons and Activities:

Integrating History, Art, Literature, and Culture in the Spanish Classroom

This lesson provides instruction on how to integrate the history, art and literature of Spain into the Spanish classroom. Students can gain a true sense of Spanish culture as they develop their Spanish language skills and vocabulary.

Spain and France Influence in Europe and in the New World

In this lesson, students learn about Spain as it existed during the Middle Ages as well as that which it influenced during the Age of Exploration. Students have the opportunity to compare and contrast the influence of Spain and France during this critical historic era.

Hispanic World Unit

Students will conduct independent research to learn about a particular aspect of Spanish culture. The information will be presented to the rest of the class formally in a fashion decided on by the teacher and the student. This lesson also contains some links to excellent references.