Unit 2. History is nothing but a dialogue between man and the universe.

Final product: Podcast using Vocaroo about the changes in life and values. It must include an important figure of history and tell why he/she is important (what things this person has done).

Session 1

María Zambrano was a Spanish philosopher and writer born on April 22, 1904, in Vélez-Málaga, Andalusia. She was one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century and the first woman to win the Cervantes Prize. Zambrano graduated from Madrid's Central University and then moved to Germany, where she studied with the philosopher Martin Heidegger. Her work focuses on the intersection of philosophy with poetry and politics, and she often addressed issues related to human suffering and the search for meaning in life.

Session 2

3. Families, leisure time, music and fashion tastes 101 years ago in Spain: Write short ideas as to those areas in pairs 

Session 3

1. What do 'satisfy' and 'greed' mean? Mahatma Ganhdi: "Eath provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not every man’s greed"

2. Reading. Growing up poor

My name is Mike, and I was born in a very poor neighborhood in Los Angeles. When I was little, my mother took care of my brother and me because my father left before I came to this world, and he wasn’t too interested in being a part of our lives. My mother had to work two jobs that didn’t pay much. She had to work very hard so that we could have food, clothes, and a place to live. She was great; we loved her and appreciated her efforts.

Every day, she usually arrived home very late, and she was exhausted. Still, she always cooked nice meals for us, played with us, and made sure that we did our homework. She always insisted on how important it was to get a good education. She couldn’t finish school because she got pregnant with me when she was just a teenager. “I couldn’t finish school, and that’s why I must work so hard now, and I earn so little money,” she often said.

Children were very violent in my neighborhood; you needed to be violent if you wanted to survive. There was a lot of crime, vandalism, and drugs. It wasn’t easy to be a good student for any child who lived in our neighborhood. The other children hated you if you got good grades, so I wasn’t very popular. The only positive thing about living in that place is that you needed to be very clever to survive, and that helped me later in life.

Finally, my brother and I could finish high school. I went to university because I was a very good basketball player, and basketball paid for my university degree. On the day of my graduation, my mother was in tears. And she was in tears again the day I showed her our new apartment, away from the neighborhood. Do you know how difficult it is to get out of a poor neighborhood? It’s very hard, but I did it, and it was thanks to my mum. Now she doesn’t have to work two jobs anymore, and I take care of her.

4. Complete this poster

Session 4

Session 5

2. Life and values in 1950s

The 1950s in the United States were a time of great prosperity and change. The end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War ushered in an age of economic growth, consumerism, and a renewed sense of patriotism.

During this time, many families moved out of cities and into suburban communities, seeking larger homes with yards and safe neighborhoods for their children. The American Dream was alive and well, and the 1950s provided ample opportunities for people to achieve it.

Despite the post-war economic boom, values in the 1950s were still rooted in traditional gender roles and societal norms. Women were expected to be homemakers and raise children, while men were seen as the breadwinners and heads of households. This was reinforced by pop culture of the time, which often showed women in domestic roles and men as adventurous, successful heroes.

Despite these stereotypes, the 1950s also saw the rise of the civil rights movement and the fight against racial segregation. This struggle for equality would eventually result in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Religion and faith were also an important part of life in the 1950s, with many families attending church regularly and following traditional religious teachings. This sense of morality was reflected in the strict dress codes, modesty standards, and conservative social norms of the time.

In terms of entertainment, the 1950s saw the rise of rock and roll music, Elvis Presley, and the birth of the modern teenager. Many young people rebelled against traditional values, experimenting with drugs, sex, and hedonistic lifestyles.

Overall, life and values in the 1950s were shaped by a combination of social, cultural, and political forces. While some aspects of this era may seem outdated or restrictive by modern standards, they nonetheless helped to shape the America we know today.

Session 7

1. Pablo Alborán: Pablo Alborán is a popular and award-winning singer and songwriter from Malaga. His music is a fusion of pop, flamenco, and acoustic guitar. He has released several albums and collaborated with famous artists like Alejandro Sanz and Avicii.

2. Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderas is a famous actor and director, born in Malaga, who has appeared in numerous Hollywood movies. He is known for his charming personality and good looks. Banderas has won several awards and nominations for his acting skills, including an Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations.

3. Alejandro Sanz: Alejandro Sanz is a successful singer and songwriter from Madrid, who has sold over 25 million records worldwide. His music is a blend of pop, flamenco, and Latin rhythms. Sanz has won several awards, including 20 Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards.

4. Federico García Lorca: Federico García Lorca was a famous poet, playwright, and theatre director from Granada. He is considered one of the most important Spanish writers of the 20th century. Lorca's works are marked by his love for Andalusia and his criticism of social injustice.

5. Carmen Linares: Carmen Linares is a renowned flamenco singer from Granada. She has recorded several albums and collaborated with many artists. Her music is characterized by her powerful, passionate voice and her deep connection with the roots of Andalusian culture.

6. Blas Infante: Blas Infante was a politician and writer from Casares. He is considered the father of Andalusian nationalism and fought tirelessly for the recognition and autonomy of Andalusia. He wrote several books and is regarded as one of the most influential Andalusian thinkers of the 20th century.

7. Paco de Lucía: Paco de Lucía was a famous flamenco guitarist and composer from Algeciras. He is considered one of the most innovative and talented guitarists of all time. He collaborated with many famous artists, including Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin, and his music influenced many generations of guitarists.

8. Victoria Kent: Victoria Kent was a feminist politician and lawyer from Malaga. She is remembered for her work in the Spanish Republican government, where she fought for women's rights and social justice. She lived in exile after the Spanish Civil War and continued to work for human rights until her death in New York in 1987.