This course reviews and analyzes some of the most salient issues regarding the formation of nations and cultural identification in Spanish America from pre Columbian cultures through the Encounter and Spanish conquest, Spanish colonization, nation building from start to current movements, and the continued legacy of conquest and colonial life, up until current contemporary life. Using our readings as a base and a reference, we will make connections among moments in history, politics, and cultural expressions such as literature, art, music, and film. Everything from class discussion to reading and writing assignments are in Spanish. In summation, this course proposes to prepare each student with a strong base knowledge of some of Spanish America's most significant contributions to human history and culture.