Italian Language  

 

       
       
  Aeneid
Virgil's epic of the founding of Rome begins with the fall of Troy and the journeys of the Trojan prince, Aeneas.
 
       
  Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
How Greek classical art developed from local traditions and from outside influences is examined. The orders of Greek temples are explained.
 
       
  Christmas in Italy
Distinctive markets, bagpiping shepherds, the legend of Befana, and the presence of the Pope make Christmas in Italy unique.
 
       
  Dante: Divine Poet and Wandering Exile
The literary masterpiece of the Middle Ages, Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, was an imaginary journey from Hell, through Purgatory, to Paradise. The great poem is peppered with memories of his own exile.
 
 
  Etruscans
The Etruscans produced an early civilization on the Italian Peninsula. Tomb relics are now revealing their story.
 
       
  Florence: Birthplace of the Renaissance
The art and history of Florence are explained as they are related to one another in this comprehensive examination of the city that conquered the Medieval world with ideas and beauty.
 
       
  Foods of Italy: La Cucina Italiana
Welcome to Italy, a country that is famous all over the world for its rich history, its passionate people, and its beautiful landscape. For centuries, this magnificent land has been a magnet for those who love the arts. Here, fine painting, architecture, and music blend with the routine of everyday life. Throughout the centuries, however, Italy has become justly admired for something else as well - its food. Whether it is mouth-watering lasagna, or crisp pizza baked in a wood oven, Italian food tastes wonderful. It's no wonder that Italian cooking, or "la cucina Italiana", is one of the most popular culinary styles in the world today. In this program, we will first take a look at what Italian cooking is. Next, we will look at Italian eating habits as they changed through the years. Then, we will talk about regional differences in cooking styles throughout Italy. Finally, we will analyze the many benefits of eating Italian cooking.
 
       
  Gods and Heroes of Greece and Rome
Western literature is based on the pantheon of Greek and Roman gods and the heroes who once consorted with them.
 
       
  History of Roman Civilization
In the beginning, Rome consisted of a few hilltop villages. The city expanded its influence until the entire ancient Mediterranean world was under its rule.
 
       
  Iliad and the Trojan War
Homer's Iliad and the accompanying epics about Troy have survived in classical culture for more than 1,500 years. Heroes and gods strive toward glory.
 
       
  Life in an Italian Hill Town
The medieval look prevails, but the citizens are modern. Visit Gioviano in the hills of Tuscany for a look at an often unseen side of Italian life.
 
       
  Monuments of Ancient Rome
Though their vast empire eventually collapsed, the Romans left a legacy in stone. These memorials to a time long past remind us that their cultural heritage lives on. By examining the magnificent monuments, we can trace the glorious history of Rome.
 
       
Spanish      
  Abejas en la Casa
Spanish was never easier or more fun to learn than in this humorous presentation that teaches simple Spanish words.
 
       
  Alhambra: Legacy of Moorish Spain (English)
The Alhambra was the stronghold of the last Moorish rulers in Spain, and the sumptuous legacy of Granada still delights visitors 500 years later. Explore the grounds and the palaces.
 
       
  Anuncios Comerciales (Spanish)
Commercials can tell us quite a bit about a particular culture. Look at some television ads from the Spanish-speaking world and listen for some familiar words.
 
       
  Anuncios, Senales, y Carteles
Test your reading comprehension skills and have fun looking at a wide variety of signs found in the Spanish-speaking world.
 
       
  Arts and Crafts of Mexico (English)
An indigenous artistic tradition thousands of years old has been merging with Spanish traditions for nearly 500 years. The results are stunning and unique.
 
       
  Basque Country (English)
The most ancient race of modern Europe has no country to claim as its own, yet remains strongly attached to its heritage. The Basques of France and Spain have a unique culture and a fascinating history. Narrated in English.
 
       
  Brazil: Heart of South America
Resource-rich, Portuguese-speaking Brazil says it is the land of the future. Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Manaus offer excitement, and the Amazon is incomparable.
 
       
  Bullfight: La Fiesta Brava (English)
To understand Spain, one must understand the spectacle of the bullfight -- la fiesta brava. Explore the history of bullfighting, as actual bullfighting footage is used to explain each step of the ritual.
 
       
  Carnival Ponceno (Bilingual)
The carnival season prior to Lent transforms Ponce, Puerto Rico into a city of excitement, as residents host one last joyful celebration before beginning a season of solemnity.
 
       
  Celebrating Cinco de Mayo (English)
Parades, traditional foods, colorful crafts, and happy people are the trademarks of celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo presents a wonderful opportunity each year for two neighboring countries the United States and Mexico-- to acknowledge and re-affirm their friendship. The holiday glorifies freedom and liberty, ideas that are cherished by citizens of both North American democracies. Narrated in English.
 
       
  Christmas Customs in Latin America (English)
Watch the people of Latin America celebrate Christmas by blending Old and New World traditions. Christian and Native American customs exist harmoniously.
 
       
  Christmas in Spain: Feliz Navidad (Bilingual)
Nochebuena, Feliz Aņo Nuevo, and Epifaņa are some of the words and customs that are presented in this bilingual, visually exciting program. Students will learn about Spanish food, art, music, and dance, as they experience holiday traditions. Bilingual.
 
       
  Cinco de Mayo (English)
On May 5, 1862, a Mexican army defeated French invaders, thereby establishing a national holiday. Learn about Cinco de Mayo with this exciting and informative video program.
 
       
  Colombia de Hoy
Look behind the romantic stereotypes and sensationalism and you will find a Colombia that is vibrant and exciting. Here is solid information on geography and culture.
 
       
  Comerciales de Espana (Spanish)
Watch commercials from Spanish television. See what products are sold and learn how they are advertised in Spain. Listen closely for words that you can recognize. Spanish.
 
       
  Comerciales Mexicanos (Spanish)
Spanish-language commercials as they appear on Mexican television will give students a head start toward understanding the messages being presented.
 
       
  Conocer Espana (Spanish)
From the towering Pyrenees to fabulous beaches, the geography of Spain is diverse and wonderful, as are the people who call Spain home. This informative video is in simple Spanish.
 
       
  Conocer Mexico
Mexican culture arose from many different influences. This Spanish-language introduction to an ancient land focuses on both the geography and the people.
 
       
  Conociendo America Central (Spanish)
This Spanish-language tour of Central America provides practice in listening comprehension while it dispenses valuable background information about an important geographical area.
 
       
  Cuba (English)
Ninety miles away from the United States, Cuba still exists separate from the world, with its own cultures and traditions. Explore the real Cuba in all of its exotic glory. Narrated in English.
 
       
  Cuentos de Fantasmas (Spanish)
Six Spanish-American ghost stories are told in simple Spanish. Some are chilling; some are charming. There will be unexpected revelations and poignant characters. This video will enliven your Spanish classes.
 
       
  Cuentos Populares Latinoamericanos (Spanish)
Full of good-natured humor and illustrating moral lessons, these six charming fables, told in simple Spanish, will delight and educate.
 
       
  Day of the Dead: Janitzio (English)
Each culture views death in its own way. In Janitzio, relatives take the time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. The Day of the Dead is a celebration of the cycle of life. Narrated in English.
 
       
  Easter in Guatemala
Beautiful floats and flower carpets vie for attention during Guatemala's unique Easter season.
 
       
  Easter in Spain (English)
Spain's deeply religious people celebrate Easter with much pageantry and spectacle - without losing sight of the reason for the holiday. Reverence and joy infuse this very special time of the year.
 
       
  El Alfabeto Espanol (Spanish)
This great introductory program for beginning students is also a vocabulary builder for intermediate classes. It can help all classes with pronunciation and simple syntax.
 
       
  El Mercado
The market is the hub of life in Latin American villages and it's an essential shopping stop in the larger cities. Experience the local flavor.
 
       
  El Mundo Hispanohablante (Spanish)
Spanish is spoken by many people who live in countries other than Spain. We'll visit some of these places and witness what life is like in the Spanish-speaking world. Narrated in Spanish.