Pasajes - Softcover

The three volumes of the Pasajes program are coordinated by chapter themes, vocabulary, and grammar points. This organization means that the topics, the language, and the structures covered in, for example, Chapter 3 of the review grammar are the same as those covered in Chapter 3 of either the cultural or the literary reader. This format allows instructors to use any of the texts by themselves or in conjunction with one another. Pasajes: Lengua can be used by itself for a one term grammar review, either Pasajes: Literatura or Pasajes: Cultura can stand alone as a reader, or instructors can use the grammar with one or both of the readers.

The hallmark of Pasajes is its intelligent treatment of topics that speak to students and their own interests. The chapter themes go beyond the traditional first- and second-year topics to include topics that truly promote a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and of Hispanic cultures. Some examples are topics dealing with stereotypes, death, and beliefs and ideologies. Topics are approached from a cross-cultural, sociological point of view, with the overall goal of the Pasajes series being to challenge students not only to learn about the language and cultures of the Hispanic peoples, but also to think critically about their own culture. Thus, learning Spanish with Pasajes is not only interesting, but also becomes personally relevant.

The reading strategies sections have been streamlined. Students get the essential information and strategies to approach the readings but can now move more quickly to the readings themselves.

Approximately one quarter of the readings in Pasajes: Cultura, Fourth edition are being replaced with more current selections. In general, the cultural content has been revised to reflect the issues and realities of the Spanish-speaking world in the mid 1990s.

The Voces sections, which allow students to hear from native Hispanics around the world, are being updated with new voices, new questions, and a new 90-minute audiotape that students may buy along with the text, if they choose.

A new feature called Papel y lįpiz occurs in each chapter of Pasajes: Cultura, Fourth edition to give students an opportunity for guided writing.