Southern Europe: Society and Culture

Students are introduced to the connection between culture, history, and physical elements of life such as food. Then they explore the distinctions of Mediterranean cuisine. Next, students research and report on a food tradition or celebration of Greece, Italy, or Spain. Finally, they research a Southern European restaurant in their own community and evaluate it based on what they have learned.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students examine how geography, history, trade, migration, and cultural diffusion have shaped food traditions across the Mediterranean region. They compare shared ingredients and regional differences in Mediterranean cuisine, then research broader cultural markers in Greece, Italy, or Spain, including food, religion and celebrations, art and architecture, sports and recreation, and daily customs. Finally, students synthesize their research to explain how history, geography, and cultural diffusion continue to shape the culture of a Southern European country today.

Objectives:

Describe the history and features of Mediterranean food in Southern Europe
Explain the cultural influence of Mediterranean food in Southern Europe
Compare and contrast elements of Mediterranean food throughout Southern Europe and other places

Food can tell us a great deal about a society. The ingredients people use, the dishes they prepare, and the traditions connected to meals can reflect geography, history, religion, trade, migration, and family or community customs.

Southern Europe has many different food traditions, and cuisine varies among countries and even among regions within the same country. Coastal areas, mountain regions, farming areas, and major cities may all develop different foods and ways of preparing them.

In this experience, you will explore the food cultures of Southern Europe and examine how geography, history, trade, and migration have influenced foods and cultural traditions across the region.

Objectives:

Describe the history and features of Mediterranean food in Southern Europe
Explain the cultural influence of Mediterranean food in Southern Europe
Compare and contrast elements of Mediterranean food throughout Southern Europe and other places

La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain

Read the following quote about culture:

Culture and history plunge directly into things, into stones, into wrinkles on human faces, in the taste of wine and oil, into the colour of waves.

–Claudio Magris, Italian Author

What do you think the author means that culture and history “plunge into things”?

Post your answer

As a class, discuss your ideas. In what ways do you think culture and history “plunge into things” in your own culture? How do they connect to physical things and habits?

Guide students to discuss the way that culture and history connect people to their past and present.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.