The La Tuna site provides a vast amount of information on the history, customs, musical instruments and costumes of the medieval Spanish university student troubadors, known in their time as tuneros. Although La Tuna is usually associated with Spain, this site documents its presence in other parts of Europe as well as in Latin America. Exclusive use of the target language with links to French and English versions. An open listserve is also available for those interested in La Tuna, with a link to subscription information on the home page.
Type of Material:
Authentic cultural text in basic Standard Spanish.
Technical Requirements:
WinAmp for downloading audio files.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Listening and Reading comprehension of authentic texts. Students wil also learn about the history and the music of la Tuna.
Target Student Population:
La Tuna would be appropriate for a course on Spanish culture and Civilization, at the intermediate level or above. The literary references are suited for AP Spanish courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Spanish reading proficiency at the intermediate level. Beginning students can understand a variety of the lyrics with guidance.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is rich with cultural readings in addition to 256 songs with lyrics and many sound files . The lyrics include classic songs, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. The songs also include more modern pieces, representative of the Spanish-speaking world. The numerous external links encourage the reviewer to explore beyond the immediate information to obtain a more comprehensive view of La Tuna.
Concerns:
None
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site was not designed as a teaching module, per se, but the format allows it to be readily used as a content-based module to teach culture, language, literature and music. The references made about tuneros (soperos) and tuna groups, e.g., the history of the Tuna and the student tuneros is well-documented in familar literary pieces. The literary citations document pieces beginning in the Middle Ages.The themes provide for a high student interest level and comparisons can be made between the tuneros and today's students who work to pay for university expenses. There are additional readings on the musical instruments with a historical account of the various instruments used, including the guitar. Follow-up activities may include learning the instrumental accompaniments for a variety of songs. The rich and revered themes depict the common threads of university life, with music and culture at its heart. learnig activities can be designed to address many of the language skills . Access to the music and lyrics permits listening comprehension ,dictation and singing activities.
Concerns:
None
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Excellent design. The page has the look of authentic parchment and it effectively gives the site a weathered and age-old feeling, setting the tone of the historical importance of la Tuna. The variety of audio files representing music and lyrics from the Hispanic world and the excellent sound quality of the audio files allow for the development of listening activities. The colors and graphics are appealing.
Concerns:
At the time of the review, the English and French-language links, on the home page, were broken.
Creative Commons:
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