Based on the pioneering text Cinema for Spanish Conversation, De Pelicula uses recent feature films with a PG or PG-13 rating to build Spanish language skills in listening, speaking, and reading. The text also provides a unique method to explore the cultural concepts depicted in the films.

As with the parent text, De Pelicula provides a context for listening to the film through previewing exercises, background information, vocabulary, cultural material, and post-viewing exercises, including student exercises to be done in small groups. This version covers eight films and may be used as a primary or ancillary text in fourth year high school courses, for community college courses -- especially those language courses taught in the evening -- or in single-semester courses at most colleges.

All films are new to this edition and come from a range of Spanish-speaking countries, All may be easily obtained for classroom viewing or language labs, or for students to purchase or rent on their own.

People who are fed up (hasta la madre--up to the mother) with classroom Spanish will enjoy this A-to-Z thematic arrangement of more than 5,000 colorful terms and slang expressions from across the Spanish-speaking world. Streetwise Spanish Dictionary/Thesaurus includes numerous examples, quizzes, humorous illustrations, cultural information, and help with usage. How good is that? (Que Padre!--What a father).

Don't sound like "una momia"--add a little sizzle to your Spanish .

If someone called you "tragaldabas" would you be insulted or flattered? If you shouted "Mota " in the street, would you expected to get a cab or get arrested? Thanks to "The Red-Hot Book of Spanish Slang and Idioms," you'll always know your "tejemaneje" (scheme) from your "merequetengue" (mess) no matter where you find yourself in the Spanish-speaking world. Five thousand words and phrases--plus helpful hints as to what's cordial and what's vulgar--keep you in sync with Spanish slang.. . .

Spanish to English.

"nios popis (upper-class kids)" Spoiled brats
. "Contigo ni a China me voy. (I'm not even going to China with you)" You're impossible
. "La cruda (rawness)" Hangover.

English to Spanish. Ugly as sin "ser un espantapjaro (to be a scarecrow)"
. To be lucky "tener leche (to have milk)"
. Why are you staring at me? "Tengo monos en la cara? (Do I have monkeys on my face?)"

"Cultura y cine: Hispanoamerica hoy," a Spanish-language textbook designed for students at the intermediate/advanced level, explores contemporary Hispanic America through Spanish-language feature films and authentic cultural texts. Topics covered include politics, education, diversity of people and geography, immigration, religion, indigenous traditions, economic issues (both advantages and challenges), music, art, and family life. Each of the eight chapters focuses on a central theme and a high-interest film and includes interviews providing current perspectives on the topic, one or more articles from periodicals, a literary selection, cultural notes, and a variety of activities including many that will appeal to today's digital-age students. Five "Vistazo panoramico" sections provide a visual introduction to course fundamentals.

Useful and engaging listening and speaking activities, learning strategies, CNN videos, and a website effectively provide students with the tools they need to be successful, independent learners.