Component A:
"Where on earth is Latin America, anyway?." I asked myself as I began my search. I found a great webpage, Latin American Destinations, to help me begin my journey through Latin America. Here, I found the countries that belonged to the region. By clicking on each individual country, you can find out a lot about the history, culture, geography and even the national holidays and seasons. There are also links to the links that give out tidbits of information about the country- did you know that there was a small community of Japanese in Argentina? Or that a Scottish castaway in Chile, Alexander Selkirk, was the real "Robinson Crusoe?" Or that Mexican Independence day is September 16th? This site sets the groundwork for understanding Latin America.

The next site I chose, The Latin American Newsletter, brings current events and political happenings to the internet. The president of Columbia has declared a State of Internal Disturbance. This article goes on to describe what an internal disturbance is- I realized some of my own American ignorance has I explored this site- I always thought of the Latin American countries as rain forests and colorful dancers- I didnt realize all of the unrest going on their now!
The last site I picked is The Azteca Web Page. This page is primarily for Mexicans and Chicanos. There are many links to links, and contains both opinions and facts. There are articles about Mexico's names and holidays, what's the difference between a Chicano and a Mexican, geographic information, sites to buy Mexican art and more. The Mexican culture interests me because I work with many Mexican-Americans and, being originally from Ohio where the variety and density of ethnic groups is much sparcer than here in California, I notice that they do have different values, beliefs and culture than my family.

Component B:

What is family? Community? Culture? What is the difference between Culture and Community?
Family can be defined as "A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children, or Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place." (source: www.dictionary.com-searchword family). Community is "A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government (source: www.dictionary.com, searchword community), and culture as "The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. (source: www.dictionary.com, searchword, culture).
There are different types of families. I have a split nuclear family- I have my mom and stepdad, and my dad and stepmother and 2 stepbrothers. I have my husband and my 3 children. I also consider my best friend part of my family. Our community is Rohnert Park, where we live. But we come from different cultures. I was raised Catholic, that is part of my culture. Culture comes from the way each of us was raised. Our communities affect our culture.

Credit for picture goes to source listed on jpg.

Links for Component A
Click and Explore Latin America Although intended for travelers, there are links on this link for history and culture, explorations and other interesting facts for each country.
Latin American newsletters. Interested in what's happening in Latin America today? Click here.
The Azteca Web Page This site is mainly for Mexicans and Chicanos. It contains both opinions and facts.

Component B:
Culture vs. community This is a quick page a student did explaining culture vs. community.
Community vs. Family This same student explains community vs. family.
Why Study Humanities A student eloquently explains why she thinks we should study humanities in this, her final exam.