Summary: Written for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the Spanish language, this book integrates language-skills instruction with subject-matter content. It ensures a smooth transition from the practical knowledge of Spanish that is necessary to carry out daily tasks to a deeper comprehension of the cultures of the Hispanic world. The first five chapters are theme based and then the remainder of the book is organized around regions of the Spanish-speaking world. Each chapter focuses on a set of topics that are related to a broad cultural theme and fully integrated with the language skills covered in the chapter. Readers will also find that essential functions and grammar structures are reintroduced and recycled throughout the pages to reinforce communication skills and grammar.