A method of combining second language learning and cultural education at the advanced level is described. In a third-year college Spanish course, the subject of post-Franco Spain is used as the context for developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and also serves as content area in itself. In addition to instructional texts, diverse authentic materials are used, including non-literary readings (journalistic writings, essays, interviews, letters, memoirs, speeches, comic strips, posters, and others), unsubtitled feature films, and taped audio newscasts. Topics covered include: the civil war; conflicts of transition and the triumph of democracy; regional identity, terrorism, and nationalism; social effects of rapid modernization; and feminism and the freedom to forge sexual and gender identity. Every student selects three topics and prepares an oral report for each, one a straightforward presentation, one a discussion with other class members, and one a simulation. In addition, each student writes and revises five to seven brief papers. An oral interview targeting both language proficiency and content serves as a final assessment of student learning. A syllabus and a variety of instructional materials are appended. (MSE)