In the "Preface" to this, the first edition of Épocas y avances: Lengua en su contexto cultural, the authors immediately state the goal and scope of the text: "Designed to present a broad spectrum of content-rich materials for the study of language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, Épocas y avances offers a communicative-humanistic approach to second language acquisition." . The accompanying Cuaderno de trabajo is equally well contextualized and includes an audio CD for oral practice. Further, like the textbook, the Cuaderno includes a variety of exercises including inventive, open-ended writing assignments, sometimes with cues and sometimes requiring library or Internet research; and the Instructor's Edition is filled with useful teaching tips and techniques designed to make the most of the package.