Catalog of Courses for Latin American Studies
This course covers the basic principles of diachronic linguistics and discusses the uses of linguistic data in the reconstruction of prehistory.
Intended for first- or second-year students, this course introduces the study of history. Seminars involve reading, discussing, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major history.
Introduces major developments and issues in the study of Latin American history from Native American societies on the eve of the Spanish Conquest to the wars of national independence in the early 19th century.
Introduces the forces shaping the emerging nations of Latin America since independence, emphasizing the dynamic reproduction of hierarchies that correspond to the patrimonial, aristocratic, and populist legitimization of social, cultural, and political relations in city life.
The major colloquium is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the colloquium. Colloquia are most frequently offered in areas of history where access to source materials or linguistic demands make seminars especially difficult. Students in colloquia prepare about 25 pages of written work distributed among various assignments. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.
An interdisciplinary seminar taught by the faculty of the Latin Americans Studies Program, containing twelve different subjects, from historical, anthropological, literary, political and media studies disciplines.
An interdisciplinary seminar taught by the faculty of the Latin Americans Studies Program, containing twelve different subjects, from historical, anthropological, literary, political and media studies disciplines.
Majors Thesis, Independent Studies
Beginning with Islamic-ruled Spain and the Aztec and Incan empires, the course examines historical changes in the religious practices of indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans and European settlers in Latin America and the Caribbean under European colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. Topics include: religious violence, human sacrifice, the Inquisition; missions; race, gender and sexuality; slavery, revolts, revolutions, nationalism.
Introduces the study of race and ethnic relations, including the social and economic conditions promoting prejudice, racism, discrimination, and segregation. Examines contemporary American conditions, and historical and international materials.
Introduces students to the expressions and experiences of people in the early Americas. By studying primary source materials, students will enrich their knowledge of the colonial period while further developing methods of historical and literary analysis. By the end of the course, students will be able to close read primary sources, situate them within specific historical contexts, and explain their analysis in spoken and written Spanish.
This course provides students with a survey of Latin American literature and the context in which it developed from 1800 to the present. This course will cover how the region's cultural production has been shaped by its cultures, peoples, and historical events, the consciousness, memory, and imagination expressed within the region's literature, and how the region's representation has been shaped by who has (and has not) had access to literature.
Study of major Latin American women writers from 1900 to the present, including poets, essayists, playwrights, and fiction writers. Discussion will focus on the literary representation of issues related to gender and culture. Prerequisite: SPAN 3010, 3300, and 3 credits of 3400-3430, or departmental placement.
In this course we will study diaries and accounts of travelers in Latin America since the first European got in contact with the continent for the first time What did they see? What did they want to see? How did the describe it? How much influence their account had in the construction of continental imaginary. We will start with el Diario of Christopher Columbus, and finish with some diaries of today. Prerequisite: SPAN 3010, 3300, and 3 credits of 3400-3430, or departmental placement