Latin American Studies

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (24 credits)

I. Required Course (4 credits)

• HIST 75/Latin America Since Independence (4)

II. Four courses (16 credits) chosen in consultation with the Latin American Studies director from the following courses.

Courses must include at least one from both the humanities and social sciences and should be selected from at least three different departments.

A. Humanities Courses

• HUM 19/Latin America, Europe, the U.S. : An Odyssey of Cultures (4)
• SPAN 113/African Roots in Latin American Cultures (4)
• SPAN 115/Odyssey of Cultures: Individual and Society in Spanish-American Literature (in English) (4)
• SPAN 117/Selected Topics in Spanish (in English) (4)
• SPAN 118/Selected Topics in English (4)
• SPAN 154/Reading Nation, Gender and Ethnicity in Latin American Cultures (4)

B. Social Sciences

• ANTH 30/Native Arts and Archaeology of Latin America (4)
• ANTH 140/Archaeological Field School (in Ecuador ) (summer) (4)
• PSCI 106/Latin American Politics (4)
• PSCI 134/Latin America and U.S. Foreign Policy (4)
• HIST 190/Selected Topics in History (when appropriate) (1-4)

III. One additional course (4 credits)

Students who have used a language other than Spanish to fulfill the General Education requirement must choose one course from the list below. All other students may select from either A or B above or from the list below:

• SPAN 30/Intermediate Spanish (4)
• SPAN 106A/Phonetics and Pronunciation (2)
• SPAN 106B/Advanced Syntax and Composition (2)
• SPAN 108A/Spanish in Performance: Hispanic Film and Society (2)
• SPAN 109A/Speaking Spanish in Cross-Cultural Contexts (2)
• SPAN 109B/Developing Oral Proficiency (2)
• SPAN 110A, B/Voices from the Hispanic World (2, 2)
• SPAN 125/Doing Business in the Hispanic World (4)
• SPAN 127/Stylistics and the Art of Translation (4)
• SPAN 128/Topics in Spanish Linguistics (4)

With the approval of the Latin American Studies Advisory Committee, students may apply up to 12 credits earned in an approved study-abroad program toward the completion of the minor.

Additional courses offered irregularly may also meet requirements of the minor. Consult the Latin American Studies course listings published each semester.

Courses

Courses Offered

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LAST 300 - Formerly 150 - Independent Study in Latin American Studies (2-4)

An opportunity to do advanced study on a topic or topics of interest to the student in the field of Latin American studies, selected in conference with the instructor(s) and approved by the Latin American Studies Committee.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.

See appropriate departments for the following courses

SPAN 400 - Formerly 199 - HISPANIC STUDIES SEMINAR (3)

The Capstone is the culmination of a students work in the Spanish major. Required of all majors not completing an honors thesis. It is a summative experience of the skills and approaches acquired by an undergraduate student throughout the major in correspondence with National Standards. It will consist of three components: A revised research paper drawing on the work, content and methodologies from one of the Hispanic Studies Seminars regularly offered by the Spanish department. In consultation with Spanish Department faculty, students will complete revisions and any further research/expansion of the paper, and also prepare to present that research to peers and faculty members at the Spanish Departments Hispanic Studies Colloquium a public forum showcasing the research of graduating Spanish majors Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Each student will be administered the OPI following the National Standards established by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). Each student will be administered the WPT following the National Standards established by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Prerequisite: Hispanic Studies Seminar, or concurrent registration with a Hispanic Studies Seminar.

ANTH 231 - Formerly 30 - Native Arts and Archaeology of Latin America (4)

This course focuses on the development and character of indigenous cultures of Latin America before the arrival of Europeans. Themes of power, economy, religion, ritual, and symbolism that uniquely characterize Latin American native societies are examined primarily through art, architecture and material culture. The course follows a topical and comparative approach drawing on data from archaeology, art history, ethnography and ethnohistory
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

ANTH 380 - Formerly 140 - Archaeological Field Study (4)

This summer field course introduces students to archaeological field methods, including survey, excavation, and artifact recovery and processing. Instruction is through participation in an ongoing research project. Location of the field research site varies annually. Recent offerings include Ecuador and Maine.
Prerequisite: ANTH 311 - Formerly 101 - Offered annually in summer.

HIST 261 - Formerly 75 - Latin America Since Independence (4)

A study of the revolt against imperial rule, the problems of independence, and the impact of revolution upon Latin American politics and society in the 20th century, beginning with a broad overview of the impact of Iberian and Indian civilization upon Latin America. Discusses Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, and Mexico in greater detail than the rest of Latin America.
Offering to be determined.

HIST 301 - Formerly 190 - Selected Topics in History (1-4)

A study of a historical theme or topic that uses a methodological approach or viewpoint not fully explored within the departmental offerings. Topics vary according to student interest and faculty expertise.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH

HUM 236 - Formerly 19 - The Humanities and Latin America (4)

The courses in the Comparative Humanities group offer rich possibilities for study. While the cultural and geographical frame for each course (Islam/Middle East, Africa/African-American, Asia, Latin America) is a constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty currently teaching the course. Please check the course announcements each semester. Offered once every four years in the fall semester.

PSCI 361 - Formerly 134 - Latin America and U.S. Foreign Policy (4)

An examination of current relations between the United States and Latin American states, as well as the history, doctrines, institutions, objectives, and interests that shape these relations.
Offered annually.
Fulfills: DIT

SPAN 281 - Formerly 30 - Intermediate Spanish (4)

A review of basic Spanish with a concentration on refinement of skills toward a goal of advanced proficiency in written expression and spoken accuracy. Uses Hispanic cultural and literary texts to assist in vocabulary expansion and to develop techniques in mastering authentic language in context. Open to students who have completed SPAN 182 - Formerly 20 - , or who have been assigned to this course after placement examination. Twenty-five percent of the course done outside class using various technologies.
Meets: Three hours class, two hours in the LRC Prerequisite: SPAN 182 - Formerly 20 - Offered every semester.

SPAN 352 - Formerly 113 - African Roots in Latin American Cultures (4)

A study of the many contributions that African Diaspora added to the richness of the present-day cultures of Latin America, Brazil and the Spanish Caribbean. The course will emphasize the influences that the African cultures have had in areas such as the language, economy, religion, music, art, dance and gastronomy. In addition to literary selections, readings in socio-historical sources, films and other art forms will be introduced and discussed.
Enrollment priority: Given to Spanish majors/minors, Latin American Studies minors, Pan African majors/minors. Offered in alternate years.

SPAN 351 - Formerly 115 - Magical Realism to Glblization Span-American Lit & Film (4)

A study of the major developments in Latin American literature and film in the past half century. First we concentrate on the literary aesthetics of the "Boom" - the movement that propelled Latin American literature into world recognition - and will consider theoretically the use of magical realism through close readings of representative canonical works. The second half of the course will center on the most recent prose and film of new generations of artists (such as the "McOndo" and "Crack Generation" movements, among others) depicting the impact of globalization, transnational forces, consumerism, migrations, and external influences upon Latin American identity. Taught in English.
Offered spring 2009.
Fulfills: BH, DIT

SPAN 380 - Formerly 117 - Selected Topics in Spanish (2-4)

A study of a topic or topics in a linguistic, cultural, or literary aspect of the Hispanic world not covered by the current offerings of the Spanish department. In any given semester the course may be offered as a single four-credit unit or divided into two separate topics, each carrying two credits. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes.
In any given semester the course may be offered as a single four-credit unit or divided into two separate topics, each carrying two credits. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered fall or spring semester.

SPAN 381 - Formerly 118 - Selected Topics in Spanish Literature and Cultural Stds. (2-4)

The study of a topic or topics related to a literary or cultural aspect of the Hispanic world not covered by the current offerings of the Spanish department. In any given semester the course may be offered as a single four-credit unit or divided into two separate topics, each carrying two credits.
In any given semester the course may be offered as a single four-credit unit or divided into two separate topics, each carrying two credits. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Gateway course or special permission. Offered fall or spring semester.

SPAN 310 - Formerly 120 - Gateway to Hispanic Literature and Cultural Studies (4)

This course introduces students to the basic critical skills for literary and cultural analysis, develops reading fluency across genres (such as poetry, prose, and theatre) and literary periods, and examines interdisciplinary cultural discourses as connected to a topic or topics related to the Hispanic world. Representative works and products studied are placed within their historical, cultural and theoretical contexts. The course pays particular attention to the development of oral and written argumentation across cultural frameworks and perspectives. Emphasis is placed on oral interpretations and presentations, critical oral and written responses, as well as on the original application of critical methodologies in written work. Students will develop writing and research skills pertinent to future coursework in the discipline. Topics may rotate among the following: Gender and Representation in Hispanic Literatures and Film; Spain, Latin America, the U.S.: An Odyssey of Cultures; Short Fictions in the Spanish Speaking World; The Hispanic Imagination: Poetry and Narrative; Identity, Performance and Self-Representation in Spanish-Speaking Cultures; The Hispanic Novella Tradition from Cervantes to Garcia Marquez.
Prerequisite: Three courses from the advanced intermediate sequence or special permission.
Fulfills: BH, WM

SPAN 366 - Formerly 121 - Advanced Expression and Stylistics (4)

An advanced course in creative writing. Based on the practices of creative writing in different genres and subgenres, translations, and oral production, students will refine their linguistic skills and work towards acquiring a personal style across written contexts. Students will also work toward the development of critical thinking skills when creating new texts. Prerequisite: Gateway course or concurrent registration with Gateway course or special permission.

Fulfills: BA

SPAN 364 - Formerly 123 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics (4)

This survey course introduces the primary fields of Spanish linguistics including: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics. We will examine the terminology and theoretical frameworks used in each field for the analysis of the Spanish language. Students will put linguistic theory to practice through the completion of exercises and the analysis of speech and text. We will also examine the social contexts that structure the use of language and its speakers by exploring the Spanish language in various settings around the world.
Prerequisite: Gateway course, or concurrent registration with Gateway course or special permission.
Fulfills: BSS

SPAN 365 - Formerly 124 - Spanish Sociolinguistics (4)

This course will familiarize students with issues of language use in context in Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Students will learn the field's main findings and methods for sociolinguistic analysis. They will become familiar with concepts such as linguistic variation, linguistic change, standard vs. non-prestigious varieties, bilingualism, diglossia, language attitudes, language planning, and conversation analysis.
Prerequisite: Gateway course, or concurrent registration with Gateway course or by special permission.
Fulfills: BSS, WI, DIT

SPAN 379 - Formerly 125 - Doing Business in the Hispanic World (4)

This course is designed to give students of Spanish a foundation in business vocabulary, basic business and cultural concepts as well as an in-depth reflection of what it means to do business in a variety of culturally diverse Hispanic countries. This perspective is conducted through literary readings, contemporary and historical comparisons, mass media analysis, and linguistic descriptions of products or brand names.
Enrollment priority: Priority to students who have already taken a course in the advanced language sequence and are considering a minor in Business, Society, and Culture or major in Economics and to students in the Latin American Studies program. Offered spring semester in even numbered years. Same as:

SPAN 382 - Formerly 128 - Selected Topics in Spanish Language and Linguistics (2-4)

The study of a topic or topics in Spanish language and linguistics not covered by the current offerings of the Spanish department. In any given semester the course may be offered as a single four-credit unit or divided into two separate topics, each carrying two credits.
Amount of credit established at the time of registration. Offered in Spanish. Maybe repeated for credit as topics changes. Prerequisite: Required courses from the Advanced Intermediate Language Sequence, placement or special permission.

SPAN 331 - Formerly 154 - Reading Nation, Gender and Ethnicity in LatIn American Culture (4)

A multidisciplinary study of the discourses of gender and ethnicity during shifting moments of nation construction in Latin America after independence, revolution and modernization projects. Discourse analysis, gender and postcolonial theories will be applied to selected literary text as well as to films, art movements, political manifestos, and national myths. Prerequisite: Gateway course or permission of the instructor.
Enrollment priority: Priority to Spanish majors and minors and Latin American minors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Open to Juniors and Seniors who have taken at least one advanced course in literature. Offered in alternate years.
Fulfills: DIT