Latin American Studies

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.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

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.

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 texts as well as to films, art movements, political manifestos, and national myths.

Prerequisite: SPAN 310 or special permission.

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.

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.

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. Papers and course work are completed in English. Recommended for students taking SPAN 181, SPAN 182, and SPAN 281 while studying in the Barcelona Summer Program.

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. Papers and course work are completed in Spanish. Recommended for students taking SPAN 382 while studying in the Barcelona Summer Program.

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.

Offered: spring semester in even-numbered years.

Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or ANTH 104 or permission of instructor.

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.

Offered: annually in summer.

Prerequisite: ANTH 311.

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.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

 From Patagonia to the Rio Grande, from the Andean Altiplano to the Islands of the Antilles, Latin America and the Caribbean is a culturally heterogeneous and diverse region that is of vital economic, political and environmental importance to the hemisphere and globally. This course will serve as a survey of the cultural traditions and societies of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America as they have evolved since the 16th century with an emphasis on social change, political authority, the role of the state, race, ethnicity and gender.

An examination of the political process in Latin America, focusing on the impact of political culture, the role of social organization, and problems of political and economic development. These issues are examined both generally and in the study of particular Latin American political systems.

Offered: Annually.

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.