The Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies Concentration and Major give students an opportunity to explore Latin America’s multiplicity of peoples and cultures as they are situated in historical and international contexts, including their new and centuries-old immigrant and migrant diasporas or pre-Anglo enclaves within the United States. Students select from a multidisciplinary array of courses that explore the diversity of the Hispanic, indigenous, Afro-Latin, and Portuguese-speaking peoples of the Americas as well as their common cultural and historical roots.
Students interested in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies should consider enrolling in one of the courses listed under Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies on the First-Year Student website.
Courses
POLS 110
Race and Ethnicity Politics
Common Area: Social Science
This course will cover a broad range of topics that examines the ways in which race intersects with the American political system including but not limited to: the social and legal construction of race, the effects of political redistricting, voting right among minority groups, immigration, the factors that influence voter mobilization among minority groups, the intersection of race and gender, race in the context of public policy, as well as race in the context of media and news coverage.
RELS 103
Race and Religion
Common Area: Studies in Religion
This course explores the intersection of race and religion. Given the ambiguity in their constructions and articulations throughout history, it is a challenging yet ultimately worthwhile endeavor to trace their historical and contemporary contours in cultural, social, political, and economic spheres. Though they are often thought of as separate, this course assumes that race and religion are intimately and intricately intertwined. Thus, we will ask such questions as: What is religion? What is race? How have and do religious traditions coöpt race and racism as effective tools for their structure, organization, and propagation, and vice versa? This interdisciplinary course will ask students to form critical theoretical perspectives on race and religion, and to take up the above questions as they arise in the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and American indigenous religious traditions. Spanning 15th c. Europe to modern North America, the course will also explore questions related to gender/sexuality, indigeneity, sovereignty, capitalism, nationalism, and identity.
SPAN 202
Intermediate Spanish 2
Common Area: Language Studies
The second course in our two-semester Intermediate Spanish sequence, SPAN 202 is designed for students who have completed SPAN 201 or 215 or the equivalent. The course focuses on oral expression, reading, writing, and listening comprehension through the use of authentic materials. Students will hone their ability to narrate and describe in different tenses and to express their opinions on a variety of topics and contexts, expanding their vocabulary and grammar. Four class hours weekly, including one hour of Practicum.
SPAN 216
Directed Ind Inter Spanish 2
Common Area: Language Studies
The second course in our two-semester Intermediate Spanish sequence, SPAN 216 is the equivalent of SPAN 202, but in our Directed Independent Spanish Curriculum program. As such, students complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. One Practicum session weekly and independent work.
SPAN 301
Spanish Comp & Con
Common Area: Language Studies
A prerequisite to other 300- and 400-level courses in Spanish, this class provides intensive composition and conversation practice through the discussion and analysis of texts, podcasts, and films produced by authors and filmmakers from different national and cultural backgrounds. The goal is to expand the students’ command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary, to develop their communicative and rhetorical skills as well as their fluency and pronunciation, and to reflect critically on the experiences of Spanish-speaking communities across the world. Five hours per week, including two Practicum sessions.
SPAN 302
Español para Hispanohablantes
Common Area: Language Studies
A prerequisite to other 300- and 400-level Spanish classes, this course is the equivalent of SPAN 301 for native and heritage students with a high level of oral Spanish proficiency. The class provides intensive reading and writing practice through the discussion and analysis of texts, podcasts, and films produced by authors from different national and cultural backgrounds, including contemporary Latinx and Afro-Latinx writers and filmmakers. Building upon their previous knowledge and experiences, students will broaden their awareness of particular aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and identities, and practice different writing techniques to suit different purposes. Four hours per week, including one Practicum session.
SPAN 305
Intro to Textual Analysis
Common Area: Language Studies or Literature
This course invites students to engage critically with narrative, poetry, drama, and film in Spanish. We will read a variety of literary works from Latin America and Spain, reflecting on the poLiteratureical, social, and cultural issues they address. Theoretical readings will provide the necessary tools to dissect and discuss both written and visual texts. How does a text work? What makes it elicit certain reactions in the reader? Why is it appealing (or not!)? Through close readings, students will learn to analyze literary texts and articulate their views with clarity and conviction. Conducted in Spanish.
THEA 191
Afro-Haitian Dance
Common Area: Arts or Cross-Cultural Studies
This course is an introduction to movements from the African Diaspora, focusing on traditional Haitian Folkloric dances and the distinct rhythms and characters of Nago, Mayi, Ibo, Banda, Yanvalou and Kongo. Through videos, discussion, technique and embodied practice, students gain an appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Haitian dance and its unique connection to modern dance.