LAS-200. Introduction to Latin American Studies

An examination of the major social, political, and cultural issues that surrounded the formation of what we understand today as “Latin America.” The course follows a chronological framework from the arrival of the Europeans to the present, and attempts to understand the major developments of Latin American history by analyzing the ideological, social, and political debates and events that occurred on both sides of the Atlantic. Some of the major issues covered are the first encounters between Europeans and the native population, the violent colonization and transformation of Latin America, contemporary race relations, indigenous movements, and Latin America’s complicated relationship with the United States. The language of instruction is English. Three hours per week.Four semester hours. (DN, GN.)

LAS-215. U.S. Latino/Latina Literature.

An introduction to the works of U.S. Latino and Latina authors writing in English in the United States. Emphasis will be on political, social and economic conditions surrounding the literary experiences within the Chicano, Puerto Rican, and Cuban-American communities in the United States. Concepts such as assimilation, transculturation, racism, gender, ethnicity, language and identity will be examined. The language of instruction is English. Prerequisite: CIE-100. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN.)

LAS-332. Topics in Latin American Studies

An interdisciplinary approach to the study of Latin America. Topics may include such issues as class, gender, and race relations as reflected in the history, politics, society, and literature and culture of Latin American nations. If this is a film topic, a two-hour screening may be required. The language of instruction is English.  Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN.)