-
The course looks at the issues faced by peoples and cultures of Latin America primarily through the careful reading of ethnographies. The ethnographies, as well as the associated articles and films used in the course, highlight the social realities and history of Latin American region. In this course we focus on understanding the interconnectedness of…
-
This course takes a topical approach to contemporary challenges facing indigenous peoples in Latin America. The course uses recent ethnographic accounts to give us an in-depth understanding of the struggles, achievements and meaning-making practices of indigenous peoples in Latin America. We focus on identity-making practices of indigenous ethnic groups in their struggles within the states…
-
An advanced course that provides an introduction to Spanish-speaking Latin American culture while maintaining and improving Spanish language skills. The course is designed to give students an overview of the diverse cultures of the region, moving historically from the first encounters of colonial times to the various communities that make up present-day Latino culture. While…
-
Explores key themes in modern Spanish America’s history through focus on Mexico and Argentina. Topics include: nation-building and economic development in the 19th century, the decline and abolition of slavery; the experience of indigenous peoples under national rule, the roles of western Europe and the U.S. in shaping political, economic, and cultural developments, the Mexican…
-
Study of Latin American and Latino/a music cultures and the syncretization of European, African and indigenous influences in the U.S., Caribbean, Central and South America. Topics covered include indigenous/native, mestizo and African-based musical forms; samba, salsa, merengue and other dance musics; and the Nueva Cancion (“New Song”) movement.
-
The study of important Latin American music cultures including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. These large countries have long histories and have developed complex music cultures including many genres ranging from classical to popular, folk, and ritual performance. Major issues discussed will include syncretization, colonialism, African and European influences, music and gender, music and…
-
The study of music of the Caribbean region, an area of intense historical interchange, including Spanish-speaking, Francophone and Anglophone cultures. Attention will be given to representative Caribbean islands and also to the music of coastal cities on the Caribbean rim including New Orleans, Veracruz, Cartagena, Bahia, and to Latino/a music in New York and Miami.…
-
An introduction to the dynamics of politics in Latin America. Themes include political economy, military authoritarian intervention, transitions to democracy, social movements and the U.S. role in the area. Countries used as examples include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador and Chile.
