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Latin American Studies

Faculty
  • Associate Professors Cornelio, Evans, Ko (Coordinator), Shuru, Wynne; Instructor, Visiting Davis.

  • Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that allows students to focus their studies on the literature, culture, arts, history, politics, and language of Latin America and the Caribbean, which includes Spanish-speaking, Francophone, and Lusophone countries of the Americas and Latino/a communities within the United States. The study of Latin America and the Caribbean not only offers insights into this region’s many cultures but also deepens knowledge of U.S., European, and African history, culture, politics and international relations. In addition to taking courses offered at Ursinus, students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program in Latin America.

    Requirements for Minors

    A minor concentration in Latin American Studies consists of 20 credits. Required of all minors are LAS-200 or SPAN-251 and LAS-332. Twelve additional credits may come from the following courses: ANTH-221; HIST- 307; LAS-215; SPAN-317, 251, 252; POL-343, 344, 345, 348. In addition, credit will be accepted from the following courses if the topic is on Latino/a and/or Latin American topics: SPAN-340, FS-250, POL-299, HIST-150, 250, or 350. Other relevant topics courses in other departments and in study abroad programs will also count towards the minor with the approval of the coordinator. The minimum language requirement for minors is FREN- or SPAN-111, 112 or the equivalent. These courses do not count towards the course requirements for the minor. Students may also fulfill the language requirement with intermediate proficiency in other regional languages with the approval of the program coordinator.

Courses

  • 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.)