Major and Minor in Latin American and Latino Studies
The major and minor in Latin American and Latino Studies are designed for students who wish to develop an understanding of a neighboring region that is of vital importance to the United States, as well as Latino cultures in our country. Courses in archeology, foreign policy, history, politics, sociology, language and literature allow students to explore various aspects of Latin American and U.S. Latino cultures and societies from different disciplinary perspectives. The major and minor contribute to a liberal arts education by offering students an international and intercultural vantage point from which they can examine their own society, preparing them to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world. Additionally, the unprecedented movement of peoples and ideas between the American continents in recent decades makes the study of this region of the world an essential component for understanding the history and culture of the expanding U.S. Latino population. The major and minor in Latin American and Latino Studies complement the study of other disciplines that have either an international or a domestic focus, and it enhances the relevance of a Lehigh education by preparing students to be citizens of a culturally diverse society and, more generally, of the Americas.
For a quick overview of the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, please refer to our informational slick by clicking here...
Career Paths
Students completing the major or minor in Latin American and Latino Studies can find careers both in Latin America and working with Latino populations in the United States. Latin American and Latino Studies students are equipped to compete in the job market and for admittance to graduate school. The possibilities are endless!
Business
Education
Government
Public Service
Non-governmental Organizations
Students completing the major or minor in Latin American and Latino Studies can find careers both in Latin America and working with Latino populations in the United States. Latin American and Latino Studies students are equipped to compete in the job market and for admittance to graduate school. The possibilities are endless!
Business
Education
Government
Public Service
Non-governmental Organizations
The Major
The major in Latin American and Latino Studies requires a minimum of 10 courses (or 30 credit hours) and no less than four upper level courses. Students are required to possess intermediate language proficiency in Spanish.
In addition to regular Lehigh offerings, students may receive credit for appropriate courses at other LVAIC institutions, study abroad programs in Latin America, and various Lehigh-faculty-led programs, such as “Lehigh in Martinique,” “Lehigh in Costa Rica” (both offered during the winter term), and “Lehigh in Honduras” (summer). Students are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular activities sponsored by the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, which include guest speakers and exhibits. For further information or to coordinate your minor program, students should contact Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, 31 Williams Hall, Suite 101, incasip@lehigh.edu.
Download a major declaration form and a major declaration supplemental form
A. Required Core Course (4 credits)
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LAS/GS/HIST 049 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America (4)
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LAS/GS/HIST 050 Heroes, Dictators, and Revolutionaries: Latin America since Independence (4)
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LAS/ENGL 105 Intro to Latino/a Literature and Culture (4)
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LAS/SPAN 152The Cultural Evolution of Latin America (4)
B. Language Requirement (4 credits)
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SPAN 012. Intermediate Spanish II (4)
C. Humanities Requirement1,2 (8 credits)
Two classes from the list of electives that carry a HU distribution.
Two classes from the list of electives that carry a HU distribution.
D. Social Sciences Requirement1,2 (8 credits)
Two classes from the list of electives that carry a SS distribution.
Two classes from the list of electives that carry a SS distribution.
E. Additional Electives1, 2 (16 credits)
Elective courses (16 credits). Choose courses from this list.
Additional electives may be chosen in consultation with the Program Director.
Elective courses (16 credits). Choose courses from this list.
Additional electives may be chosen in consultation with the Program Director.
Total Credits 40
1 No less than three courses in Latino Studies.
2 Only two upper-level courses may be taken in Spanish
The Minor
The minor program requires 15 to 16 credit hours of coursework. In addition to regular Lehigh offerings, students may receive credit for appropriate courses at other LVAIC institutions, study abroad programs in Latin America, and various Lehigh-faculty-led programs, such as “Lehigh in Martinique,” “Lehigh in Costa Rica” (both offered during the winter term), and “Lehigh in Honduras” (summer). Students are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular activities sponsored by the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, which include guest speakers and exhibits. For further information or to coordinate your minor program, students should contact Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, 31 Williams Hall, Suite 101, incasip@lehigh.edu.
Requirements Core Courses (8 credits)
A. History/Culture (4 credits). Choose one of the following:
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LAS/GS/HIST 049 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America (4)
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LAS/GS/HIST 050 Heroes, Dictators, and Revolutionaries: Latin America since Independence (4)
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LAS/ENGL 105 Intro to Latino/a Literature and Culture (4)
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LAS/SPAN 152The Cultural Evolution of Latin America (4)
B. Language (4 credits)
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Spanish 012. Intermediate Spanish II (4)
C. Elective Courses (7-8 credits)
Elective courses (7-8 credits). Choose courses from this list.
Credit may be received for other courses, in consultation with the Program Director.
Elective courses (7-8 credits). Choose courses from this list.
Credit may be received for other courses, in consultation with the Program Director.
Total Credits 15-16
Courses
For class updates, restrictions and teaching times, please refer to Registration Class Search
Fall 2022 Courses
For class updates, restrictions and teaching times, please refer to Registration Class Search
LAS/HIST/GS 049-010 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America T,R 9:20 AM-10:35 AM
Professor Zepeda Cortes / CRN 42861 / BUG, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
LAS/SOC 090-013 The Latin@x Experience T,R 1:35 PM-2:50 PM
Professor Ceron Anaya / CRN 45208 / CAMP, SS / 4 credits
This freshmen seminar analyzes the Latin@x experience in the United States. The course draws from sociology, anthropology, gender studies, history, and critical race theory to examine several topics and themes that are key to understanding contemporary Latin@x communities. The class will study issues pertinent to ethnicity and identity formation, citizenship, immigration, imperialism, settler/colonialism, borderlands, mass incarceration, policing, language, cultural manifestations, and media representations.
LAS/SOC/AAS 106-010 Race and Ethnicity in the Americas T,R 9:20 AM-10:35 AM
Professor Ceron Anaya / CRN 45211 / BUD, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
LAS/HIST/GS 149-010 Narcos: The Global Drug Wars T,R 3:00 PM-4:15 PM
Professor Zepeda Cortes / CRN 43155 / BUG, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
LAS/SPAN 152-010 Cultural Evolution of Latin America M,W 12:10 PM-1:25 PM
Professor Perez Limon / CRN 41237 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/JOUR 198-010 Latino & Latin American Media T,R 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Professor De Maio / CRN 44977 / BUG, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
This course provides students an introduction to Latino and Latin American media. The cultures, languages, and traditions of Spanish-language and Latino media in the U.S. and globally will be examined. The course presents frameworks for understanding media development and performance, discusses the role of media in democratic societies, and identifies common patterns in Latin American media ownership, media-state relationships, relations with societal groups and citizens, and media content.
LAS/SPAN 263-010 The Spanish American Short Story M,W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Professor Perez Limon / CRN 45547 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/SPAN/HMS 270-010 Spanish for the Health Professions M,W 1:35 PM-2:50 PM
Professor Prieto / CRN 43841 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/ENGL 350-010 Latinx Youth Culture M,W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Professor Jimenez / CRN 45241 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
Spring 2022 Courses
For class updates, restrictions and teaching times, please refer to Registration Class Search
LAS/HIST 149-010 Narcos: The Global Drug Wars
T, R 9:20 AM-10:35 AM Professor Zepeda Cortes / CRN 15056 / BUG, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
T, R 9:20 AM-10:35 AM Professor Zepeda Cortes / CRN 15056 / BUG, CAMP, SS / 4 credits
LAS/SPAN 152-010 Cultural Evolution of Latin America
M, W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Professor Perez Limon / CRN 11273 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/AAS/SOC 155-010 Afro-Latino Social Movements in Latin America & the Caribbean
T, R 12:10 PM-1:25 PM Professor Jones / CRN 15144 / CAMP, SS / 4 credits
**CANCELLED** LAS/ENGL/GS/MLL 202-010 Latin America In Fact, In Fiction
M, W 12:10 PM-1:25 PM Professor Bush / CRN 15370 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/SPAN 211-010 Business Spanish
M, W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Professor Prieto / CRN 13210 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
M, W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Professor Prieto / CRN 13210 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/FILM/SPAN 213-010 Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Film
M, W 1:35 PM-2:50 PM Professor Reuben / CRN 15296 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
M, W 1:35 PM-2:50 PM Professor Reuben / CRN 15296 / BUG, CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS/ENGL 350-010 Puerto Rican Women Writers
M, W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Professor Jimenez / CRN 15315 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
M, W 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Professor Jimenez / CRN 15315 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
LAS 395-010 Columbus on Trial: Reimagining the History of the Spanish Conquest
T, R 3:00 PM-4:15 PM Professor Zepeda Cortes / CRN 15163 / CAMP, SS / 4 credits
In this seminar students will master the history of the Conquest era (roughly, 1490s-1570s) in Spanish America and will learn about the origins of colonialism. Columbus on Trial ''incorporates the views and voices of indigenous peoples and Africans into the traditionally European-centered narratives of the Conquest. After reading a combination of classic primary and secondary sources, students will judge by themselves the complex and rather tragic legacy of the Encounter between peoples of European and African origin and the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
LAS 398-010 Mexico at the Movies
M, W 12:10 PM-1:25 PM Professor Perez Limon / CRN 15407 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
M, W 12:10 PM-1:25 PM Professor Perez Limon / CRN 15407 / CAMP, HU / 4 credits
This course explores how the technology of film has shaped the conceptualization of Mexican identities. How can Mexican cinema help us understand important events like the Mexican Revolution or key contemporary issues like immigration? In this class, we will explore these issues by watching films from a variety of genres including melodrama, horror, and comedy. We will focus on a range of issues relevant to the Spanish-speaking world, including questions of race, colonialism, gender, sexuality, family, class, and migration. Students will learn to analyze the representation of these issues in Spanish as they appear in film. We will survey a sampling of important Mexican cinema, spanning from the early forays of silent films, to its Golden Age in the 30s and 40s, its decline in the 70s and 80s, and renaissance over the last 20 years. This course will be taught completely in Spanish.
SPAN 012 Intermediate Spanish II
Section 010 / CRN 10248 / BUG, CAMP, HU / M, W, F 9:20 AM-10:10 AM / Professor Cortez
Section 011 / CRN 10249 / BUG, CAMP, HU / M, W, F 12:10 PM-1:00 PM / Professor Cortez
Section 012 / CRN 13208 / BUG, CAMP, HU / M, W, F 10:45 AM-11:35 AM / Professor Bush
For class updates, restrictions and teaching times, please refer to Registration Class Search
Spring 2021 Courses
For class updates, restrictions and teaching times, please refer to Registration Class Search
For Spring 2021 Classes Mode of Instruction Descriptions, please click here...
For Spring 2021 Classes Mode of Instruction Descriptions, please click here...
LAS.HIST.GS 050-010 Heroes, Dictators, and Revolutionaries: Latin America since Independence
Professor Zepeda / CRN 13320 / BUG, REMT, SS / 4 credits
Professor Zepeda / CRN 13320 / BUG, REMT, SS / 4 credits
**CANCELLED** LAS.ENGL 096-010 AfroLatinxs: Youth, Stories, and Frameworks
Professor Jimenez / CRN 15424 / HU, REMT / 4 credits
This course examines the historical role, critical frameworks, and narrative portrayal of AfroLatinxs in the US and Latin America and Caribbean and the challenges and enrichment this community provides for our understanding of race, Blackness, and anti-Blackness in Latinx history and culture. We will emphasize works about youth and writers for young people. Authors include Miriam Jimenez Roman and Juan Flores, Arturo Schomburg, Piri Thomas, Eric Velaquez, and Elizabeth Acevedo. Remote synchronous.
Professor Jimenez / CRN 15424 / HU, REMT / 4 credits
This course examines the historical role, critical frameworks, and narrative portrayal of AfroLatinxs in the US and Latin America and Caribbean and the challenges and enrichment this community provides for our understanding of race, Blackness, and anti-Blackness in Latinx history and culture. We will emphasize works about youth and writers for young people. Authors include Miriam Jimenez Roman and Juan Flores, Arturo Schomburg, Piri Thomas, Eric Velaquez, and Elizabeth Acevedo. Remote synchronous.
LAS.SPAN 152-010 Cultural Evolution of Latin America
Professor Bush / CRN 11330 / BUG, HU, REMT / 4 credits
Professor Bush / CRN 11330 / BUG, HU, REMT / 4 credits
LAS.SPAN 211-010 Business Spanish
Professor Prieto / CRN 13435 / HU, REMT / 4 credits
Professor Prieto / CRN 13435 / HU, REMT / 4 credits
LAS.SPAN 263-010 The Spanish-American Short Story
Professor Bush / CRN 14719 / BUG, REMT / 4 credits
Professor Bush / CRN 14719 / BUG, REMT / 4 credits
LAS.SPAN.HMS.WGSS 397-011 Gender, Sexuality, and Disability in Latin America
Professor Perez / CRN 14310 / BUG, HU, REMT / 4 credits
What is the meaning of gender, sexuality and disability in the twenty-first century? How are gender, sexuality and disability questioned, constituted and reified in the literature that we read? This course investigates the performance, politics and aesthetics of femininity in Latin American literature and culture in the twenty-first century around questions of family, domesticity, labor, and activism. Reading will engage gender and sexuality, feminism, disability, and the politics of representation, in addition to queer and trans* studies. As such, this course focuses on how the literary works in question employ gender, sexuality and disability to contest dominant societal power structures. To do so, we will engage theoretical writing as well as artistic expression (fiction, film, mass media). Additionally, students will learn the basics of literary analysis, as well as gain a stronger understanding of how literary form influences meaning. This course will be taught remotely.
Professor Perez / CRN 14310 / BUG, HU, REMT / 4 credits
What is the meaning of gender, sexuality and disability in the twenty-first century? How are gender, sexuality and disability questioned, constituted and reified in the literature that we read? This course investigates the performance, politics and aesthetics of femininity in Latin American literature and culture in the twenty-first century around questions of family, domesticity, labor, and activism. Reading will engage gender and sexuality, feminism, disability, and the politics of representation, in addition to queer and trans* studies. As such, this course focuses on how the literary works in question employ gender, sexuality and disability to contest dominant societal power structures. To do so, we will engage theoretical writing as well as artistic expression (fiction, film, mass media). Additionally, students will learn the basics of literary analysis, as well as gain a stronger understanding of how literary form influences meaning. This course will be taught remotely.
Fall 2020 Courses
University Catalog
For class updates, restrictions, descriptions, etc., please refer here...
LAS.GS.HIST 049-010 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America T,R 9:20-10:35 am, 4 credits
Professor Zepeda Cortes CRN 43315 BUG, SS
LAS.ENGL 105-010 Introduction to Latinx Lierature & Culture M,W 12:10-1:25 pm, 4 credits
Professor Jimenez CRN 44666 HU
LAS.HIST 149-010 Narcos: The Global Drug Wars T,R 1:35-2:50 pm, 4 credits
Professor Zepeda Cortes CRN 43635 BUG, SS
LAS.SPAN 152-010 Cultural Evolution of Latin America M,W 12:10-1:25 pm, 4 credits
Professor Prieto CRN 41388 BUG, HU
LAS.SPAN.FILM 213-010 Introduction to Hispanic Literature & Film M,W 10:45-12:00 pm, 4 credits
Professor Perez Limon CRN 44591 BUG, HU
LAS.SPAN.HMS 270-010 Spanish for the Health Professions M,W 1:35-2:50 pm, 4 credits
Professor Prieto CRN 44719 HU
LAS.SPAN 391-010 Melodrama In Contemporary Spanish American Narrative M,W 12:10-1:25 pm, 4 credits
Professor Bush CRN 44187 BUG, HU
Professor Bush CRN 44187 BUG, HU
Summer 2020 Courses
University Catalog
For class updates, restrictions, descriptions, etc., please refer here...
LAS.COMM 197-013 Global Digital #Activism Summer Session 1 ONLINE, 4 credits
Professor De Maio CRN 21530 GS, SS
The growth of social media has dramatically changed how people communicate, collaborate and mobilize, thereby transforming political and social activism. This class examines the forms, causes, and consequences of global digital activism — associated with the use of digital media technologies (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.). The goal is to develop a critical understanding of the nature of contemporary activism and its implications for global social change.
LAS.COMM 198-010 Social Media and Democracy Summer Session 2 ONLINE, 4 credits
Professor De Maio CRN 21532 GS, SS
What role social media play in a democracy? How social media affect political knowledge, opinion, and civic participation? The media environment is rapidly changing how people understand the issues and topics central to a democracy. This class examines how this interaction between the media and the public affects democratic functioning.
Spring 2020 Courses
University Catalog
For class updates, restrictions, descriptions, etc., please refer here...
LAS 050-010 - Modern Latin America TR 0920-1035, 4 credits
Zepeda Cortes, Maria Barbara CRN: 13701 BUG, SS
LAS 106-010 - Race and Ethnicity in the Amer MW 0920-1035, 4 credits
Ceron Anaya, Hugo CRN: 13984 BUD, SS
LAS 149-010 – Narcos: The Global Drug Wars TR 1500-1615, 4 credits
Zepeda Cortes, Maria Barbara CRN: 14943 BUG, SS
LAS 152-010 - Cultural Evol Latin Amer MW 1045-1200, 4 credits
Perez Limon, Lilia CRN: 11436 BUG, HU
LAS 198-010 - Latino & Latin American Media TR 0920-1035, 4 credits
De Maio, Mariana CRN: 14400 SS
This course provides students an introduction to Latino and Latin American media. The cultures, languages, and traditions of Spanish-language and Latino media in the U.S. and globally will be examined. The course presents frameworks for understanding media development and performance, discusses the role of media in democratic societies, and identifies common patterns in Latin American media ownership, media- state relationships, relations with societal groups and citizens, and media content.
LAS 211-010 - Business Spanish MW 1435-1550, 4 credits
Prieto, Antonio CRN: 13894 HU
LAS 213-010 - Intro Hispanic Literature&Film MW 1045-1200, 4 credits
Bush, Matthew CRN: 13033 BUG, HU
LAS 350-010 - Puerto-Rican Women Writers MW 1335-1450, 4 credits
Jimenez, Marilisa CRN: 14600 HU
LAS 397-011 - Mexican Cinema MW 1210-1325, 4 credits
Perez Limon, Lilia CRN: 14944 HU
This course will examine how Mexican cinema has both created and questioned ideas about what it means to be Mexican. We will survey a sampling of important Mexican films, spanning from the early forays of silent film, to its Golden Age in the 30s and 40s, its decline in the 70s and 80s, and renaissance over the last 20 years. We will use film as a way to learn about Mexican history and culture, while also reflecting critically about cinema's active role in shaping our interpretations of these themes and events. We will explore different genres like melodrama, comedy, comedia ranchera and cabaretera function, and how the stories they tell dramatize national concerns about politics, class, race, gender and disability.
Fall 2019 Courses
University Catalog
SPAN 012-10 Intermediate Spanish II HU (4 credits) CRN 40572
M, W, F 12:10 - 1:25 p.m.
Professor Cortez
SPAN 012-11 Intermediate Spanish II HU (4 credits) CRN 41272
M, W, F 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Staff
GS, LAS, HIST 049-10 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America SS CBE Global (4 credits) CRN 43727 T, R 9:20 - 10:35 a.m.
Professor Zepeda-Cortes
AAS, LAS, ENGL 096-10 American Childhood HU CBE Diversity (4 credits) CRN 44790
This course takes a critical ethnic studies approach to the notion of growing up as an American child by decentering Anglo stories of childhood into a broader Hemispheric concept of American, including North, South, and Central America and U.S. colonies such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In particular, we will read children's and young adult literature, and graphic novels which depict Latinx, African American, Indigenous, AfroLatinx children coming to consciousness in America. We will also look at how child protagonists negotiate themes of citizenship, race, class, and gender in an American context.
M, W 12:10 - 1:25 p.m.
Professor Jimenez
LAS, HIST 149-10 Narcos: The Global Drug Wars SS, CBE Global (4 credits) CRN 44071
T, R 1:35 - 2:50 p.m.
Professor Zepeda-Cortes
SPAN, LAS 152-10 The Cultural Evolution of Latin America HU, CBE Global (4 credits) CRN 41447
M, W 1:35 - 2:50 p.m.
Professor Perez
ANTH 178-10 Mesoamerican Archeology SS, CBE Global (4 credits) CRN 44678
M, W, F 1:35 - 2:25 p.m.
Professor Small
SPAN, LAS, FILM 265-10 Spanish and Latin American Cinema HU CBE Global (4 credits) CRN 44791
M, W 12:10 - 1:25 p.m. Department permission required.
Professor Prieto
SPAN, HMS, LAS 295-10 Spanish for the Health Professions HU (4 credits) CRN 44806
For prospective medical personnel communicating with Spanish-speaking patients. Healthcare vocabulary, patient-provider interaction, and cultural background of the Latino patient.
M, W 1:35 - 2:50 p.m.
Professor Prieto
SPAN, LAS 391-10 Melodrama in Contemporary Spanish American Narrative HU (4 credits)
CRN 44729 M, W 9:20 - 10:35 a.m.
Professor Bush
Spring 2019 Courses
University Catalog
SPAN 012-010 Intermediate Spanish II (HU)
CRN multiple sections / 4 credits / LAS / Prof. Cortez
Refer to class schedule for section times.
Prerequisite: SPAN 011 or equivalent.
LAS, GS, HIST 050-010 Heroes, Dictators, and Revolutionaries: Latin America since Independence (SS)
CRN 18846 / 4 credits / CBE Global / T, R 9:20 - 10:35 p.m. / Prof. Zepeda Cortes
Examines the 200-year-long struggle of Latin American peoples to gain political representation, economic equality and social justice. Explores key historical events in Latin America from the movement for independence in the early nineteenth century to today's modern societies. Topics include the wars of independence, the rule of caudillos, foreign military interventions, export economies, populism, social revolutions, the Cold War era, state terror and military dictatorships, and the war on drugs.
LAS, HIST 098-010 American Rebellions, Revolutions, and Republics (HU)
CRN 18903 / 4 credits / T, R 9:20 - 10:35 a.m. / Staff
This course traces the underlying causes and the consequences of political movements—rebellions, revolutions, and the creation of republics—in North America, the Caribbean, and South America from the beginning of European colonization through the American Civil War. Through a series of case studies, it examines the rise and fall of American empires, and the historical transition from the pre-modern to the modern world from the perspective of European-descended colonists, Native Americans, and African slaves. Our goal is to analyze the differences between rebellions and revolutions, why they transpired in specific places at specific times, and how/why new sovereign polities emerged from European empires. Topics include colonial rebellions/warfare, American Constitutional debates, western borderlands empires/republics, and nationalism and sovereignty.
LAS, ENGL 105-010 Intro to Latino/a Literature and Culture (HU)
CRN 19250 / 4 credits / CBE Diversity / M, W 12:45 - 2:00 p.m. / Prof. Jiminez
In “Hurricane,” from the hit musical Hamilton (2015) Lin-Manuel Miranda sings the lyrics, “I wrote my way out.” In the context, Miranda, the son of a Puerto Rican father and Italian mother, is singing as Alexander Hamilton, and the various ways Hamilton used his writing talents to personal, professional, and political opportunities for himself. However, the lyric also speaks to Miranda’s place as a Latino/a male rewriting traditions and creating new ones—a common theme in Latino/a writing and culture in the United States.
This course provides an overview of the literary history and criticism of Latino/a literature and media. Through a combination of critical and literary theory, we will focus on works Latino/a-centered texts including poetry, prose, film, and television which portray issues of migration/immigration, colonialism, history, race, and gender. We will also examine the role of literature in the development of Latino/a Studies. Authors and scholars featured in the course include José Martí, Pura Belpré, Pedro Pietri, the Young Lords Party, and Gloria Anzaldua. Some questions that will inform our readings of these texts:
1) How do Latino/a writers incorporate and revise U.S. and Latin American literary traditions?
2) How does the organization of Latino/a literature present challenges to U.S. canon formation?
Assignments include a short written analysis of a text (5 pages) and a longer, research project (8-10 pages) which can take the form of a research paper, teaching plan, or multimedia video. The interactive format (lecture, small group discussion, in-class writing) of this course will also require students active participation.
LAS, AAS, SOC 106-010 Race and Ethnicity in the Americas (SS)
CRN 19161 / 4 credits / CBE Diversity / M, W 2:35 - 3:50 p.m. / Prof. Ceron
How is it possible that someone who is officially considered black in the United States can embody different racial identities throughout current Latin America? Even more, how is it possible that people considered white nowadays were not officially so in early twentieth-century US (although they were viewed as white in the Latin American context at the same time period)? This course offers a historical comparative analysis of the nature and dynamics of race between the United States and Latin America.
LAS, SPAN, 152-010 The Cultural Evolution of Latin America (HU)
CRN 16095 / 4 credits / CBE Global / M, W 11:10 - 12:25 p.m. / Prof. Bush
The historical and cultural evolution of Latin America. Discussion of representative literary works in their cultural and historical contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 141 or consent of instructor.
LAS, SPAN 211-010 Business Spanish (HU)
Department permission required. Pre-requisite SPAN 141
CRN 19065 / 4 credits / CBE Global / M, W 2:35 - 3:50 p.m. / Prof. Prieto
An introduction to business concepts and vocabulary in Spanish. Specialized professional vocabulary and business culture in Spanish-speaking countries.
LAS, SPAN 213-010 Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Film (HU)
Pre-requisite SPAN 141.
CRN 18072 / 4 credits / CBE Global / T,R 1:10 - 2:25 p.m. / Prof. Munoz
An introduction to the analysis of Latin American and Spanish cultural productions.
IR 323-010 Political Economy of Industrialization and Development (SS)
Prerequisite IR 010 and IR 125. Department permission required.
CRN 18356 / 4 credits / M, W 11:10 - 12:25 p.m. / Prof. Duvanova
Political foundation and consequences of economic development and growth. Global inequality in the rates and levels of economic development. Analysis of the differences between the development strategies adopted in different parts of the world. Explanations for patterns of success and failure. Origins of underdevelopment; the politics of failed development strategies; the challenge of the increasingly competitive world economy and relations with the U.S. and other developed nations.
ENGL 384-010 New Brown American: Race and Identity in the 21st Century (HU)
CRN 19135 / 4 credits / CBE Diversity / T, R 2:35 - 3:50 p.m. / Prof. Singh
What does it mean to be brown in America in 2019? How have recent historical events -- from 9/11 to the election of Donald Trump -- impacted the status of immigrant communities? This course will explore a range of contemporary texts from popular culture, including novels, films, stand-up comedy albums, and musical recordings, all of which explore the changing nature of identity. Many of our primary texts will explore points of intersection between different ethic and racial groups, including black/Latino/Asian intersections, multiracial identities, and the broad, trans-racial appropriation of hip hop culture. We will also read from critical race theorists who will help students develop a conceptual vocabulary to engage these issues. Starting points will be material by Hasan Minhaj, Mindy Kaling, Eddie Huang, Rupi Kaur, and Mohsin Hamid. Students will be encouraged to bring their own interests and suggested materials to the course.
What does it mean to be brown in America in 2019? How have recent historical events -- from 9/11 to the election of Donald Trump -- impacted the status of immigrant communities? This course will explore a range of contemporary texts from popular culture, including novels, films, stand-up comedy albums, and musical recordings, all of which explore the changing nature of identity. Many of our primary texts will explore points of intersection between different ethic and racial groups, including black/Latino/Asian intersections, multiracial identities, and the broad, trans-racial appropriation of hip hop culture. We will also read from critical race theorists who will help students develop a conceptual vocabulary to engage these issues. Starting points will be material by Hasan Minhaj, Mindy Kaling, Eddie Huang, Rupi Kaur, and Mohsin Hamid. Students will be encouraged to bring their own interests and suggested materials to the course.
Fall 2018 Courses
University Catalog
SPAN 012-10 Intermediate Spanish II (HU) CRN 40640 / 4 credits / Prof. Brandt, M, W, F; 11:10 - 12:00 p.m.
SPAN 012-11 Intermediate Spanish II (HU) CRN 41485 / 4 credits / Prof. Reuben, M, W, F; 1:10 - 2:00 p.m.
GS, LAS, HIST 049-10 The True Road to El Dorado: Colonial Latin America (SS) CRN 44517 / 4 credits / CBE Global
Prof. Zepeda Cortes, M, W; 11:10 - 12:25 p.m.
SOC 115-10 A Nation of Immigrants: The American Experience (SS) CRN 44513 / 4 credits
Prof. Ceron Anaya, T, R; 10:45 - 12:00 p.m.
LAS, HIST 149-10 Narcos: Global Drug Wars (SS) CRN 44913 / 4 credits / CBE Global
Prof. Zepeda Cortes, M, W; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
Tobacco, sugar, coffee, opium, marijuana, cocaine. From Columbus’s encounter with the New World to the rise and demise of Pablo Escobar and “El Chapo” Guzmán, drugs have been coveted global commodities. Through readings, discussions, and films, this course examines the history of drug production, drug trafficking, and the so-called “war on drugs” in Latin America.
SPAN, LAS 152-10 The Cultural Evolution of Latin America (HU) Department permission required Pre-requisite SPAN 141 CRN 41674 / 4 credits / CBE Global
Prof. Prieto, M, W; 12:45 - 2: 00 p.m.
Prof. Prieto, M, W; 12:45 - 2: 00 p.m.
SPAN, LAS 263-10 Spanish Am Short Story (HU) CRN 44011 / 4 credits / CBE Global
Prof. Bush, M, Wl 11:10 - 12:25 p.m.
LAS/SPAN 307-10 Border Crossers: The Migrant Experience in Contemporary Mexican & Central American Literature (HU) CRN 44318 / 4 credits
Prof. Pillado, T, R; 1:10 – 2:25 p.m.
Prof. Pillado, T, R; 1:10 – 2:25 p.m.
JOUR 325-14 Journalism & Democracy (SS) CRN 43899 / 4 credits
Prof. De Maio, T, R; 1:10 - 2:35 p.m.
Around the world, including in the United States, journalism is under attack. Yet, we are told, journalism is essential to democracy. Our democracy depends on having well-informed citizens to make political decisions that are in line with their interests. Yet, daily, we are bombarded by information coming from many different sources. People not only must decide what to consume but also sources of information they should trust. In this course, we look at the connections between media, public opinion, and politics. We also discuss what the role of journalism should be in the consolidation of democracies around the world.
Prof. De Maio, T, R; 1:10 - 2:35 p.m.
Around the world, including in the United States, journalism is under attack. Yet, we are told, journalism is essential to democracy. Our democracy depends on having well-informed citizens to make political decisions that are in line with their interests. Yet, daily, we are bombarded by information coming from many different sources. People not only must decide what to consume but also sources of information they should trust. In this course, we look at the connections between media, public opinion, and politics. We also discuss what the role of journalism should be in the consolidation of democracies around the world.
Spring 2018 Courses
University Catalog
SPAN 012 Intermediate Spanish II (HU) 4 credits
Section 10- 10291 M, W, F; 10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
Section 11- 10292 M, W, F; 11:10 -12:00 p.m.
Professor Cortez
HIST 049-10 Colonial Latin America (SS) CBE Global 4 credits 14236
Professor Zepeda Cortes M, W; 11:10 - 12:25 p.m.
LAS, SPAN 152-10 The Cultural Evolution of Latin America (HU) CBE Global 4 credits 11721
Professor Prieto T, R; 10:45 - 12:00 p.m. (MLL department permission required)
LAS, ES, SOC 195-10 Mining, Conflict & Revolution in Latin America (SS) CBE Global 4 credits 14001
From the Colonial period to present day, mining has shaped Latin America’s political, economic, social and cultural development. This course will explore mineral and metallic mining in Latin America over the last five centuries, focusing on international trade, slavery, labor struggles, political conflict, Revolution, environmental impacts, indigenous social movements, and how mining impacts gender relations. We will also examine the mines that the Mighty Bethlehem Steel owned in Cuba, Chile and Venezuela, tying the course content to our hometown of Bethlehem. This course will provide a useful introduction to Latin American history, political economy and current affairs through an interdisciplinary approach that examines race, class, and gender. This course is ideal for students interested in sustainable development, environmental studies, critical race theory, gender studies, international relations and social movements; it is also ideal for environmental engineers and business students who want to learn more about the social, political and cultural context of extractive industries.
Professor Fisher-Hoffman M, W; 12:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Professor Fisher-Hoffman M, W; 12:45 - 2:00 p.m.
LAS, ANTH 196-10 Food, Migration, and Culture (SS) 4 credits 14094
Tacos, bánh mì, and bagels are products encountered everyday in the United States; their cultural significance has been shaped by centuries of migration that continue to impact our palettes and cityscapes. This course draws from interdisciplinary scholarship to examine concepts like gentrification, labor, authenticity, and hybridity, with a focus on Latinx foodways. Students will develop skills in qualitative methodology and gain a critical theoretical lens into cultural production and consumption of foodways.
Professor Fouts T, R; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
Professor Fouts T, R; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
LAS 197-10 Introduction to Latin American and Latino Studies (SS) CBE Global 4 credits 12730
By introducing students to the interdisciplinary fields of Latin American and Latino Studies, this course examines trends in scholarship and explores the historical origins of contemporary issues across the Americas with a focus on neoliberalism, labor, and migration. This course is designed to challenge dominant narratives by highlighting voices of underrepresented groups, building on key concepts like power, race, transnationalism, intersectionality, and globalization.
Professor Fouts T, R; 9:20-10:35 a.m.
LAS, JOUR 198-10 Latino and Latin American Media (SS) CBE Global 4 credits 13078
This course provides students an intro to Latino and Latin American media. The cultures, languages, and traditions of Spanish-language and Latino media in the U.S. and globally will be examined. The course presents frameworks for understanding media development and performance, discusses the role of media in democratic societies, and identifies common patterns in Latin American media ownership, media-state relationships, relations with societal groups and citizens and media content. Students learn to identify and analyze societal and international forces that help explain why these patterns appear, persevere, and sometimes change.
Professor DeMaio T, R; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
Professor DeMaio T, R; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
LAS, HIST 198-11 Global Drug Wars (HU) CBE Global 4 credits 14337
Tobacco, sugar, coffee, opium, marijuana, cocaine. From Columbus’s encounter with the New World to the rise and demise of Pablo Escobar and “El Chapo” Guzmán, drugs have been coveted global commodities. Through readings, discussions, and films, this course examines the history of drug production, drug trafficking, and the so-called “war on drugs” in Latin America.
Professor Zepeda Cortes M, W; 2:35 - 3:50 p.m.
LAS, SPAN 213-10 Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Film (HU) CBE Global 4 credits 14318
Professor Pillado T, R; 1:10 - 2:25 p.m.
LAS, SPAN 265-10 Spanish and Latin American Cinema (HU) CBE Global 4 credits 12695
An introduction to cinema in the Spanish-speaking world. Oral discussion and written analysis of selected films. Students view films independently. Prerequisite: SPAN 141 or equivalent. (MLL department permission required)
Professor Prieto M, W; 12:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Professor Prieto M, W; 12:45 - 2:00 p.m.