Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) (15 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: LAS.)

The Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) is a 15-credit total immersion, interdisciplinary program designed to teach students to speak Spanish or to greatly increase their Spanish language fluency in one semester. The course meets daily from 9:00 a .m. to 3:00 p.m., and includes, in addition to Spanish language skill acquisition, the study of Latin America through social science, literature, and film. The highlight of the course is a trip to a Latin American country during the Spring Break. LASS is offered each spring semester. For more information, contact the Latin American Studies Center, Anderson Hall, Room 411 (215-204-7527), latinam@blue.temple.edu or visit our website www.temple.edu/LAS

0833. Race & Poverty in the Americas (3 s.h.) Core: RS.

(Formerly: GE-RADV 1065.)

The transatlantic slave trade was one of the most brutal and momentous experiences in human history. Attitudes toward Latino, Caribbean, African, and Asian immigrants in the United States today can only be fully understood in the contexts of slavery and the “structural racism,” “symbolic violence” (not to mention outright physical violence), and social inequalities that slavery has spawned throughout the region. Although focusing primarily on the United States, we will also study the present entanglements of poverty and race in Brazil, Haiti, and other selected nations of “The New World,” placing the U.S. (and Philadelphia in particular) experience in this historical context.

Note: This General Education `Race & Diversity` pilot course fulfills the Core Studies in Race (RS) requirement.

0868. World Society in Literature & Film (3 s.h.) Core: IS.

(Formerly: GE-WRLD 1171 (0060).)

Learn about a particular national culture by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don’t need to speak a language other than English to take this exciting course, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film include family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity. Each course section focuses on a specific country or culture. Click on the blue, six-digit CRN at the right of the course title in the Course Schedule (TU Courses) to see the specific topic.

Note: This General Education `World Society` pilot course fulfills the Core International Studies (IS) requirement.

0933. Honors Race & Poverty in the Americas (3 s.h.) Core: RS.

(Formerly: GE-RADV 1965.)

The transatlantic slave trade was one of the most brutal and momentous experiences in human history. Attitudes toward Latino, Caribbean, African, and Asian immigrants in the United States today can only be fully understood in the contexts of slavery and the “structural racism,” “symbolic violence” (not to mention outright physical violence), and social inequalities that slavery has spawned throughout the region. Although focusing primarily on the United States, we will also study the present entanglements of poverty and race in Brazil, Haiti, and other selected nations of “The New World,” placing the U.S. (and Philadelphia in particular) experience in this historical context. (This is an Honors course.)

Note: This General Education `Race & Diversity` pilot course fulfills the Core Studies in Race (RS) requirement.

0968. Honors World Society in Literature & Film (3 s.h.) Core: IS.

(Formerly: GE-WRLD 1971 (H060).)

Learn about a particular national culture by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don’t need to speak a language other than English to take this exciting course, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film include family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity. Each course section focuses on a specific country or culture. Click on the blue, six-digit CRN at the right of the course title in the Course Schedule (TU Courses) to see the specific topic. (This is an Honors course.)

Note: This General Education `World Society` pilot course fulfills the Core International Studies (IS) requirement.

1001. Perspectives on Latin America (3 s.h.) F S. Core: IS.

(Formerly: LAS C050.)

Interdisciplinary examination of social change in Latin American societies. Provides historical context and includes changing approaches to economic development, class and ethnic issues, religious traditions, art, music, and literature.

Note: In addition to meeting the University Core International Studies requirement for all students, this course meets the Non-Western/Third World International Studies requirement for Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences majors. Please note the recent update to the Core International Studies requirement at www.temple.edu/vpus/documents/Core_IS_UpdateFinal.pdf.

1051. Processes of Change in Latin America (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: LAS 0303.)

Cross Listed with History 1022 (0122).

Social and political change in selected Latin American countries since 1900. Topics include ideological change, the actions of established and emergent social groups, political leadership in Latin America, and social conflict.

2010. Topics in Latin American Studies I (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: LAS 0140.)

Course topics vary each semester and may include the media in Latin America, Latin American music, race and ethnicity, and social movements.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

2020. Topics in Latino Studies (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: LAS 0138.)

Course topics vary and may include the study of Latino migration to the United States, Latino communities in the United States, and Latino political and cultural movements.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

2030. Topics in Caribbean Studies (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: LAS 0139.)

Course topics vary each semester and may include the history of Puerto Rico, the history of the Hispanic Caribbean, culture and music of the Caribbean.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

2072. Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: LAS 0148.)

Cross Listed with American Studies 2072 (0148).

This course looks at the migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States in the 20th century, a group that is the second largest Hispanic group in the country. It examines the specific community of Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia and its relationship with other racial and ethnic groups and the social, political, and economic situation of Puerto Ricans in the city.

2097. Writing Seminar I (3 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

Course topics vary each semester and may include the media in Latin America, Latin American music, race and ethnicity, and social movements.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

2101. Latin America Through Film and Fiction (3 s.h.) S. $.

(Formerly: LAS 0100.)

Prerequisite: Admittance to Latin American Studies Semester.

Economic and political change; role of institutional forces including the military and church. Cultural and intellectual traditions and trends, past and present. Multi-media approach.

Note: Given in Spanish as part of the LASS program (see above).

2169. Archaeology of South America (3 s.h.) F.

Cross Listed with ANTHRO 2169 (0169).

A survey of prehistoric cultures of South America. Concentrates on (1) the initial entry and spread of human populations into South America and the West Indies, (2) origins of tropical and highland agriculture, (3) the rise of urbanism, civilization, and the state in the Andes, and (4) the impact of prehistoric cultures on the environment.

2231. Democracy in Latin America (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: LAS 0130.)

Cross Listed with Political Science 2231 (0218).

An examination of the structure and culture of Latin American democracies organized around three major themes: (1) a discussion of theories of democracy; (2) the formation and development of democratic institutions in Latin America; and (3) the political culture of Latin American democracy. Uses a social problems approach to look at two controversial Latin American issues since the late 1960`s: the tension between adopting a procedural vs. a substantive definition of democracy, and the emphasis on political vs. socioeconomic factors in explaining democratization.

2232. Politics of Development in Latin America (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: LAS 0129.)

An examination of Latin America's struggle for economic development. Emphasis on the relationships that have prevailed over the last few decades between developmental theories and the every day lives of Latin American peoples. Discussion of the political and ideological questions involved in Latin American development. Exploration of how Latin American developmental issues affect the United States through matters such as job relocations and trade pacts.

2361. Peoples of Latin America (3 s.h.) S.

Cross Listed with Anthropology 2361 (0261).

Starting in 1492, Native American isolation from Europe and Africa ended in the region of the Americas that became Latin America. Despite five hundred years of colonial and nation-state domination, indigenous peoples in Latin America continue to assert their basic human right to resist cultural hegemony. Not only have indigenous populations survived, they are also growing. Today they constitute a majority in Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru and a substantial plurality in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The focus here is on this remarkable struggle for physical and cultural survival. Attention will be given to the lived experiences of people struggling for human dignity on the lowest strata of regional class structures. Issues of land rights, environmental, health, political, and economic self-determination will be examined.

2502. Fundamentals of Latin American Business (3 s.h.)

Cross Listed with IBA 2502 (0101).

This course is designed to give students a solid basis to face a job assignment related to business in a Latin American country and to develop your ability to perceive the importance of cultural diversity and how it influences business activities across Latin American countries. Specifically, this course will help you understand the specific challenges of doing business in Latin America and enable you to perceive and understand the differences in the business environment, business customs, and business practices between countries of Latin America and of the rest of the world.

2514. Historical Continuity and Social Change in Latin America (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: LAS 0170.)

Cross Listed with History 2514 (0121).

Overview of Latin American history from a social change/social problems perspective. Some of the historical themes addressed include: social inequality and unequal exchange, cultural domination and resistance, racial minorities and indigenism, the role of women in Latin American societies, political imposition and democracy, and national independence.

3010. Topics in Latin American Studies II (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: LAS 0141.)

Course topics vary each semester and may include the media in Latin America, Latin American music, race and ethnicity, and social movements.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

3020. Topics in Latino Studies (3 s.h.) F S. Core: RS.

(Formerly: LAS R138.)

Course topics vary and may include the study of Latino migration to the United States, Latino communities in the United States, and Latino political and cultural movements.

Note: Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

3561. Contemporary Brazilian Scene (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: LAS 0302.)

Cross Listed with History 3561 (0225).

Modern and contemporary Brazilian themes including democracy, globalization, and nationalism, cultural and ideological dissent, and popular social movements. Course materials include Brazilian writings, documents, and films.

3702. African Religions and New World Culture (3 s.h.) S.

Cross Listed with Religion 3702 (0158).

African religion and culture continues to exist in the religious and cultural life of African Americans. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine African American religion, folklore, literature, music, and communication in order to assess the continuation and transformation of African culture in the world-view of African Americans.

4082. Independent Study (1 to 9 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: LAS 0304.)

Independent research on a specific topic related to Latin America. This course will enable undergraduate students the option of taking an independent study through the Latin American Studies Center.

Note: Special authorization required for all students.

4097. Latin American Studies Seminar (3 s.h.) F S SS. Core: WI.

(Formerly: LAS W315.)

Prerequisite: Senior Latin American Studies major.

A capstone, multidisciplinary course for Latin American studies majors. Uses seminar format to prepare and discuss individual student research projects on Latin America.

Note: Fulfills the Capstone writing course requirement for the Latin American Studies major.
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