Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) S

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).

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, and intellectual life (art, music, and lit erature). Meets International Studies Core Curriculum requirement.

UPPER LEVEL

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

An examination of Latin America's struggle for economic development, one of the most important human dramas of the 20th century. Emphasis on the relationships that have prevailed over the last few decades between developmental theories and the every da y 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 tr ade pacts.

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 politic al 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 poli tical vs. socioeconomic factors in explaining democratization.

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

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

Course topics vary each semester and may include the media in Latin America, Latin American music, race and ethnicity, and social movements. Students can obtain a description of the current version at the Latin American Studies Center.

Trends in Latin American religion, including the impact of liberation theology, the challenge of evangelical Protestantism to Catholicism, and the continuing vitality of Afro-Latin American religion.

The literature of Latin America includes many works which are not part of the canon. Often these are writings of the oppressed: persons of color, women, indigenous peoples. The texts such authors produce are often not considered as deserving of literar y attention or as having artistic merit. By giving attention to these writers, we can analyze their viewpoints on Latin American society, history, and culture, comparing their vision as outsiders with that of the official version.

This course looks at the migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States in the 20^th 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. Cross-listed with American Studies 0148.

Examination of the complex interrelationship between social problems and environmental degradation in Latin America. Consideration of the relationship between poverty and the destruction of the environment. Emphasis upon three topics: (1) the impact of human activity and resource utilization on the Latin American environment; (2) the role of political and economic factors in generating the Latin American environmental crisis; and (3) the interaction between development priorities and environmental prot ection.

An interdisciplinary examination of gender relations in Latin America with a focus on contemporary societies. Issues discussed include: the impact of family and kinship relations on women's participation in both urban and rural labor markets and inform al economies; ideologies of gender subordination; cultural expression in the writings of Latin American women as agents of history and ideology; the significance of gender-based politics and movements; and the impact of both national and grassroots develo pment efforts on the status and identity of women.

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. Cross-listed with History 0121.

An examination of the lived experiences of contemporary indigenous peoples struggling for human dignity in the lowest strata of Latin American class structures. A focus from an indigenous point of view upon issues such as land rights, environmental health, and political and economic self-determination. Cross-listed with Anthropology 0260.

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. Cross-listed with History 0225.

Social, economic, and political change in modern and contemporary Latin America. Changing concepts of politics, economic development, and social movements in historical context. Cross-listed with History 0122.

Independent research on a specific topic related to Latin America. Only by arrangement with a Latin American Studies faculty member.

Prerequisite: 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. Fulfills the capstone writing course requirement.