Latin American Studies (LTAM)
The Latin American Studies Program provides a
framework for studying the diverse societies of Latin America. With its
cultural mosaic shaped by the meeting of Native American, European,
African, and Asian peoples, and its profound geographic, social, and
economic variations, Latin America presents rich opportunities for
interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study. By drawing upon the
perspectives and methodologies of several disciplines, students are
challenged to pursue a deeper understanding of the cultures,
institutions, and experiences of Latin Americans. The program provides
a forum for examining the intersection of issues of politics, economic
development, ethnicity, gender, religion, and cultural expression.
Requirements for a Major
Students complete a minimum of sixty-six credits in approved courses for the major. Majors must also demonstrate competence in Spanish by completing Spanish 205 or equivalent.
Required Courses: (The following core courses are required of all majors):
HIST 170 Modern Latin America, 1810-present
LTAM 200 Issues in Latin American Studies
LTAM 400 Integrative Exercise
In addition, majors are required to complete: Two 300-level Latin America-focused courses offered in the Spanish department. One 300-level history, or sociology/anthropology, or political science course focused on Latin America, and 30 additional credits of electives from the list below. The 300-level courses in the Spanish department that are required are always taught in the language.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the non-Spanish 300-level course prior to writing their integrative exercise, and to select a 300-level course in a discipline appropriate to the focus of their anticipated comps topic. Students who complete this requirement with a 300-level history course must take at least one approved sociology and anthropology or political science course as an elective.
Up to 27 credits from work in approved off-campus programs may be counted as electives for the major. Credits in natural science courses taken in Latin America may be applied toward the electives requirement if the director approves. Students may count up to 12 credits in comparative and/or U.S. Latino courses as electives. These courses are indicated by an asterisk on the list below. No more than four courses (twenty-four credits) in any one discipline may apply to the major.
Latin American Studies Courses
LTAM 110. Portuguese for Spanish Speakers This fast-paced introductory Portuguese language course focuses on developing communication skills and emphasizes speaking, reading, and writing. Previous knowledge of Spanish is assumed in presentation of grammar and vocabulary. Prerequisite: Spanish 103 or permission of the instructor. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, ND; NE, Spring—H. Kaufman
LTAM 200. Issues in Latin American Studies This required course for Latin American Studies concentrators and majors explores issues pertinent to the study of Latin America, including an examination of what constitutes Latin American area studies and Latin America itself, the history of the field, the perception in and outside of academia, the way such perceptions shape public policy, the contributions of Latin America to the arts, culture, economics, and the changing nature of Latin American Studies in the face of globalization. Designed by the faculty in Latin American Studies, the course will include regular guest lectures from among these faculty. 6 cr., ND; HI, IS, Spring—S. López
LTAM 365. Development and Social Inclusion in Peru Although Peru has experienced a strong economic growth and increased political stability in recent years, some long-standing problems remain unresolved, in particular the improvement of social conditions for large segments of the population. While critically examining the terms "development" and "social inclusion" much used in current Peruvian politics to describe such situations, students' involvement in community service will provide concrete referents for class discussion. Classes are supplemented by visits to relevant sites and by lectures by local intellectuals.
Prerequisite: Spanish 204. 6 cr., AL; SI, Spring—J Cerna-Bazan
LTAM 370. Brazil Culture and Politics This course will focus in depth on political and historical patterns of Brazil's economic, social, and cultural development from colonial times to its current democracy. The Brazil case study offers a wealth of lessons concerning the contradictions and possibilities of economic, social, and cultural development in the world today. We will explore these lessons through literature, music, architecture, and the arts as they speak to the perils of the country's insertion into global capitalism and to its political history which reflects the difficulties of creating and deepening democracy and building centers of political authority in the context of growing social inequalities and industrialization. Prerequisites: Latin American Studies 200. 6 cr., ND; SI, IS, Not offered in 2012-2013.
LTAM 371. Brazil Research Seminar Brazil research on-site in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo during winter break. Writing and presentation of research projects during winter term. Prerequisite: Latin American Studies 370. 6 cr., ND; SI, IS, Not offered in 2012-2013.
LTAM 398. Latin American Forum This colloquium will explore specific issues or works in Latin American Studies through discussion of a common reading, public presentation, project, and/or performance that constitute the annual Latin American Forum. Students will be required to attend two meetings during the term to discuss the common reading or other material and must attend, without exception, ALL events of the Forum which take place during fourth week of spring term (on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning). A short integrative essay or report will be required at the end of the term. Intended as capstone for Latin American Studies concentrators. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND; HI, IS, Spring—S. Lopez
LTAM 400. Integrative Exercise Satisfactory completion of the major includes the writing of a thesis which attempts to integrate at least two of the various disciplines studied. A proposal must be submitted for approval early in the fall term of the senior year. The thesis in its final form is due no later than the end of the first week of spring term. An oral defense of the thesis is required. 6 cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—J. Cerna-Bazán, S. López, A. Montero