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The Academic Program
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Latin American Studies Program Course Descriptions
- 141 LATIN AMERICAN THROUGH WOMEN'S EYES (Same as Political Science 141)
- Introduction to Latin American Studies through the study of Latin American women. During the past century, many Latin American women have overcome patriarchal "machismo" to serve as presidents, mayors, guerrilla leaders, union organizers, human rights activists, artists, and intellectuals. Through a mix of theoretical, empirical, and testimonial work, the course explores such issues as the intersection of gender and democratization, feminist challenges to military rule, and women's organizing in the maquiladora industry. Alternate years. (4 credits)
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- 244 LATINO POLITICS (Same as Political Science 244)
- Comparative study of Latino and Latina political struggles in the United States. We will explore the themes of subordination and empowerment through issues such as anti-immigrant ballot initiatives in California, the election of Latino mayors in Denver and San Antonio, Cuban dominance in Miami politics, multiracial violence in Los Angeles, and battles over labor conditions, affirmative action, bi-lingual education, and racial profiling. Student projects will involve field research among the Latino communities and organizations of the Twin Cities. Cross-listed with political science. Alternate years. (4 credit)
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- 245 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS (Same as Political Science 245)
- Comparative study of political institutions and conflicts in several Latin American countries. Through a mix of empirical and theoretical work, we analyze concepts and issues such as authoritarianism and democratization, neoliberalism, state terror and peace processes, guerrilla movements, party systems, populism, the Cuban Revolution, and U.S. military intervention. Themes are explored through diverse teaching methods including discussion, debates, simulations, partisan narratives, lecture, film, and poetry. Political Science 140 or Latin American Studies 111 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)
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- 307 INTRODUCTION TO THE ANALYSIS OF HISPANIC TEXTS (Same as Hispanic Studies 307)
- This course presents the student with some basic tools for the systematic analysis of a broad range of topics and forms of cultural production (literature, cinema, art, e-texts...) in the Hispanic world. It also seeks to develop advanced language skills in composition and presentation. Prerequisite: Hispanic Studies 305 or consent of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)
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- 341 COMPARATIVE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS (Same as Political Science 341)
- Comparative study of social movements in Latin America and other world regions. This research seminar engages several major theories that attempt to explain the origins and development of movements struggling for subsistence rights, labor rights, gender and sexuality rights, social rights, and racial and ethnic rights. The course focuses principally on Latin American movements, but also engages cases from the United States and Europe through an examination of transnational advocacy networks and global activism. Political Science 140 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)
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- 436 SPANISH DIALECTOLOGY (Same as Hispanic Studies 436 and Linguistics 436)
- A survey of modern dialectal variations of Spanish that includes examination of American Spanish dialects as well as those of the Iberian Peninsula. Sociolinguistic issues and historical aspects of dialect variation and study will be addressed, along with other extralinguistic factors. Through this course, students will be provided an introduction to theories of language change, as well as the history of the language, and will gain a broad understanding of the different varieties of Modern Spanish. Prerequisite: Hispanic Studies 309 or consent of the instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits)
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- 488 SENIOR SEMINAR
- An integrative, research-oriented capstone which gathers senior majors of diverse regional and disciplinary focuses during the final semester. A faculty convener will integrate a schedule of issue-area seminars, faculty methods and topics presentations, talks by visiting speakers, and student reports on research projects. The course culminates in a lengthy final paper. Every spring. (4 credits)
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- 604 TUTORIAL
- Closely supervised individual or small group study for advanced students on a subject not available through regular catalog offerings. Sponsorship by a program faculty member and approval of the program director is required. (4 credits)
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- 614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT
- An opportunity for advanced students to pursue an independent research project of some scale under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member. Such a project must begin with a brief written proposal to the faculty supervisor and the program director. Prerequisite: junior standing. Every spring. (4 credits)
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- 624 INTERNSHIP (4 credits)
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- 644 HONORS INDEPENDENT
- Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Every semester. (1–4 credits)
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- ADDITIONAL COURSES APPROVED FOR LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
- Prior to every registration period, the program will make available on its website a complete list of courses being offered in academic departments that are applicable to the Latin American studies major. Those departments typically include economics, history, international studies, political science and Hispanic studies.
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