LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

LAS 100:
Images of Latin America 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, TWU, UVic, OU

“Students...recognize and appreciate the importance of film and seem to embrace it with a sigh of relief that at long last it is being accorded a place alongside the written word as a transmitter of knowledge.” — E. Bradford Burns

This course offers students the opportunity to experience Latin America through film and to analyze that experience through the written word and discussion.

The filmic content of the course is augmented by a beginning exploration of Latin American images in art, poetry, literature, and popular culture, as expressed by North Americans, Latin Americans, and immigrants from Latin America.

These images are placed in the context of current events in Latin America, and of a critical analysis of North American coverage of those events.

The result is an effective introduction to the human condition in Latin America, and a critical look at our images of that region.

LAS 102:
Latin American Study Tour 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU

This course offers students an introduction to a specific Latin American nation by means of a study tour. It is a one-semester course of independent study with a 3–4 week study tour experience. The field experience will be augmented by lecture and discussion. Independent study prior to leaving and upon return to B.C. will help to create an exciting learning experience for all involved.

LAS 110:
Pre-Columbian, Hispanic and African
Heritage of Latin America 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, TWU, UBC, UVic, OU

This course examines the cultural heritage of Latin America, forged from the complex interaction of New World, European, and African peoples. We begin with an analysis of the Aztec and Inca states, two powerful empires that ruled large populations and extensive territories at the time of European contact in the 16th century. We then study the cultural and historical contact of Iberian expansion, Columbus’ voyage of discovery, and the Spanish invasion of the Americas. After discussing the profound impact of Spanish colonial rule on the indigenous people of the New World, we analyze the origins and development of the African slave trade and the formation of Afro-American cultures. We conclude with a discussion of the socio-cultural and political legacy of colonialism.

LAS 200:
Introduction to Latin American Issues 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, TWU, UVic, OU

This course introduces students to the major issues facing Latin America. An interdisciplinary approach encourages students to develop a broad understanding of the human condition in the region, and to consider some of the possible directions for change.

LAS 201:
Artistic Expression in Latin America 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, TWU, UVic, OU

Through literature, music, and the visual arts to political thought and theology, Latin American culture is rich, vibrant, and exciting. This inter-disciplinary course combines the perspectives of the social sciences with art, architecture, music, literature, and film to examine the realm of ideas and culture and their interplay with the major issues found in Latin America today.

LAS 312:
Special Topics:
Latin American Cultural Topics 4 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: 45 credits, to include at least three credits LAS.

Transferability: SFU

A cross-disciplinary focus on specific elements of contemporary Latin American and Iberian culture. Topics such as indigenism, Afro-Latin culture, religion, literature, and folklore will be studied.

LAS 402:
Field Study 5 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: All of LAS 200, SPAN 101, SPAN 102

Transferability: SFU (pending)

A multidisciplinary study of a selected country or region. This course will normally be part of the LAS Field School in Latin America.

LAS 498:
Independent Study Project 5 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: at discretion of instructor, dependent upon project chosen

Independent reading and research on a cross-disciplinary project under the supervision of a faculty member. A term paper will be required.

NOTE: The following SCMS courses can be used as upper-level LAS credit. Course descriptions are found under Social, Cultural, and Media Studies.

SCMS 310 — Special Topics: Regional Studies in Latin America
SCMS 363 — Processes of Development and Under-Development in Latin America
SCMS 388 — Comparative Studies of Minority Indigenous Peoples
SCMS 440A — Religion in Latin America
SCMS 463 — Special Topics in Development Studies
SCMS 470A — Latin American Immigrants and Immigration

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