Latin American Studies

LAS 1003 credits
Images of Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
Using Latin America as a case study, LAS 100 offers students the opportunity to examine the images of the "underdeveloped" world that we encounter in the mass media on a daily basis. We will concentrate on the images found in the media of television, radio and print journalism, but will also pay attention to those images that have come to us through film. Thus, students will "experience" Latin America through its images, but will be encouraged to analyze what exactly it is that is being "experienced." In doing this, we will be following current events in Latin America, and be making a critical, on-going assessment of coverage of those events in the mass media. The result is an effective introduction to the human condition and culture of our Latin American neighbours, and a critical glimpse at the limitations inherent in our view of that part of the world.

LAS 1023 credits
Latin American Study Tour
Prerequisite(s): None
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 1103 credits
Pre-Columbian, Hispanic and African Heritage of Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
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 2003 credits
Social Issues in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
Latin America is a diverse region of considerable importance to Canadians for political, commercial, and social reasons. In this course we explore key facets of social life in this volatile region. We look at the forces that have shaped Latin American society, at the situation Latin America finds itself in now, and at the region’s prospects for the future. In the process we examine class, race, gender, socio-economic development, and other social issues.
Note: This course is offered as both LAS 200 and SOC 200. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 2063 credits
The Politics of Art in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
In this course, we examine Latin American artistic culture from the perspectives of the social sciences. Focuses may include art, architecture, literature, film, music, dance, folk art, and popular culture. The intent will be to relate these to the social context in which they are located. In particular, we will be interested in the ways in which artistic expression helps to legitimize or to challenge particular social orders.

Note: This course is offered as LAS 206, ANTH 206, MACS 206, and SOC 206. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 3104 credits
Special Topics: Regional Studies in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include at least 6 credits of anthropology, sociology and/or LAS. (One or more of SOC 250, ANTH 220, or LAS 102, 110, 200 or 206 recommended.)
Using sociological and anthropological approaches, this course is designed to provide insights into the society and culture of a specific nation or region within Latin America.

Note: This course is offered as ANTH 310, LAS 310, and SOC 310. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 3124 credits
Special Topics: Latin American Cultural Topics
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include at least three credits LAS.
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 3634 credits
Processes of Development and Underdevelopment: Latin America
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include SOC 101 and at least 3 additional credits of Sociology, Anthropology, or LAS. (SOC 250, ANTH 220, and/or LAS 200 recommended.)
This course is an examination of theories and strategies of socioeconomic development and underdevelopment as applied to the Third World from 1945 until the present. Latin America will figure prominently as an example of a developing region

Note: This course is offered as SOC 363, ANTH 363, and LAS 363. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 3884 credits
Minority Indigenous Peoples of the World
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include ANTH 102 and at least three additional credits of Anthropology and/or Sociology
This course will examine the social and cultural experiences of indigenous peoples within various modern industrial nation-states and relations of these peoples with majority societies and other indigenous groups throughout the world. Case studies will be drawn from Latin America and other areas.

Note: This course is offered as ANTH 388, LAS 388, and SOC 388. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 4424 credits
Religion in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits, to include at least 9 credits of Sociology, LAS, and/or Religious Studies. (HIST 261, 262, 459 can be considered LAS courses.) (ANTH 130 can be considered Religious Studies)
Most people know of Latin America as the crucible for recent developments in Catholicism like liberation theology. However, religion has long played a central role in shaping Latin American societies just as it has been shaped by them. This course will explore the connections between religion and society in the Latin American context. The emphasis of the course will shift from term to term, but it will normally focus on some combination of the following: pre-Columbian religions, Catholicism and conquest, syncretism, liberation theology, religion and revolution, evangelism, the survival of indigenous religions, and other related topics.

Note: This course is offered as LAS 442 and SOC 442. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 4634 credits
Special Topics in Development Studies
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits, to include at least 9 credits of Sociology and/or Anthropology. (ANTH 220, SCMS 363, and SOC 250 recommended.)
This course is an examination of processes of social and cultural change in selected Third World societies. Topics will change from semester to semester, but may include liberation movements and colonialism; the comparative study of post-revolutionary societies; the persistence, transformation, and disappearance of contemporary peasantries; and directed change programs.

Note: This course is offered as SOC 463, ANTH 463, and LAS 463. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 4724 credits
Latin America: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits, to include at least 9 credits of Sociology, Anthropology and/or LAS. (LAS 110 and/or HIST 261 recommended)
Concepts of race and ethnicity have been crucial elements in the formation of Latin American society, culture, and identity. Migration has further shaped identity and society among Latin Americans inside and outside Latin America. This course explores various aspects of Latin American concepts of race, ethnicity, and immigration from several perspectives. It also examines patterns of migration from Latin America to Canada and the effects of Canadian concepts of identity, race, ethnicity, and multiculturalism on the integration of Latin Americans into Canadian society. Topics covered may include: the push/pull factors causing immigration, immigration policy, the development of immigrant identities, the meaning of exile, and the formation of immigrant communities and their relationship to the dominant culture of Canadian society.

Note: This course is offered as ANTH 472, LAS 472 and SOC 472. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 4922 credits
Directed Studies in Social, Cultural, and Media Studies
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include 6 credits of area of specialization (ANTH, SOC, LAS, MACS). Permission to enter requires written consent of both the faculty member supervising the student and the department head.
This course is designed for upper-level students who wish to examine in greater depth a particular problem/issue in Anthropology, Sociology, Latin American Studies, or Media and Communication Studies.

Note: This course is offered as SOC 492, ANTH 492, LAS 492, and MACS 492. Students may take only one of these for credit.

LAS 4984 credits
Directed Readings in Latin American Studies
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits, to include at least 9 credits of LAS or SCMS with Latin American content, plus permission from supervising faculty member and department head.
Directed reading in a selected field of study under the direction of a faculty member. A major paper will be required.

Last extracted: April 14, 2011 09:45:20 PM