This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of Latin America and the Latin American Diaspora in the United States, as manifested through politics, history, language, the arts, literature, economics and social realities. Students will be exposed to the principal themes and methodologies of Latin American and U.S. Latino Studies, by synthesizing contributions from various disciplines.

This course concentrates on essential questions, concepts and themes (issues of gender, politics, religion, art, etc.) that determine and define the construction of culture throughout Spanish history. The course highlights specific works of literature, film and other texts, in order to offer the necessary depth for students to produce research of their own interest.

This course will examine Latin America since the independence process. It will study the obstacles confronted by the new nations, as well as themes such as the role of women in society, political violence and resistance, as well as the deepening links between Latin America and the world economy and its relationship with the United States.

This course will examine the variables which affect the perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of various microcultures which comprise our population. The course will include, but will not be limited to, culture as a function of socioeconomic status, religion, sex and gender, language, age, exceptionality, geographical origins and ethnicity.