COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - SPRING 2008

Lcs 100 (=A His 140) Cultures of Latin America (3)

Survey of the diverse pre-Columbian and New World societies and cultures of Spanish and Portuguese America from the pre-conquest period to the present. Broadly interdisciplinary introduction to the historical development of Latin American society, culture, politics, and economics with a special emphasis on elements such as race, gender, and class. A Lcs 100Z and A His 140Z are the writing intensive versions of A Lcs 100 or A His 140. Only one of A Lcs 100, A Lcs 100Z, A His 140, and A His 140Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): Any course in Latin American Studies and/or Women’s Studies and/or History. [BE] Lcs 100Z Cultures of Latin America (3)

Lcs 100Z is the writing intensive version of A Lcs 100; only one may be taken for credit. [WI] [BE]

Lcs 103 Introduction to Afro-Brazilian Culture (3)

An introduction to the processes of formation and transformation of Afro-Brazilian Culture as a component of Brazilian national identity. Black cultural production and its connections to the black Atlantic world, and the diaspora will be emphasized.

Lcs 145 Continuity and Change in Latin America (3)

Introduction to the historical development of Latin America’s diverse cultural heritage and to its contemporary institutions and civilization. Broadly interdisciplinary perspective reflecting diverse approaches and fields. Only one of A Lcs 145, A Ant 145, & A His 145 may be taken for credit. [BE]

A Lcs 150 (= A Ant 146) Puerto Rico: People, History and Culture (3)

Survey of Puerto Rican culture on the island from the pre-Hispanic era to the 20th century. Special emphasis on the change of sovereignty in 1898, the national question, class and culture, and migration. A Lcs 150Z & A Ant 146Z are writing intensive versions of A Lcs 150 & A Ant 146; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.

A Lcs 150Z (= A Ant 146Z) Puerto Rico: People, History and Culture (3)

A Lcs 150Z & A Ant 146Z are writing intensive versions of A Lcs 150 & A Ant 146; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. [WI]

A Lcs 165 (= A Jst 165) Jews and the Secular Descendants of Jews in Latin America (3)

This course aims to document how Jews and their descendants succeeded in preserving their culture (including their religious culture) as well as their secular identities (however they preferred to identify themselves) in a world in Latin America that promised to be new but that maintained many familiar prejudices of the Old World. The course is divided into three chronological sections, and it proceeds geographically by region in each section from Central America to South America through the islands of the Caribbean. Section one examines the Colonial Period (from 1492 to the beginning of Independence in 1810). Section two covers the period of Early Independence (from 1810 to the beginning of World War I). Section three deals with the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The readings for the course provide a cultural history of all periods, while the course lectures place emphasis on individual biographies that typify the main characteristics of each period.

Lcs 201 Hispanic Cultures in the United States (3)

Intensive examination of Hispanic American society. Major Hispanic groups (e.g., Puerto Ricans, Mexican-Americans, and Cubans) will be studied with emphasis on interaction between these groups and mainstream society, culture and value change in contact situations, and efforts to deal with prejudice and discrimination. [DP]

Lcs 240 (= A Aas 240 & A Wss 240) Classism, Racism and Sexism: Issues (3)

Analyzes the connections between and among classism, racism and sexism, their mutually reinforcing nature, and the tensions arising from their interrelations. Particular attention will be given to the ideological and personal aspects of these phenomena, as well as to their institutional guises in American society. A Lcs 240Z is the writing intensive version of A Lcs 240; only one of A Lcs/Aas/Wss 240/240Z may be taken for credit. [240 = DP][240Z = DP WI]

Lcs 282 (= A Soc 282) Race and Ethnicity (3)

Study of religion, race, and nationality conflicts in American society. Reactions of minority to majority; changing patterns of minority relationships; efforts to deal with prejudice and discrimination. Only one of A Lcs 282 & A Soc 282 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Soc 115. [DP SS]

Lcs 289 (= A Wss 281) Women and the Media: Exotic Bodies, *Cool* Cultures, Global Flows (3)

This interdisciplinary course will examine how intersections of race, gender, class, nationality, and sexuality, age, and (dis) ability shape representations of women in mass media and popular culture. We will especially place emphasis this semester on representations of women of color - Africana, Latina/Chicana, Asian/American, Arab/American, Native/American, etc. - and explore local and global popular arenas in which they appear, including hip-hop and reggae cultures, cinema, TV, and the Internet. We will also develop a global feminist media analysis, leading us to consider possible means of creative resistance against sexual and racial objectification and development of a feminist community media. For more information, please visit: http://www.albany.edu/faculty/jhobson/wss281/womedia2006.html.

Lcs 327 Four Caribbean Writers (3)

An introduction to the literature of the Caribbean and to the methods of literary analysis. Writers will be grouped around an essential, universal theme: for example, Claude McKay, Vidia Naipaul, Derek Walcott and Jamaica Kincaid around the theme of homelessness.

Lcs 371 (= A His 371) South America Since 1810 (3)

The political, economic, social. and cultural evolution of the South American nations from the winning of independence to the present. with emphasis on Argentina. Brazil and Chile. Among topics studied will be dictatorship, democratic government, economic change, modern revolution, and social trends. Only one of A Lcs 371 & A His 371 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing. or 3 credits in history. [BE]

Lcs 403 Community Service and Learning Internship (3)

The main objective of the LACS Community Service and Learning Internship is to offer our majors and minors an opportunity to apply their knowledge about the Latin American, Caribbean, or U.S. Latino populations to voluntary unpaid work in agencies or organizations that serve local or state communities. This experience is also aimed at providing students with an enriching service and learning experience, possibly linked to their career interests, or which would enhance their potential for future employment. Students will become familiar with the services performed by a variety of community agencies and organizations that work with underprivileged or underserved populations. Interns will be carefully chosen to match student interests with the needs of participating agencies. For further information please contact instructor.

Lcs 415 Los Latinos en EE.UU.: Historia, Cultura, y Literatura (3)

A study of the historical, cultural, and socioeconomic development of U.S. Latino groups. Emphasis on the experiences of Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, and Mexicans. Particular attention will be given to how gender, race ethnicity, and class shape the U.S. Latino experience. Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of Spanish at the 300 level or above is required.

Lcs 497 Independent Study (3-6)

Independent study in an area of special interest to the student under the supervision of the sponsoring faculty member. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and department chair.

Lcs 503 Latin American and Caribbean Cultures and Societies II (3)

Comparative study of the interrelationships between the social, economic, and political development of the diverse Latin American and Caribbean countries. Emphasis on societies, economics, and political systems.

Lcs 508 Seminar: U.S. Latinos (3)

An in-depth examination of classic and current research and topics central to the understanding of the U.S. Latino experience. Emphasis on the formulation of research questions regarding contemporary conditions and on issues such as (im)migration, transnationalism, and hemispheric integration.

Lcs 515 U.S. Latino Literature & Culture (3)

A study of the development of U.S. Latino literature with special emphasis on the 20th century. Major writings by Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, and other groups will be analyzed in reference to the particular experience of each group and its relations to mainstream society. Particular attention will also be given to how gender, race, ethnicity and class interact in the formation of the hybrid cultural experience of U.S. Latinos. Knowledge of Spanish is required. Prerequisite: Lcs 302 (Spn 322) or permission of the instructor.

Lcs 599 Revolution in Latin America (3)

With its long history of political upheaval and popular social movements, Latin America provides a vital opportunity to examine the themes of revolution and counter-revolution. During the semester, we will survey diverse approaches to understanding revolution and counter-revolution through exploring some of the region’s great upheavals, including the Mexican, Bolivian, Guatemalan, and Cuban cases. Culture, capitalist transformation, the reconstruction of state-society relations, political crisis, and the search for social change will be prominent themes during the semester. We will also focus on gender, class, and ethnicity in the context of rebuilding post-revolutionary societies. Writings will include one short analytical essay and one longer topical paper.

Lcs 599 Global Politics Women’s Bodies (4)

Women’s bodies have been sites of oppression and resistance in different societies around the world. This course is a critical examination of the politics of women’s bodies across national boundaries, in diverse cultures, and in relation to pressing social forces, such as militarization, nationalism, economic globalization, religious fundamentalisms, colonial legacies, and global policies with health and environmental impacts. Ideas, practices, and policies affecting women’s bodies in different countries will be examined not only in relation to particular cultural milieus, but also in connection to more global trends, including historical, economic, social, and political linkages among countries. Possible topics include embodiment and social suffering; transnational sexualities; reproductive politics; beauty and the media; bodies as sites of violence; women’s bodies, racism, and colonialism; embodiment and political protest; bodily scars of neoliberalism; environment, health, and disability; and transnational activism centered on women’s bodies.

Lcs 599 Community Service and Learning Internship (3)

The main objective of the LACS Community Service and Learning Internship is to offer our majors and minors an opportunity to apply their knowledge about the Latin American, Caribbean, or U.S. Latino populations to voluntary unpaid work in agencies or organizations that serve local or state communities. This experience is also aimed at providing students with an enriching service and learning experience, possibly linked to their career interests, or which would enhance their potential for future employment. Students will become familiar with the services performed by a variety of community agencies and organizations that work with underprivileged or underserved populations. Interns will be carefully chosen to match student interests with the needs of participating agencies. For further information please contact instructor.

Lcs 691 Directed Reading (1-6)

This course is designed to ensure that the required reading for the Master’s Project is systematically accomplished under the direction of the project director. In accordance with departmental guidelines, the student will prepare an annotated bibliography based on a reading list approved by the project director. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

Lcs 695 Independent Study and Research in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (1-6)

Study and research of a selected topic under faculty supervision. Students should select a topic within their selected area of specialty. Prerequisites: Graduate enrollment and consent of supervising faculty member or department chair.

Lcs 697 Directed Master's Project (3)

Supervised research pertinent to the student's course of study and leading to an acceptable written paper for a master's degree. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the LACS MA program and consent of the instructor.

Lcs 781 Directed Reading (1-6)

This course is designed to ensure that the required reading for the doctoral dissertation is systematically accomplished under the direction of the dissertation director. In accordance with departmental guidelines, the student will prepare an annotated bibliography based on a reading list approved by the dissertation director. Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Lcs 899 Doctoral dissertation (3-12)

Required of all candidates completing the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Prerequisite: Advancement to Candidacy in the LACS track of the Spanish Ph.D. Does not count toward the 60 credit requirement.