Current
Academic Calendar
2024/25
Academic Calendar 2024/25
Latin American Studies
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English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency. |
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
3 credits
Images of Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(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.
3 credits
Latin American Study Tour
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(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.
3 credits
Pre-Columbian, Hispanic and African Heritage of Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(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.
3 credits
Aztecs, Mayas, and Spaniards
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines Maya and Aztec societies and cultures, the Aztec Triple Alliance Empire, Spain under Muslim and Christian rule, European imperial expansion, and the Spanish invasion of Mexico. In analyzing the Indigenous and European past, and the āconquestā as history and myth, this course emphasizes the compelling accounts found in Aztec, Maya, and Spanish sources.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 161 and LAS 161. Students may take only one of these for credit.
3 credits
Soccer and Song in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the history of modern Latin America through the study of soccer and music. Using these themes students examine national and local identities; class, race, ethnicity, and gender; relations between Indigenous peoples and the state; rural-urban migration, industrialization, and populist politics; military rule, repression, resistance, and exile; the drug trade; globalization; and cultural hybridity.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 162 and LAS 162. Students may take only one of these for credit.
3 credits
Social Issues in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(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 regionās 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.
3 credits
The Politics of Art in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(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.
4 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.)
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
4 credits
Special Topics: Latin American Cultural Topics
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include at least three credits LAS.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
4 credits
From the Big Stick to the CIA: The Troubled History of Inter-American Relations
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits of lower-level HIST/LAS or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the complex, often contentious, relationship between Latin America, the United States, and Canada, from the 19th century to the present. Topics may include political and military intervention; human rights; trade, investment, and globalization; drug policy; cultural influences; and Latin American communities north of the Mexican border.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 357 and LAS 357. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
African Slavery in the Americas
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST/LAS or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
This course explores the development of the Atlantic slave trade and the history of African slavery in the Americas. It takes a broad view, examining the institution of slavery over four centuries, while considering the diverse experiences of slaves in the hemisphereās distinct colonies and early nationāstates. Topics may include the impact of slavery on African polities; the formation of Afro-American societies and cultures; the perspectives of both slaves and slave owners; the genesis of new identities and ideologies regarding race, class, and gender; the mechanisms used to keep slaves under control and the forms of resistance they practiced; and the struggle to achieve personal freedom and abolition.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 358 and LAS 358. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
Topics in Latin American Regional History
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST or LAS or 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines selected problems in Latin American history. Topics have a regional or national focus and may be restricted to a specific time period.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 359 and LAS 359. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
Processes of Development and Underdevelopment: Latin America
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits, to include at least 6 credits of Sociology, Anthropology, LAS, or GDS. (SOC 250, ANTH 220, LAS 200 and GDS 100 are recommended.)
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course is an examination of theories and strategies of socioeconomic development and underdevelopment as applied to the Global South from 1945 until the present. Special attention will be paid to Latin America as the source of several development theories and the best example of the application of related development strategies.
Note: This course is offered as SOC 363, ANTH 363, LAS 363 and GDS 363. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 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)
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
4 credits
Sexuality and Gender in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST or LAS and one 300-level HIST or LAS course.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the history of sexuality and gender in Latin America, from the colonial era to the present. Topics include the historical construction of sexuality and gender; patriarchy, honour, contested gender relations, and the family; machismo and notions of masculinity and femininity; sexual identities, the state, and politics; and the intersection of gender, sexuality, class, and ethnicity.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 457 and LAS 457. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
History of Indigenous Peoples in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST or LAS and one 300-level HIST or LAS course.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the history of Indigenous peoples in Latin America through the in-depth study of a particular region. Topics include the transformation of Indigenous societies under colonial rule; the complex relationship between Indigenous peoples and the nation-state; repression and resistance; struggles over land, labour, and Indigenous rights; cultural dynamism; and the impacts of resource extraction and climate change.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 458 and LAS 458. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
Topics in Political and Social History of Latin America
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST or LAS and one 300-level HIST or LAS course.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides an in-depth study of specific topics in Latin American social or political history. Topics have a thematic or comparative focus and vary with the instructor.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 459 and LAS 459. Students may take only one of these for credit.
4 credits
State Terror, Human Rights, and the Politics of Memory in Latin America
Prerequisite(s): Nine credits of lower-level HIST or LAS and one 300-level HIST or LAS course.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the state terror policies of the Argentine and Chilean military regimes in the 1970s and 1980s, the struggle for human rights in both countries, the transition to civilian government and the legacies of repression, and the ensuingāand ongoingādebates over impunity, justice, and historical memory.
Note: This course is offered as HIST 460 and LAS 460. Students make take only one of these for credit.
4 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)
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
2 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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
4 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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Directed reading in a selected field of study under the direction of a faculty member. A major paper will be required.
Last updated: May 14, 2024