Spring 2023 Course Offerings
Hispanic Studies 337: Latino Identity in the U.S. (4)
MW 1:50-3:10 Quad 261, SJU Bruce Campbell
The diverse population of Latino groups traces its origins to a variety of countries and their experience in the United States is quite varied. This course will examine the socio-historical background and economic and political factors that converge to shape Latino/Hispanic identities in the United States. This class will explore issues of race, class, and gender within the Latino community in the United States (Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central and South America). Prerequisites: 312 or 316.Offered in Spring.
Hispanic Studies 355C: Post Dictator in Latin America (4)
TR 11:10-12:30 Quad 254, SJU Eleonora Bertranou
An in-depth study of a particular work, author, or theme in Hispanic literature or language. The precise subject to be studied will be announced prior to registration. Recent topics include: the picaresque novel; literature of the gaucho; women authors; Siglo de Oro; Generación del 98; Spanish drama from Lope de Vega to Buero Vallejo; Latin America short story. Prerequisites: 312 or 316 and one upper-division course in linguistics, literature or culture. (To count toward the LLAS Minor the topic must be a Latino or Latin American topic.)
Hispanic Studies 357: Chiapas Embedded Study Abroad (4)
Wed (CD Mods) 6:30-9:30 PM HAB 128B, CSB Roy Ketchum
This course combines classroom learning at CSB/SJU during CD mod and ends with an experiential component abroad. With portions both at home on campus and abroad in Chiapas, Mexico, at the heat of this “embedded” course are the language and intercultural learning opportunities afforded by an immersion experience in Chiapas, in the Mexican Southeast. Through small-group intensive instruction, 1-1 tutoring, a homestay experience and on-site engagement, students will expand their language proficiency and global perspectives. The course will begin with an on-campus seminar organized around the practice of accompaniment (walking with) as embodied by Bishop JTatik Samuel Ruiz. We will study some of the ways that the indigenous communities of Chiapas have struggled for rights and justice while exercising autonomy in the most important areas of their social lives (food production, education, health and good governance). We will explore a poetic mayatsotsil worldview and consider its relationship to contemporary social problems. Once onsite, in Chiapas, students will apply that on-campus learning as context for deeper engagement in language class, field trips to related sites and individual and group reflection.
History 323: Religion in Latin America (4)
TR 1:05-2:25 HAB 119, CSB Brian Larkin
This course studies the changing nature of religious cultures in Latin America from the pre-Columbian period to the present day. Includes the study of indigenous religious practices, the European “spiritual conquest” of the New World, the creation of syncretic forms of Catholicism, 19th century conflicts between religion and secularism, the spread of Protestantism in the 20th century, and the advent and course of liberation theology in Latin America. Within a historical context, examines the role of religion in shaping sense of self, forms of community, and human interaction with the physical world.
Latino/Latin American Studies 270: Readings in Latino/Latin American Studies (0-1)
TBA Bruce Campbell
Readings and discussions in specific areas of Latino/Latin American Studies. Topics tied to on-campus lectures, performances, or exhibits presented by invited speakers or artists. Approval of the Latino/Latin American Studies Rpogram Chair and/or the faculty moderator of the reading circle required. This course can be repeated for credit with the permission of the Program Director. S-U grading only.
Political Science 343: Revolutions and Social Movements (4)
MW 1:50-3:10 SIMNS G30, SJU Colin Hannigan
Analysis of revolutions and social movements as political, economic, and social phenomenon. Focuses on writing by both political actors and social scientists. Case studies are drawn from throughout the world, including movements within the United States.
Sociology 327: Food Culture, Society (4)
TR 11:10-12:30 SIMNS 360, SJU Megan Sheehan
Food is central to human life, but how food is defined, acquired, and consumed varies widely throughout the world. This class takes a four-field anthropological approach to the study of food. In this course, students will explore how food nourishes and shapes our bodies, how historical changes in food acquisition have shaped society, and how globalization is re-shaping what and how we eat. The social and cultural importance of food will be emphasized in this class, and students will examine the role of food in building identity, making meaning, organizing society, and creating social practices. This course will draw on anthropological theory and methods to understand the importance of food in shaping and giving meaning to human life.