Latin American Studies (B.A.)

Electives within the Major

Students wishing to count toward the major courses that do not appear on this list should consult with the director of undergraduate studies.

AFST 333a / HIST 332a, African Encounters with Colonialism  Daniel Magaziner

How African societies and peoples encountered, engaged, and endured the colonial and postcolonial world, from the arrival of Kiswahili-speaking traders at the shores of Lake Victoria in the 1840s through the rise and fall of European colonialism and the resulting forms of neocolonialism. Transformations and continuities in African religious life; gendered sociability; popular culture.  HU
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

* AMST 441a / ER&M 370a / HIST 130Ja, Indians and the Spanish Borderlands  Ned Blackhawk

The experiences of Native Americans during centuries of relations with North America's first imperial power, Spain. The history and long-term legacies of Spanish colonialism from Florida to California.  WR, HU
W 9:25am-11:15am

ECON 325b / EP&E 321b / SAST 281b, Economics of Developing Countries: Focus on South Asia  Zachary Barnett-Howell

Analysis of current problems of developing countries. Emphasis on the role of economic theory in informing public policies to achieve improvements in poverty and inequality, and on empirical analysis to understand markets and responses to poverty. Topics include microfinance, education, health, agriculture, intrahousehold allocations, gender, and corruption. Prerequisites: introductory microeconomics and introductory econometrics.  SO
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

ER&M 200a, Introduction to Ethnicity, Race, and Migration  Alicia Camacho

Historical roots of contemporary ethnic and racial formations and competing theories of ethnicity, race, and migration. Cultural constructions and social practices of race, ethnicity, and migration in the United States and around the world.  HU, SO
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

* ER&M 300a or b, Comparative Ethnic Studies  Staff

Introduction to the methods and practice of comparative ethnic studies. Examination of racial formation in the United States within a transnational framework. Legacies of colonialism, slavery, and racial exclusion; racial formation in schools, prisons, and citizenship law; cultural politics of music and performance; social movements; and postcolonial critique.  SO
HTBA

* EVST 345a / ANTH 382a / ER&M 395a / F&ES 384a, Environmental Anthropology  Michael Dove

The history and contemporary study of anthropology and the environment, with special attention to current debates regarding human environmental relations. Topics include: nature-culture dichotomy; ecology and social organization; methodological debates; politics of the environment; and knowing the environment.  SO
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

* F&ES 020a / EVST 020a, Sustainable Development in Haiti  Gordon Geballe

The principles and practice of sustainable development explored in the context of Haiti's rich history and culture, as well as its current environmental and economic impoverishment. Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program.  WR
MW 9am-10:15am

* FILM 363a / LITR 360a, Radical Cinemas of Latin America  Moira Fradinger

Introduction to Latin American cinema, with an emphasis on post–World War II films produced in Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Examination of each film in its historical and aesthetic aspects, and in light of questions concerning national cinema and "third cinema." Examples from both pre-1945 and contemporary films. Conducted in English; knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese helpful but not required.  HU
W 7pm-8:50pm

HIST 325b, Introduction to Latin American History  Anne Eller

Critical themes and events in Latin American history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Major formative epochs such as the pre-Columbian era, colonization, independence, and contemporary moments; modern political flashpoints, including Haiti, Cuba, Argentina, and Peru.  HU
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

HIST 465a / EVST 209a / HSHM 209a, Making Climate Knowledge  Deborah Coen

This is a course about how humans have come to know what we know about our impacts on the earth’s climate and our vulnerability to climate change. When did humans first know that their actions, in the aggregate, could transform the planet? Did scientists bear responsibility to warn of these consequences? In what ways has the modern science of climate both appropriated and undermined traditional and indigenous forms of climate knowledge? Students learn to work with the methods of history of science: we analyze science as a social and material process bound to the cultural and epistemological particularities of its historical context, and we examine the political dimensions of historical narratives about the emergence of the theory of global warming. Via hands-on experience with Yale’s historical collections, students learn to analyze maps, artifacts, and instruments as historical sources. They also gain familiarity with the methods of environmental history, learning to attend to historical evidence of shifting relationships between humans and non-humans. Finally, students become more attuned to the evidence of climate change around them and more confident in their ability to make climate knowledge for themselves.  WR, HU
MW 11:35am-12:25pm

* HSHM 422a / HIST 467Ja, Cartography, Territory, and Identity  William Rankin

Exploration of how maps shape assumptions about territory, land, sovereignty, and identity. The relationship between scientific cartography and conquest, the geography of statecraft, religious cartographies, encounters between Western and non-Western cultures, and reactions to cartographic objectivity. Students make their own maps. No previous experience in cartography or graphic design required.  WR, HU
M 1:30pm-3:20pm

LAST 214b / AFAM 186b / PLSC 378b / SOCY 170b, Contesting Injustice  Elisabeth Wood

Exploration of why, when, and how people organize collectively to challenge political, social, and economic injustice. Cross-national comparison of the extent, causes, and consequences of inequality. Analysis of mobilizations for social justice in both U.S. and international settings. Intended primarily for freshmen and sophomores.  SO
HTBA

* LAST 222a / SPAN 222a, Legal Spanish  Mercedes Carreras

An introduction to Spanish and Latin American legal culture with a focus on the specific traits of legal language and on the development of advanced language competence. Issues such as human rights, the death penalty, the jury, contracts, statutory instruments, and rulings by the constitutional courts are explored through law journal articles, newspapers, the media, and mock trials. Enrollment limited to 18. A maximum of one course in the 200-230 range may count as an elective toward the Spanish major.  L5
HTBA

* LAST 223a or b / SPAN 223a or b, Spanish in Film: An Introduction to the New Latin American Cinema  Staff

Development of proficiency in Spanish through analysis of critically acclaimed Latin American films. Includes basic vocabulary of film criticism in Spanish as well as discussion and language exercises. Enrollment limited to 18.  L5
MW 1pm-2:15pm

* LAST 225b / SPAN 225b, Spanish for the Medical Professions  Staff

Topics in health and welfare. Conversation, reading, and writing about medical issues for advanced Spanish-language students, including those considering careers in medical professions. Enrollment limited to 18.  L5
HTBA

* LAST 227a / SPAN 227a, Creative Writing  María Jordán

An introduction to the craft and practice of creative writing (fiction, poetry, and essays). Focus on the development of writing skills and awareness of a variety of genres and techniques through reading of exemplary works and critical assessment of student work. Emphasis on the ability to write about abstract ideas, sentiments, dreams, and the imaginary world. Enrollment limited to 18. A maximum of one course in the 200-230 range may count as an elective toward the Spanish major.  L5
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

* LAST 243a or b / SPAN 243a or b, Advanced Spanish Grammar  Staff

A comprehensive, in-depth study of grammar intended to improve students' spoken and written command of Spanish. Linguistic analysis of literary selections; some English-to-Spanish translation. Enrollment limited to 18.  L5
HTBA

LAST 247a / SPAN 247a, Introduction to the Cultures of Latin America  Rolena Adorno

A chronological study of Latin American cultures through their expressions in literature and the arts, beginning in the pre-Columbian period and focusing on the period from the nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis on crucial historical moments and on distinctive rituals such as fiestas. Open to students who have placed into L5 courses or who have successfully completed an L4 course in Spanish. Counts toward the major in Spanish.  L5, HU
HTBA

* LAST 253a / HIST 253Ja, Dissidence and Control in Early Modern Spain and its Empire  María Jordán

Aspects of Spanish culture and society in the Golden Age (c. 1550–1650) that demonstrate discontent, dissidence, and suggestions for reform. Emphasis on the intersection of historical and literary sources and the dynamic between popular and elite cultures.  WR, HU
T 9:25am-11:15am

LAST 261a / SPAN 261a, Studies in Spanish Literature I  Staff

An introduction to Spanish prose, drama, and lyric poetry from their medieval multicultural origins through the Golden Age in the seventeenth century. Readings include El Cid, La Celestina, Conde Lucanor, and works by Miguel de Cervantes and Calderón de la Barca. Open to students who have placed into L5 courses or who have successfully completed an L4 course in Spanish. Counts toward the major in Spanish.  L5, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* LAST 262b / SPAN 262b, Studies in Spanish Literature II  Noël Valis

An introduction to Spanish prose, drama, and lyric poetry from the eighteenth century to the present, centered on the conflict between modernity and tradition and on the quest for national identity. Texts by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Emilia Pardo Bazán, Antonio Machado, Federico García Lorca, Ramón Sender, and Ana María Matute, among others. Open to students who have placed into L5 courses or who have successfully completed an L4 course in Spanish.  L5, HU
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

* LAST 318b / ARCH 341b / GLBL 253b, Globalization Space  Keller Easterling

Infrastructure space as a primary medium of change in global polity. Networks of trade, energy, communication, transportation, spatial products, finance, management, and labor, as well as new strains of political opportunity that reside within their spatial disposition. Case studies include free zones and automated ports around the world, satellite urbanism in South Asia, high-speed rail in Japan and the Middle East, agripoles in southern Spain, fiber optic submarine cable in East Africa, spatial products of tourism in North Korea, and management platforms of the International Organization for Standardization.  HU
MW 10:30am-11:20am

* LAST 351a / SPAN 350a, Borges: Literature and Power  Aníbal González Perez

An introduction to the work of Jorge Luis Borges, focusing on the relation between literature and power as portrayed in selected stories, essays, and poems. Topics include Borges and postmodernity; writing and ethics; and Borges's politics. Works include Ficciones, Otras inquisiciones, El aleph, El hacedor, El informe de Brodie, and Obra poética. Open to students who have placed into L5 courses or who have successfully completed an L4 course in Spanish. Counts toward the Spanish major.  L5, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

LAST 355a / HIST 355a, Colonial Latin America  Stuart Schwartz

A survey of the conquest and colonization of Latin America from pre-Columbian civilizations through the movements for independence. Emphasis on social and economic themes and the formation of identities in the context of multiracial societies.  HU
TTh 10:30am-11:20am

* LAST 372a / ER&M 342a / HIST 372Ja, Revolutionary Change and Cold War in Latin America  Gilbert Joseph

Analysis of revolutionary movements in Latin America against the backdrop of the Cold War. Critical examination of popular images and orthodox interpretations. An interdisciplinary study of the process of revolutionary change and cold war at the grassroots level.  WR, HU
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

* LAST 394a / LITR 294a / PORT 394a, World Cities and Narratives  K. David Jackson

Study of world cities and selected narratives that describe, belong to, or represent them. Topics range from the rise of the urban novel in European capitals to the postcolonial fictional worlds of major Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish American cities. Conducted in English.  WR, HU  Tr
T 3:30pm-5:20pm

LAST 398a / AFAM 180a / LITR 329a / SPAN 398a, Caribbean Baseball: A Cultural History  Roberto González Echevarría

A study of the origins and evolution of baseball in the Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) in the context of the region's political and cultural history and its relationship with the United States. The course begins with a consideration of the nature of games and the development and dissemination of sports by imperial powers since the nineteenth century: soccer, rugby, and tennis by the UK and basketball and baseball by the U.S. Topics to be considered: nationalism, the role of race, popular culture, the development of the media, the rise of stars and famous teams, the importance of the Negro Leagues, access of Caribbean players to the Major Leagues, the situation in the present.  WR, HU
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

* LAST 423a / EP&E 243a / GLBL 336a / PLSC 423a, Political Economy of Poverty Alleviation  Ana De La O

Overview of classic and contemporary approaches to the question of why some countries have done better than others at reducing poverty. Emphasis on the role of politics.  SO
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

* LITR 360a / FILM 363a, Radical Cinemas of Latin America  Moira Fradinger

Introduction to Latin American cinema, with an emphasis on post–World War II films produced in Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Examination of each film in its historical and aesthetic aspects, and in light of questions concerning national cinema and "third cinema." Examples from both pre-1945 and contemporary films. Conducted in English; knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese helpful but not required.  HU
W 7pm-8:50pm

* PLSC 152a / EP&E 245a, Global Firms and National Governments  Joseph LaPalombara

Interactions between large-scale firms that make international investments and policy makers and government officials in the “host” countries. National and subnational officials who work to attract investments (or not) and who set policies regulating global firms and their investments. Focus on less-developed countries. Theories as to why firms “globalize”; case studies of controversies created by overseas corporate investments; the changing economic landscape associated with investments by countries such as China, Brazil, and India.  SO
M 1:30pm-3:20pm

* PLSC 415b / EP&E 241 / SOCY 172b, Religion and Politics in the World  Katharine Baldwin

A broad overview of the relationship between religion and politics around the world, especially Christianity and Islam. Religions are considered to constitute not just theologies but also sets of institutions, networks, interests, and sub-cultures. The course’s principal aim is to understand how religion affects politics as an empirical matter, rather than to explore moral dimensions of this relationship.  SO
HTBA

SPAN 246b, Introduction to the Cultures of Spain  Leslie Harkema

Study of various aspects of Spanish culture, including its continuing relation to the societies of Latin America. Examination of Spanish politics, history, religions, art forms, music, and literatures, from ancient times to the present. Primary sources and critical studies are read in the original.  L5, HU
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* LAST 471a, Directed Reading  Staff

For students who wish to investigate an area of Latin American Studies not covered by regular offerings. The project must terminate with a term paper or its equivalent. No more than one term of credit may be earned. To apply for admission, a student should present a prospectus and a bibliography to the director of undergraduate studies no later than one day before the course selection period concludes. Written approval from the faculty member who will direct the student's reading and writing must accompany the prospectus.
HTBA