Latin American Studies (LAST)
LAST 1200a / PLSC 2430a, Introduction to Latin American Politics Emily Sellars
Introduction to major theories of political and economic change in Latin America, and to the political and economic systems of particular countries. Questions include why the continent has been prone to unstable democratic rule, why countries in the region have adopted alternatively state-centered and market-centered economic models, and, with the most recent wave of democratization, what the remaining obstacles might be to attaining high-quality democracy. SO 0 Course cr
TTh 10:30am-11:20am
LAST 1214a / AFAM 1986a / PLSC 2417a / SOCY 1704a, 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 first years and sophomores. SO 0 Course cr
TTh 4pm-4:50pm
* LAST 1255b / ANTH 2255b / ARCG 2255b, Inca Culture and Society Richard Burger
The history and organization of the Inca empire and its impact on the nations and cultures it conquered. The role of archaeology in understanding the transformation of Andean lifeways; the interplay between ethnohistoric and archaeological approaches to the subject. This course is not open to students who previously enrolled in ARCG 030. SO
HTBA
* LAST 2222a / SPAN 2050a, 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 2223a / SPAN 2020a, Spanish in Film: Visual Narratives of Latin America and Spain María José Gutiérrez Barajas
SPAN 2020 is an advanced language course designed to engage you with the intricate cultural tapestries of Latin American and Spanish cinema. Through engaging films, discussions, and assessments, this course provides you with a unique opportunity to increase your language proficiency and critical cultural awareness while deeply reflecting on how cinematic practices within the Spanish-speaking world serve as a mirror to diverse identities, pressing social issues, and significant historical contexts. The films in this course are organized around three main perspectives or “miradas”: the past, the present, and the future. Our class discussions and analyses, therefore, aim to shed light on i) how past events shape people's experiences in Latin America and Spain, ii) how they respond to the challenges posed by an ever-changing present, and iii) what actions they can take in response to some of the challenges that may lie on the horizon. The multifaceted perspective this class adopts helps us better appreciate how cinema can function as an essential cultural artifact within the broader framework of Spanish and Latin American studies. SPAN 1400, SPAN 1450, SPAN 1500, or L5 placement L5
HTBA
* LAST 2227a / SPAN 2100a, Entrelíneas: Creative Writing in Spanish Mayte López
An entry point to the writing of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, with a focus on developing the techniques and abilities essential for crafting imaginative texts and honing self-expression. Through in-class tasks, substantive discussions on composition and craft, and analyses of contemporary Latinx, Latin American, and Spanish works, you will advance your language proficiency, sharpen your writing skills, and nurture your unique voice as a writer. Throughout the course, you’ll complete regular writing exercises with the assistance of prompts. At the end of each unit, the course transitions to a workshop format where students receive constructive feedback on their writing from both their peers and the instructor. These discussions will enhance our collective understanding of the choices available to us as writers and the various techniques and strategies at our disposal. The syllabus is divided into three units, one for each genre: fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. By the semester’s end, students create a comprehensive final portfolio, incorporating the last revisions of assignments from each course unit. This course is designed as a broad introduction to creative writing in Spanish. It can be taken on its own or alongside SPAN 2101. SPAN 1400, SPAN 1450, SPAN 1500, or L5 placement. L5, HU
HTBA
LAST 2232a / ANTH 2232a / ARCG 2232a, Ancient Civilizations of the Andes Richard Burger
Survey of the archaeological cultures of Peru and Bolivia from the earliest settlement through the late Inca state. SO
HTBA
* LAST 2245a / SPAN 2015a, Language and Culture through Art Rosamaria Leon
Taught in Spanish, this course enhances communication skills and media literacy through the experiential analysis of art. Students engage directly with objects at the Yale Art Gallery, using curatorial study to explore how gastronomy, music, and visual arts shape history and collective memory. These experiences are complemented by riveting readings, illuminating guest speakers, and creative projects designed to benefit the community. By promoting critical citizenship, the course prepares students to debate the role of art in Latin America and Spain. Through a remote exchange with students in Peru, participants master the academic Spanish and analytical tools necessary to thrive in a globalized society. Prerequisite: AP with score of 5/ IB score of 7, Placement in L5 through Spanish Department placement exam or by having completed L4. L5, HU
MW 1:05pm-2:20pm
* LAST 3253a / HIST 3253a, Dissidence and Control in Early Modern Spain and its Empire Maria Jordan
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
Th 9:25am-11:20am
* LAST 3392a / CPLT 2960a / PORT 3920a, Brazil's Cannibal Modernism: From Modern Art Week to Antropofagia Kenneth David Jackson
A study of Brazilian modernism in literature and the arts, centered on São Paulo's "Modern Art Week" of 1922 and the "Cannibal Manifesto" from the perspective of major figures and works, and transatlantic exchanges with figures from the European avant-gardes. Includes analysis of antropofagia as a post-colonial strategy. Reading knowledge of French and Portuguese helpful but not required. WR, HU
Th 1:30pm-3:25pm
* LAST 3394a / CPLT 2940a / PORT 3940a, World Cities and Narratives Kenneth 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 Lusophone cities. Conducted in English. WR, HU
T 1:30pm-3:25pm