New section – Spanish 102

Introduction to Latin American Cultural Studies

Spring 2018. Tuesday and Thursday, 2:45-4 p.m.
Kravis 161

The main area of inquiry of this course is the symbolic production and cultural and social phenomena in present-day Latin America, from visual culture (photography, art, and comics) to music (Afro-Reggae, Funk, Salsa, Selena, Shakira) and cinema (Cantinflas, Tin Tan). We will read essays by prominent Latin American practitioners of cultural studies such as Néstor García Canclini, George Yúdice, Carlos Monsiváis, among others. Students will be able to work on improving their spoken and written Spanish through active class discussions and assignments that include short papers, in-class presentations, and a final essay.

No previous study of Latin America is required, although students should have completed SPANISH 44 or have permission from the instructor.

Prof. Salvador Velazco
Contact: svelazco@cmc.edu