The Latin American and Caribbean studies program seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the peoples and cultures of our Latin American and Caribbean neighbors. Through a multidisciplinary program in the humanities and social sciences, students will be prepared to pursue their post-graduate interests in international organizations, education, business, government, communication and journalism. Demonstrated proficiency in Spanish beyond the Intermediate level is required. Normally this can be fulfilled by successful completion of one 300-level course. For native speakers and in the case where the student’s area of interest is better served by knowledge of another language (e.g., Portuguese or French), proficiency will be determined by an examination administered by the Department of World Languages and Cultural Studies.
Students may major or minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
The major in Latin American and Carribean Studies requires 10 courses (40 credits) of interdisciplinary work built around five core courses (20 credits) and five related courses (20 credits).
GVT 110 and GVT 120 or consent of instructor.
4.00
This course examines various methods of comparing political systems. Institutions such as executive departments, legislatures, court systems and local governmental systems are examined comparatively. It includes analysis of the impact of different economic systems on political/governmental institutions, and on economic circumstances that impact government. It also looks at political socialization both in terms of process and comparative content. An effort is made to include countries from all regions of the world. Normally offered every year.
Social Science,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
4.00
The development of Latin American states: society, economy and culture, from colonial origins to the present. Cultural Diversity B
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
Despite the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, race remains one of the most divisive forces in U.S. society. While many of us struggle against racism, racial classification continues to affect where we live, where we work, and how we see ourselves. Racial classification affects our access to health care and our encounters with police officers. Distorted images of racial groups fill television and movie screens. Appeals to racism and fear of foreigners are dominant themes in elections to state and national offices. This course examines the formation and re-formation of racial classifications: how particular groups become racially identified, how these classifications change over time, and how conflicts over race have shaped American society. The meanings of race, as seen from a variety of perspectives, will be a consistent theme throughout the course.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A
4.00
Enables students to examine, as well as develop an awareness and appreciation of, diversity within todays society. Providing an overview of the major racial, ethnic, and cultural groups in the U.S., the focus is on the ways in which cultural awareness enhances professional helping relationships and improves the operation of human services systems.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A
4.00
Why do so many countries remain so poor? Why have some (e.g. the Asian tigers) grown so rapidly? Why have most of the countries of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union been slow to ignite economic growth? These questions are addressed by looking at domestic factors (government policies, resource endowments) as well as the international environment (mobile investors, international financial institutions). Asks what economic choices these countries face now. Normally offered yearly. Cultural Diversity B
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science,Asian Studies,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
4.00
The study of how economic and human activity is distributed across space, the reasons for these spatial distributions, and the processes that change the spatial organization of economic activity over time. Topics include: maps, map projections, and geographic information systems; population geography; the organization and location of cities, towns and villages; transportation and communication policy; industrial location; the geography of world trade; and geographic features of economic development. The course takes a global perspective, and draws on cases and examples from all over the world. Cultural Diversity B
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
At least two of the five related courses must constitute a concentration in a single discipline or an interdisciplinary field. Course selections will be made in consultation with the Latin American and Carribean Studies advisor.
4.00
An introduction to the role of media in contemporary society, focusing on medias influence on cultural, political, and ideological processes. An examination of the historical contexts within which newspapers, radio, television and new media technologies developed and how audiences interact with and influence the use of media.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Social Science
4.00
Explores the development of global media and telecommunication corporations and technologies and the influence these transnational organizations and technologies bear on regional and nation-state communication policy, global and local culture, and the world economy. Cultural Diversity B ECR
Offered Spring Term
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Expanded Classroom Requirement
4.00
Current issues in the field of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
EC 101 and EC 102
4.00
This course examines theories of international trade. The policy implications of each theory are explored and the effect of trade on the welfare of the nation is examined. Also the development of trade blocs and the the political economy of trade are studied. Normally offered every year.
Social Science,Asian Studies,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
EC 101 and EC 102
4.00
The balance of payments and foreign exchange markets and instruments, and the determination of exchange rates. Balance-of-payments adjustments under alternative exchange-rate systems, international liquidity, international economics policy and open economy macroeconomics.
Social Science,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
4.00
This course examines the main political, economic and social trends in the European Union, Latin America and the United States as well as the multiples interactions among them since the end of the Cold War. The readings are structured in two main sections. After briefly reviewing the historical development of these three partners on both sides of the Atlantic in the past five decades, the first section identifies the key processes that are defining the main characteristics of Europe (deepening vs. widening), United States (isolationism vs. internationalism) and Latin America (democracy vs. social equality). The second part of the course explains the tendencies and contradictions in the construction of the external relations of the European Union towards the United States and Latin America, from the cooperation and competition in development of a safe and free Europe in the 1990s to the acrimonious debate about the 2003 Iraq invasion and the prospects of the 2006 EU-Latin America Vienna Summit, among other important events.
Social Science,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
GVT 281 or instructors consent. Junior status or above
4.00
current political trends in the Caribbean and in selected Central American nations. Emphasis will be placed on comparative analysis of public policies in the region, as well as on external factors which impact on politics in the Caribbean and Central America. Students will use academic sources in their analysis, as well as novels and other literary sources for the background of their analysis. Not open to freshmen. Normally offered every third year. Cultural Diversity B
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science
GVT 281 or instructor consent
4.00
This course examines the evolution of Latin America in the context of globalization. The first part analyzes the main political and economic trends of Latin America as a region, while the second presents the main challenges Mexico is facing today in the area of security. The third part moves forward into the detailed explanation of the transformations of the largest South American countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela, among others. The final section looks at the relationship between Latin America and the United States.
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Social Science
GVT 261
4.00
This course examines the intertwined nature of the globalization and regionalization processes from the perspective of global political economy. The first part of the course provides the basic elements and indicators to understand the main challenges the international economy is facing such as crisis, protectionism, and underdevelopment, inter alia. The second part presents the evolution of globalization and regionalism in the past decades. The third and final section compares how the distinct regions in the world are dealing with local and global problems; particularly attention is paid to the European Union, NAFTA, Mercosur and APEC.
Social Science
GVT 261 Junior status or above
4.00
An examination of human rights at the end of the 20th century. Attention will be given to the origin and expansion of the concept of human rights in different political systems, the links between culture and human rights and the means and mechanisms for safeguarding human rights with particular reference to the United Nations system.
Social Science,BSJ SOCIAL SCIENCE
INSTRUCTORS PERMISSION This course fulfills the Expanded Classroom Requirement
4.00
APPROVAL OF DEPT. CHAIRPERSON. Specially arranged study trip to a foreign country for the purpose of obtaining knowledge through direct experience and observation. Includes prearranged site visits, meetings, required reading and written assignments. ECR
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
This course fulfills the Expanded Classroom Requirement
8.00
A full-time summer internship in Washington D.C. Consult the Department for more details. ECR
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
Concurrent enrollment in GVT 523 or GVT 524
4.00
ECR
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
Juniors standing; GVT 528 & GVT 529 Concurrent
8.00
A full-time, one-semester International Internship in London.
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
Concurrently with GVT 526 or GVT 530 and GVT 529
4.00
One of two required seminars to be taken by International interns and service learning participation. ECR
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
Concurrently with GVT 526 or GVT 530 and GVT 528
4.00
One of two required seminars to be taken by International interns and service learning participation ECR
Social Science,Expanded Classroom Requirement
4.00
The development of Latin American states: society, economy and culture, from colonial origins to the present. Cultural Diversity B
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
An introduction to Latin Americas colonial history through the Revolutionary Wars for Independence. The course examines topics that are relevant to issues and challenges facing Latin American and Caribbean peoples today, including poverty, corruption, human rights, the power of religion, race and identity, the environment, international trade, political representation, foreign intervention, cultural survival, and the exploitation of land, labor and resources.
Occasional
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
Begins with an overview of the Old Worlds (Africa, America, Asia and Europe) before the rise of the European hegemony. Next we will look at the growth of Europes nation-states and their movement into the control of world trade. Then we will cover the period from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries - the transition from exploration to colonization to imperialism. The final segment of the class will pick up with the colonial/imperial system and its impacts on the modern world. Cultural Diversity B
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
Topics will include the Plains Indian Wars; ethnological aspects of Indian tribes; the pitfalls of Indian reform movements; Indian resistance to U.S. assimilation and reservation policies; the Indian New Deal; activism and the American Indian Movement; Indians future prospects. Cultural Diversity A
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
A look at the migration of people, along with their culture, to and from the Caribbean and Latin America. The first half of the course looks at how European, Asian and African diasporas settled in the region, assimilated and contributed to the ethnic and cultural base of Caribbean and Latin America countries in the colonial period. The second half offers insight into how and why people from the Caribbean and Latin America would later form diasporas of their own in countries like the United States in the twentieth century. Students taking this course will get a sense of the struggles, accomplishments and culture of Caribbean and Latin American peoples in the United States. Formerly HST 286.
Occasional
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
4.00
An examination of the dispersion of Africans to the Americas during the era of the slave trade and the establishment of New World communities of Africans and people of mixed descent. Topics include: the Slave Trade, comparative Slave Systems, Religion, Resistance and Revolutionary Movements, Return and Redemption Movements, Pan Africanism, Race and Class. Cultural Diversity A Cultural Diversity B
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Cultural Diversity Opt A
4.00
A case-study approach to studying the various means by which people in the Caribbean sought to overcome the legacies of colonial exploitation of their land, labor and resources. The course also offers lessons from the case-studies for approaching/achieving positive social change. Students will learn about the peoples struggles to improve their social lives, reduce poverty, access land, expand human rights, reduce illiteracy, and gain accountability from their governments through violent and non-violent means.
Occasional
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
FR 202 or Instructors consent
4.00
This course explores the francophone world through the media of literature and film. Selected works of francophone literature will be linked to writing exercises and conversation activities.
Alternates Fall & Spring
Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
SPAN 300; SPAN 302 is strongly recommended
4.00
Authors from Latin America and the Caribbean will be examined in their historical and cultural contexts. Readings and class discussions will consider the relationship between the writer and society by covering such topics as colonialism, the oral tradition, modernism and the emergence of new narratives in the twentieth century. The Inca Garcilaso, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Jose Marti, Jorge Luis Borges, and Giaconda Belli will be among some of the writers studied.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
SPAN 300 or Instructors consent. SPAN 302 is strongly recommended.
4.00
The relationship between social history, cultural identity and artistic expression will be explored through a diversity of texts from Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Social justice, truth, mass culture and gender will be among the issues addressed. Readings will include novel, short story, poetry and drama. Films and documentaries will also be considered to further illustrate the connections between society and text.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
SPAN-300; Spanish 302 or its equivalent is strongly recommended
4.00
Through fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry and film, this course will explore the changing roles of women in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. Special focus will be placed on the impact that changes in social ideology and culture have had on their identity and writings. Texts available in English.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
Spanish 300; or Instructors consent; Spanish 302 is strongly recommended
4.00
An exploration of some of the major trends in twentieth century Latin American story telling. Readings reflect the vast array of voices and styles, beginning with the fantastic literature of the 1930s, the birth of magical realism and the more contemporary socio-political narratives. Authors will include Maria Luisa Bombal, Julio Cortazar, Rosario Castellanos, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juan Rulfo, Luisa Valenzuela, among others.
Occasional
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,BA FOREIGN
Take ENG-102 or ENG-103 or Instructors consent. Span 302 is strongly recommended for Spanish and Latin American & Caribbean Studies majors and minors.
4.00
A survey of films from Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, and other Latin American countries. Taking the Cuban Revolution as our point of departure we shall explore the relationship between film and society and think about how our own understanding of a culture and its history is often shaped by the images that we receive on the screen. All films shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Discussions in English.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
ENG-102 or ENG-103 or Instructors consent. Span 302 is strongly recommended for Spanish and Latin American & Caribbean Studies majors and minors.
4.00
The myth of a singular Latino experience in the United States will be examined through a variety of genres and authors. Issues of heritage, identity and the joys, struggles and challenges of growing up Latino/a also will be addressed. Among the writers read will be Sandra Cisneros, House on Mango Street, Junot Diaz, Drown, Esmeralda Santiago, When I Was Puerto Rican, Tato Laviera, AmeRican.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities Literature Requirement
ENG 102 or ENG 103 or Instructors consent. SPAN 300 and SPAN 302 are strongly recommended for Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies majors and minors.
4.00
This course examines the intersection between literature and film and the relationships between the written word and the cinematic image. The writers and cinematographers we will study represent mainstream as well as marginal voices which address issues of race, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic class in South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. All texts available in both Spanish and English translation.
Occasional
Humanities Literature Requirement,Cultural Diversity Opt B,BA FOREIGN
Span 290 or Span 300; Instructors consent; Spanish 302 is strongly recommended
4.00
This course will focus on the dynamic relationships that exist between art (both visual and lyrical) and the written word. By reading twentieth century authors from Latin America and the Caribbean and juxtaposing their work with that of other artists who explore similar themes, students will examine the multiple ways in which art and literature contribute to our understanding of life in Latin America and the Caribbean. Music, paintings, photography, poetry, and prose will be among some of the genres studied.
Occasional
BA FOREIGN
Span 290 or 300; Span 302 is strongly recommended
4.00
Students will closely examine the contemporary world of Latin American Theatre. A study of basic theatre concepts and methodology will prepare students to perform in Noche de teatro latinoamericano, a public performance of three one-act plays from contemporary Latin American playwrights. Publicity and set design will also be part of the course framework.
Occasional
BA FOREIGN
4.00
Despite the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, race remains one of the most divisive forces in U.S. society. While many of us struggle against racism, racial classification continues to affect where we live, where we work, and how we see ourselves. Racial classification affects our access to health care and our encounters with police officers. Distorted images of racial groups fill television and movie screens. Appeals to racism and fear of foreigners are dominant themes in elections to state and national offices. This course examines the formation and re-formation of racial classifications: how particular groups become racially identified, how these classifications change over time, and how conflicts over race have shaped American society. The meanings of race, as seen from a variety of perspectives, will be a consistent theme throughout the course.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A
Prerequisite: SOC 113 or SOC 116 OR Instructors consent
4.00
This course examines U.S. Immigration legislation and policies, focusing on how and why various immigration laws and policies have been established and implemented throughout history. We will address the intersection between immigration policy and race, ethnicity, nationality and socioeconomic status, as well as explore the effects that immigration laws have had on various immigrant groups and society in general.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt A
4.00
A course with special interest topics in sociology which changes depending on the professor.
Occasional
Prerequisite: SOC 113 or SOC 116
4.00
What are the roles of race and ethnicity from a global perspective? A global racial hierarchy determines who experiences privilege or oppression. Students will examine how the meanings of race and ethnicity can vary by location and how they matter globally.
Occasional
Cultural Diversity Opt B
Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency of Spanish, Portuguese, or French beyond the intermediate level. Normally this can be fulfilled by successful completion of one 300 level course.
The minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies requires 24 credits or 6 courses of combined interdisciplinary study. Students must take at least one course from the following disciplines: government, Hispanic and Caribbean studies, and history, and three additional courses which may include but not be restricted to related interdisciplinary fields: communication and journalism, economics, and sociology.
Candidates must register for a special research project (LACS 500) in the fall semester of the senior year and complete a senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member participating in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program.
Students who concentrate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program. This may be done at affiliated institutions such as the Tecnológico de Monterrey or the Universidad Iberoamerica in Mexico, The International Center for Development Studies in Costa Rica, or through the International Internship Program (GVT 526/528/529) with a placement in Latin America or the Caribbean. Students may also design an independent research project through Interfuture that will partially fulfill the degree requirements for the major. In addition, students also have the option of participating in a domestic internship (GVT 507/524/525) related to Latin America or the Caribbean (a maximum of 9 credit hours).
Celeste Kostopulos Cooperman, PhD
Phone: 617.573.8674
Fax: 617.367.5965
Email: ckostopulos@suffolk.edu
Office: Fenton Building, Rm. 553
Madelyn Soto
Office Coordinator
Phone: 617.573.8285
Email: msoto@suffolk.edu
Mailing Address:
41 Temple Street
Boston, MA 02114-4280
