Latin Amer-Caribbean Studies (LATC-UA)

Quechua is the most important and most widely spoken indigenous language in South America, with about 10 million speakers living from the high mountains to the tropical lowlands in Colombia (where the language is called Ingano), Ecuador (where it is called kichwa or runa shimi, "human speech"), Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina (where it is usually spelled Quechua and called, by its speakers, runa simi). Studying Quechua opens a window onto alternative ways of thinking about social worlds, about space and time, family, and humans' relationship with the natural world. Quechua is recommended for students anticipating travel to the Andean region, those interested in language and linguistics, and those interested in indigenous literatures and cultures. Students who satisfactorily complete introductory Quechua will be well-prepared for intensive summer study at one of many summer study abroad programs in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia that will put them in closer contact with the indigenous world.

Quechua is the most important and most widely spoken indigenous language in South America, with about 10 million speakers living from the high mountains to the tropical lowlands in Colombia (where the language is called Ingano), Ecuador (where it is called kichwa or runa shimi, "human speech"), Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina (where it is usually spelled Quechua and called, by its speakers, runa simi). Studying Quechua opens a window onto alternative ways of thinking about social worlds, about space and time, family, and humans' relationship with the natural world. Quechua is recommended for students anticipating travel to the Andean region, those interested in language and linguistics, and those interested in indigenous literatures and cultures. Students who satisfactorily complete introductory Quechua will be well-prepared for intensive summer study at one of many summer study abroad programs in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia that will put them in closer contact with the indigenous world.

Quechua is the most important and most widely spoken indigenous language in South America, with about 10 million speakers living from the high mountains to the tropical lowlands in Colombia (where the language is called Ingano), Ecuador (where it is called kichwa or runa shimi, "human speech"), Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina (where it is usually spelled Quechua and called, by its speakers, runa simi). Studying Quechua opens a window onto alternative ways of thinking about social worlds, about space and time, family, and humans' relationship with the natural world. Quechua is recommended for students anticipating travel to the Andean region, those interested in language and linguistics, and those interested in indigenous literatures and cultures. Students who satisfactorily complete Intermediate Quechua will be well-prepared for intensive summer study at one of many summer study abroad programs in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia that will put them in closer contact with the indigenous world.

Quechua is the most important and most widely spoken indigenous language in South America, with about 10 million speakers living from the high mountains to the tropical lowlands in Colombia (where the language is called Ingano), Ecuador (where it is called kichwa or runa shimi, "human speech"), Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina (where it is usually spelled Quechua and called, by its speakers, runa simi). Studying Quechua opens a window onto alternative ways of thinking about social worlds, about space and time, family, and humans' relationship with the natural world. Quechua is recommended for students anticipating travel to the Andean region, those interested in language and linguistics, and those interested in indigenous literatures and cultures. Students who satisfactorily complete Intermediate Quechua will be well-prepared for intensive summer study at one of many summer study abroad programs in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia that will put them in closer contact with the indigenous world.

This course introduces students to the language of Haitian Kreyòl, also called Creole, and is intended for students with little or no prior knowledge of the language. Haitian Kreyòl is spoken by Haiti’s population of nine million and by about one million Haitians in the U.S. Including over 190,000 in the New York City area. In fact, New York City has the second largest population of Kreyòl Speakers after Port--‐au--‐Prince, Haiti’s capital. Through this course, you will develop introductory speaking, reading, and writing skills. We use a communicative approach, balanced with grammatical and phonetic techniques. Classroom and textbook materials are complemented by work with film, radio, and especially music (konpa, rasin, twoubadou, rap, raga, levanjil, vodou tradisyonèl, etc.), as well as with visits to city museums and institutions related to Haiti.

A continuation of Elementary Haitian Kreyòl I, this course develops student's speaking, reading, and writing skills in Haitian Kreyòl, also called Creole. Haitian Kreyòl is spoken by Haiti's population of nine million and by about one million Haitians in the U.S. including over 190,000 in the New York City area. In fact, New York City has the second largest population of Kreyòl speakers after Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. We use a communicative approach, balanced with grammatical and phonetic techniques. Classroom and textbook materials are complemented by work with film, radio, and music, as well as with visits to city museums and institutions related to Haiti. At the end of the course, students will be better able to conduct a conversation in Haitian Kreyòl and have a better command of Haitian vocabulary and grammar within a relevant cultural context.

As an intermediate language course, the expectation is that students will complete homework for every class session. This includes reading, writing, listening and sometimes viewing film or other media; the reading and writing exercises grow in length and complexity over the course of the semester. In the latter part of the term, students read increasingly challenging documents—news articles, essays, short stories—and write longer and more complex responses and an essay on a topic related to Haiti. Following a performance-based curriculum, the emphasis is on practicing and demonstrating real world communicative skills in written and oral form.

As an intermediate language course, the expectation is that students will complete homework for every class session. This includes reading, writing, listening and sometimes viewing film or other media; the reading and writing exercises grow in length and complexity over the course of the semester. In the latter part of the term, students read increasingly challenging documents—news articles, essays, short stories—and write longer and more complex responses and an essay on a topic related to Haiti. Following a performance-based curriculum, the emphasis is on practicing and demonstrating real world communicative skills in written and oral form.

This basic introductory course promises a captivating journey into the heart of Mixteco culture and language. Here's what students can expect: Immediate Immersion: From day one, students will be encouraged to express themselves in Mixteco. Our teaching methodology focuses on total immersion, making sure that each session is conducted in the target language, providing a genuine experience. Speak Mixteco Fluently: Grasp the nuances of pronunciation and basic vocabulary in spoken Mixteco. With our guidance, you'll be conversing with ease, showcasing an understanding of elementary grammar and vocabulary. Write Effectively: Learn to pen your thoughts in simple Mixteco, employing foundational vocabulary and grammatical structures. Comprehend Texts: Engage with and understand basic Mixteco texts, broadening your linguistic horizon. Cultural Insight: This course is not just about the language. Delve deep into the etiquettes, behaviors, and traditions of Mixteco-speaking cultures. Appreciate the diverse cultural mosaic that exists within different Mixteco regions. Enhance English Proficiency: As you learn Mixteco, you'll find your English communication and reading abilities sharpened, underlining the interconnectedness of languages. Boost Critical Thinking: Dive deep into the structure of Mixteco, enhancing your interpretive, analytical, and adaptive reasoning skills. Cultural Comparison: Through studying Mixteco, gain a unique perspective on your own society by contrasting it with the cultural nuances of Mixteco-speaking communities. As the saying goes, language is the mirror of culture. All-Round Communication Development: The course ensures a balanced approach, nurturing all four pillars of communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. And we prioritize maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment throughout. Authentic Course Materials: Engage with materials that are true to the essence of Mixteco culture, ensuring linguistic and cultural relevance. Personal Expression: By the culmination of this course, confidently introduce yourself and your family in Mixteco. Share tales of your daily routines, express your likes and dislikes, and smoothly carry out basic transactions. Step into the enchanting realm of Mixteco. Whether you're passionate about indigenous languages, keen on cultural exploration, or simply curious, this course will offer a transformative linguistic and cultural adventure.

Delve deeper into Mixteco with this continuation from our introductory course. Engage in total language immersion, enhancing your vocabulary and refining pronunciation. Master the ability to read, write, and understand simple Mixteco texts. Dive into cultural nuances of Mixteco-speaking regions, building upon prior knowledge from Level I. This journey will not only improve your communication in a new language but also offer insights into a different culture, sharpening your interpretive and analytical skills. Each session is tailored to cultivate reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with materials deeply rooted in Mixteco heritage. By the end, discuss both daily and unique activities with an enriched vocabulary. High intermediate Spanish is required since the professors will use this language during the class.

Dive deep into Nahuatl's rich linguistic heritage, the ancient Aztecs' language. In this basic introductory course, students are plunged into a comprehensive learning experience that is designed for immediate immersion. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to: Speak Nahuatl Confidently: From the very first week, we emphasize oral communication, ensuring that sessions are conducted predominantly in Nahuatl. Students will quickly find themselves conversing with clear pronunciation and a grasp of fundamental vocabulary and grammar. Write with Clarity: Master the art of writing in simple Nahuatl, utilizing elementary vocabulary and grammatical constructs. Read with Understanding: Dive into simple Nahuatl texts and uncover their meanings, enriching your comprehension of the language. Cultural Acquaintance: Go beyond the language. Understand the nuances of speech, behavior, and traditions inherent to Nahuatl-speaking communities. Recognize the cultural distinctions and resemblances among different Nahuatl regions. Boost English Communication: By diving into Nahuatl, students will find their English communication skills and reading strategies enhanced, showcasing the interplay between languages. Analytical Abilities: Enhance your interpretative, analytical, and adaptive reasoning skills by dissecting the intricate structure of Nahuatl. Cultural Appreciation: Gain a deeper understanding of your own society by contrasting it with the cultural facets of the Nahuatl-speaking world. Remember, every language is a window into a culture. Holistic Communication: Throughout the course, we ensure a balanced development of all four pivotal communication proficiencies: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. And all of this unfolds in an environment that cherishes respect and inclusivity. Relevant Course Materials: Benefit from course materials that are both culturally and linguistically aligned with the Nahuatl ethos. Personal Introductions: By the course's end, you'll be adept at introducing yourself and your family in Nahuatl. Daily Life Conversations: Share stories of your daily routines, your unique activities, and your personal preferences. Engage in straightforward transactions with ease and flair. Join us on this journey and unlock the world of Nahuatl, its culture, and its people. Whether you're a linguist, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious learner, this course promises a transformative experience.

Dive deeper into the rich Nahuatl culture and language. As a continuation of the basic introduction level, this course offers a full immersion into the Nahuatl language, enabling students to express themselves with a more diverse vocabulary. Sharpen your pronunciation, master elementary grammatical structures, and confidently read and understand simple Nahuatl texts. Gain insights into the appropriate speech and conduct within Nahuatl-speaking cultures, understanding both the cultural differences and similarities. Boost your communication skills and reading strategies as you engage with a language different from your own. By studying the structure of this unique language, you'll enhance your interpretive, analytic, and adaptive reasoning capabilities. Moreover, deepen your understanding of your own society by contrasting it with the cultural aspects of Nahuatl-speaking regions, keeping in mind that language always mirrors culture. All sessions are meticulously designed to hone the four communication skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—in a respectful environment. Our course materials are culturally and linguistically tailored to resonate with the Nahuatl heritage. By the end, you'll be able to discuss both daily and occasional activities using a richer vocabulary. High intermediate Spanish is required since the professors will use this language during the class.

Among the most consequential expressions of human social organization are caste and race. Each is a familiar part of the American landscape, caste construed as exotic ("Eastern") and race as homegrown ("Western"), yet both are objects of critique. The presumed differences between caste and race have drawn attention to certain forms of social inequality while discouraging understanding them beyond conventional categories that define certain geographies. Although caste and race are symbols that represent particular master narratives about country and culture, and create and project discrete images of "the other," on-the-ground distinctions between them always have been slippery, with long histories of interaction between them shaped by varying contexts. Geared for students who have had a basic course in anthropology, history, cultural studies, sociology, or diaspora, or an area studies course on the Atlantic World or South Asia, this course will engage in wide-ranging, comparative, and interdisciplinary exploration of caste and race, both as distinct categorical entities and as imbricated relations of power.

In her seminal analysis of contemporary cinema, Linda Williams introduced the term “body genres” to study melodrama, horror and porn, genres usually dismissed as low brow and that go to extremes in their representation of the body in states of distress and elation. This course deploys her insights to probe and interrogate the artistic genres that have dominated, and shaped, the cultural representation of key moments of Latin American history. Starting with the long cycle initiated by the conquest and closed with political independence (in which the dominant genres are the Epic and the War Film), we will move to a critical assessment of Revolutionary Porn, Latin Melodrama and State Horror as cultural forms that have not only spawned novels, films, paintings and performance, but also affected our understanding of complex social processes, historical conflicts and political trajectories.

Content varies by semester.

Topics and prerequisites vary by semester.

Topics and prerequisites vary by semester.

Focuses on phonology and phonetics (i.e., sound structure), but also addresses the structure of words and phrases. Topics: bilingualism, language contact, language loss, indigenous language education, literacy, orthography, and language policy. Emphasis on the Quechuan languages of the Andes in South America, spoken in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Examines the construction and ultimate demise of the Portuguese empire and the emergence of post-colonial nation-states (starting with the independence of Brazil at the beginning of the 19th century) through a range of literary, artistic, musical, and filmic expressions. Topics include the ideological underpinnings of colonialism and decolonization, as well as the diasporic memory-work individuals and communities carry out through poetry, music, and dance. Also considers the Portuguese heritage of New York City, from the 1654 foundation of its first Jewish congregation (by exiles from Recife, Brazil) and the presence until today of sizable Portuguese, Azorean, and Brazilian communities.

Topics and prerequisites vary by semester.

Topics vary

The course seeks to analyze the dynamics and issues that have characterized relations between the United States and Latin American since the end of World War II. A complete picture of the current state of affairs in the hemisphere and the conditions and causes that led to it requires an analysis in three different – but related – dimensions. First, the course analyzes historical benchmarks that contextualize particular overt American interventions in the region, dissecting their causes, operation and consequences. Second, the course looks at topics that have permeated the relationship between the United States and Latin America over this period. Because of their typically cross-national nature, they illustrate a different set of dynamics and concerns that have fueled tensions in the relationship. The third and final dimension concerns recent developments in Latin America that affect and have been affected by U.S. foreign policy. Their novelty suggests that these issues will remain relevant at least in the immediate future.

4 points, lecture. First offered spring 2016, and yearly thereafter. No prerequisites. Topics vary by semester. Offers in-depth focus on an aspect of social, cultural, political, or artistic life in the Caribbean and its diasporas, emphasizing multilingual, interdisciplinary, and comparative approaches to the region as a whole.

Students will choose an option within this Asylum Practicum: Option 1 will investigate the history of archival studies through archival research and work towards a digital public history project about asylum records; Option 2 will provide further work on issues around the narratives and documentation of asylum. Knowledge of Spanish is welcome for Option 2 but not required, and students may be able to pursue work in a language of their choosing.

Taught in English. This course is designed as an interdisciplinary and critical introduction to the history, society, literature, and culture of Brazil, the largest nation of Latin America. Specific topics may vary each summer.