Course Descriptions

LAS 1012/3112 The Latino Lens (3 units)

Designed to raise awareness and educate students about the fastest growing groups in the United States, this course is an introduction into the lives and cultures of Latino Americans through film and video. Issues such as stereotypes, discrimination, religion, language, immigration, generation gaps, and culture clash, to name a few, are covered. Screenings, small group discussions, and group projects all work together to bring the perspectives of Latinos, “The Latino Lens,” into sharp focus. Fall Semesters.

LAS 2003/4003  Perspectives of Latin America: Physical Geography, Culture (3 units)

An integrative, interdisciplinary course that serves as an introduction to the landscapes, diverse peoples and customs of Latin America. The course may be team taught from different disciplines or perspectives. Spring Semesters.

LAS 2005/4005 Andean Peoples: Cultural History of Ecuador (3 units)

Students will meet in Quito, Ecuador and will attend lectures on the culture/history of the peoples of Andean Ecuador. Students will be introduced to various civil and religious agencies and their leaders serving the needs of the rural and urban indigenous peoples. Students will travel by land to Cuenca, Ecuador and then on to Guayaquil, Ecuador. This travel is intended to illustrate differences between cultures and peoples of the Andean highlands and the coastal lowlands. Summer.

LAS 3198 Special Topics in Latin American Cinema (3 units)

An introduction to Latin American cinema and the film archives of the Latino Film Festival at Alemany Library. This course examines particular directors' works, themes, genres, or countries. Possible topics may include immigration, gender roles, civil rights, contemporary Mexican cinema, Latin American shorts, and other topics. Offered regularly.