Latin American Studies Courses

Key to Course Descriptions.

For Distribution Requirement purposes, all LAS courses are classified in different categories; check individual course descriptions.

Course Winter Timetable

LAS200Y1
Latin America: History, Civilization and Culture        52L, 26P

An introductory course that studies the development of societies in the Latin American region from its pre-Columbian past to its heterogeneous present. Cultural, geographical, historical, literary, political and social topics will be examined combining traditional historical narratives and supporting documents with art, cinema, music and other texts from popular culture and mass media. This course is open to students in at least their second year of undergraduate study. It provides both a broad foundation, and an invitation to delve deeper in further courses and in different disciplinary concentrations.

Exclusion: IAS200Y1
This is a Humanities or Social Science course.

LAS300H1
Topics in the Social Sciences (Latina/o Identity in Canada)       26S

This issue-oriented seminar explores the construction of Latina/o
identity in Canada from an interdisciplinary perspective. We look to generate knowledge and understanding about: 1) the manner in which Latina/o diasporas have been constructed through historical and socio-political processes such as exile, migration, immigration, and the ways in which they are articulated within transnational processes of capital accumulation and the redefinitions of ‘authentic’ national subjecthood and, 2) the ways in which Latinidad emerges both within Latina/o communities and in relation to the Canadian nation and transnational realities.
Prerequisite: IAS200Y1/LAS200Y1
This is a Social Science Course

LAS301H1
Topics in the Humanities (Postcolonial Imaginary in Latin America)       26S

The issue of Latin America’s postcolonial status is a controversial debate. We will explore this question through the analysis of the Latin American social imaginary. The most relevant events currently taking place in Latin America will be studied in relation to the most notable expressions of resistance originating in the 19th and 20th centuries. Critical texts will provide the theoretical basis for the discussion of films and related texts. We will pay particular attention to works of Simón Bolívar, José Martí, Che Guevara, Pablo Neruda, Rigoberta Menchú, Subcomandante Marcos, Sergei Eisenstein, Walter Salles, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, and others. Although class discussions will be conducted in English, a reading knowledge of Spanish is required. The films will be scheduled for viewing outside of class.
Prerequisite: IAS200Y1/LAS200Y1
This is a Humanities course.

LAS400H1
Topics in Latin American Studies I (Gender, Migration and Globalization)        26S

An in-depth exploration of specific themes in the study of Latin America. Designed especially for students in their third or fourth year of undergraduate study, pursuing an LAS Major. Special topics will vary; emphasis upon discussion of common readings and sources in a seminar format.
Prerequisite: IAS200Y1/LAS200Y1 plus at least one other course eligible for LAS programme credit
Note: please see LAS@UofT web site for more details on this course.