Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion

Overview for Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion

The Latino/Latina/Latin American studies immersion allows students to study Latino or Latin American culture. The goal is to introduce students to the customs and culture (history, art, literature, politics, anthropology, music) of Latin America or of Latinos in the U.S. Students become aware of the relationship between language and culture, and of the differences between their own language and culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries or Brazil.

Notes about this immersion:

  • This immersion is closed to native speakers of Spanish, students majoring in applied modern language and culture who have chosen the Spanish language track, and students majoring in international and global studies who have chosen a focus area on Spanish or Portuguese language or Latin American studies.
  • Students are required to complete at least one course at the 300-level or above as part of the immersion.
  • This immersion consists of three culture courses. If a student chooses, one of the three courses may be substituted for a Spanish or Portuguese language course. Students who have prior study of either language must take a placement exam through the department of modern languages to determine the appropriate level language course to complete.

The plan code for Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion is LATINST-IM.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Latino/Latina/Latin American Studies Immersion

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Electives
Choose three of the following:
   ANTH-235
   Immigration to the U.S.
This course examines immigration to the U.S. within the context of globalization. We examine the push- and pull-factors that generate immigration, and changing immigration policies and debates. We consider how changes in the American workplace have stimulated the demand for foreign workers in a wide range of occupations, from software engineer to migrant farmworker and nanny. We review the cultural and emotional challenges of adapting within the American cultural landscape, transnationalism and connections with the homeland, the experiences of refugees, and how immigration has changed since 9/11. Special attention is given to immigration from Latin America, the largest sending region. Lecture 3 (Fall or Spring).
   ANTH-255
   Regional Archaeology*
Since the first humans set out from Africa nearly two million years ago, our ancestors and relatives managed to settle in almost every continent. Wherever they went, they left traces of their lives that are tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years deep. We call these traces the archaeological record. Almost everywhere our ancestors settled, they did many of the same things, such as inventing agriculture, cities, writing, and state-level societies. However, they did this in ways unique to each region and time. This course examines the archaeology of a specific region, such as the Middle East, Mesoamerica, North America, or East Asia, in detail. We examine the geography, culture, archaeological record, and significance of the region to various key themes in archaeological research with respect to other world regions. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   ANTH-335
   Culture and Politics in Latin America
What does it mean to be a region forged and defined by conquest? “Latin America” is a construct—a term referring to a vast region of the western hemisphere colonized by speakers of Latin-derived languages (including Spanish, Portuguese, and French). In this context, culture is political and politics are cultural. Throughout what is now called Latin America and the Caribbean, the cultural practices of Indigenous and African peoples became the justification for the imposition of European rule, territorial expansion, enslavement, the extraction of labor and natural resources, Christian evangelization, and the racialized legal frameworks that facilitated it all. This course traces these historical processes and examines present-day legacies of colonialism, including ethnic inequalities, colorism, economic vulnerability, patriarchal relations, and social unrest. We consider, as well, the agency of people of Indigenous and African descent as they pursued survival with tactics ranging from acquiescence and strategic passing to creative blending to outright defiance, resistance, and rebellion. Throughout, we look at how art, music, dance, literature, and religion have engaged critically with the forces of fascism, revolution, socialism, dictatorship, neo-imperialism, and globalization. Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ANTH-350
   The Global Economy and the Grassroots
   ARTH-561
   Latin American Art
Students will explore the historical development of art of Latin America from colonial times to the present. Included will be a consideration of painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic, and photographic arts. Potential themes to be addressed include the dependence on the European neo-classical academic model; indigenism; nationalism and the resurgence of popular art; the role of the visual arts in the construction of history; the conflicts and tensions involved in the search for a cultural identity. Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ARTH-572
   Art of the Americas
This is a survey course of native north and South American visual arts within an historical and anthropological framework. Included will be an examination of the development of principal styles of Ancient American architecture, sculpture, painting, and ceramics up to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors defeated the Aztec and Inca empires and imposed colonial rule. Consideration is also given to materials used, techniques of construction, individual and tribal styles, as well as to the meaning and function of various art forms within Native American societies. Lecture 3 (Fall).
   MLPO-201
   Beginning Portuguese I
Beginning Portuguese I introduces the Portuguese language and culture to beginners, and builds the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Portuguese and they have some prior study of Portuguese. Seminar (Fall).
   MLPO-202
   Beginning Portuguese II
Beginning Portuguese II continues the first-year study of Portuguese language and culture, including work in the present tense, the past tenses, and introducing the subjunctive mood, continuing to build the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Consult program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class and they have some prior study of Portuguese. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 1 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLPO-201 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Spring).
   MLPO-301
   Intermediate Portuguese I
Intermediate Portuguese I is the first course in the second year of Portuguese language study. Course content concentrates on intensive grammar review, situation dialogues, conversation, and cultural readings, and includes work in all five skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture). Part of the SILP/World languages program: consult the program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class, and they have some prior study of Portuguese. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 2 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLPO-202 or MLPO-202T or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall).
   MLPO-302
   Intermediate Portuguese II
Intermediate Portuguese II is the second course in the second year of Portuguese language study. Course content concentrates on intensive grammar review, situation dialogues, letter writing (business and personal), compositions, oral presentations, and cultural readings. Includes work in all five skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture). Part of the SILP/World languages program: consult the program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class, and they have some prior study of Portuguese. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 3 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLPO-301 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Spring).
   MLPO-401
   Advanced Portuguese I
This is the first course of the advanced (third) year of Portuguese language and culture study. The course content is based on the first six films and the first two chapters of the textbook Cinema For Portuguese Conversation (Bonnie Wasserman, Focus Publishing, 2009). Course work covers the cultural themes, readings, grammar study, vocabulary, conversation and composition topics included in the book and the films. Practice in all five skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Consult program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class, and they have some prior study of Portuguese. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 4 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLPO-302 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall).
   MLPO-402
   Advanced Portuguese II
This is the second course of the advanced (third) year of Portuguese language and culture study. The course content is based on the last eight films and the last three chapters of the textbook Cinema for Portuguese Conversation (Bonnie Wasserman, Focus Publishing, 2009). Course work covers the cultural themes, readings, grammar study, vocabulary, conversation and composition topics included in the book and the films. Practice in all five skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Consult program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class, and they have some prior study of Portuguese. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 4 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLPO-401 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Spring).
   MLSP-201A
   Beginning Spanish IA
   MLSP-201B
   Beginning Spanish IB
   MLSP-202
   Beginning Spanish II
This course continues the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and situations of first-year Spanish, with foundation work in all skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture). Beginning Spanish II continues work in the past tenses and includes work on the subjunctive mood, plus the future and conditional tenses. Students work on paragraph-length speech and writing, and move toward readiness for conversation and composition. (Prerequisites: MLSP-201A or MLSP-201B or score of 1 on the placement exam or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall, Spring).
   MLSP-301
   Intermediate Spanish I
This is the first course in the Intermediate Spanish sequence (second year). Intermediate Spanish I is a course in Conversation, along with grammar review and culture study. Emphasis is on tourist survival situation dialogues, various forms of conversation, and registers of formality. The basic skills learned in the first year courses are now put into practice. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Spanish class, and they have some prior study of Spanish. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 2 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-202 or MLSP-202T or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall, Spring).
   MLSP-302
   Intermediate Spanish II
This is the second course in the Intermediate Spanish sequence (second year). Intermediate Spanish II is a Composition course, emphasizing grammar review, composition, business-letter writing, Spanish for the Professions, and culture, while also including work in speaking and listening. The basic skills learned in the first year courses are now put into practice. In addition to the language work, there is significant work on cultural topics of Spanish-speaking countries at the intermediate level: both formal and informal culture (the arts and daily behavior). Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Spanish class, and they have some prior study of Spanish. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 3 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-301 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall, Spring).
   MLSP-305
   Spanish for Health Care
Students will acquire culture and communication skills related to health and the health professions in Spanish through experiential learning and primary sources including authentic audiovisual and written materials. This course includes a one-week experiential learning component in a Spanish-speaking community during spring break. A program fee and approved application are required. All students will present an original, culminating project through which they will share the results of this community-based learning experience. Topics covered include Communication Styles, Cultural Awareness, the Medical Interview, Anatomy, Vital Signs, Medical History, Nutrition, Illnesses, Symptoms, Allergies, Appointments, Test Results, Hospitalization, Surgery, Vaccinations, Dental Hygiene, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Sexual Health. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 3 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-301 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   MLSP-310
   Spanish Grammar Review
Spanish Grammar Review is an intensive review of the major grammar components of the Spanish language as typically studied by U.S. college students. Classroom exercises and discussion are supplemented by a textbook and online activity program. The course intends to help students progress in their language study and solidify their grammar skills. In addition to particular exercises in the textbook topics, weekly class work includes an open forum for questions and spontaneous exercises. (Corequisites: Minimum score of 2 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-202 or MLSP-202T or equivalent course.) Seminar 3 (Spring).
   MLSP-315
   Hispanic Culture & Civilization
Hispanic Culture and Civilization, taught completely in Spanish, examines the history and cultures of the Spanish-speaking countries of the world. Detailed history, regional identities, regional characteristics, connections, similarities and differences, important historical events, cultural expressions, and contemporary issues are discussed, based on readings, documentary films, and research. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 3 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-301 or equivalent course.) Seminar 3 (Spring).
   MLSP-351
   Gender and Sexuality in Hispanic Studies
This course introduces students to the study of gender and sexuality in cultural production from the Hispanic world. Students will read, view, and discuss diverse works from a variety of historical periods and geographical regions that deal with gender identity, sexuality, and interrelated social movements. This course refines students' skills through discussions, presentations, and writing exercises on readings, lectures, and film screenings. Students will also develop research skills as they complete a project on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor. The critical approach that will inform this course is feminist thought. Lecture 3 (Fall).
   MLSP-352
   Caribbean Cinema
This course provides an introduction to Hispanic Caribbean culture through cinema studies. We will study the role of film in Hispanic Caribbean societies as well as the unique artistic and technical achievements and obstacles of Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican filmmakers. Topics covered include: The Basics of Film Analysis; An Introduction to Caribbean Film History; The Social Context of the Hispanic Caribbean Film Industry; Art and Revolution; Race, Ethnicity, and Religion; Occupation, Dictatorship, and War; Gender, Sexuality and Exile; Transnationalism and Migration, and Hispanic Caribbean Film in a Global Context. This course will take a cultural studies approach to the study of film as a social practice. Weekly films (1.5-2 hours in length) must be watched outside of class hours. All films with dialog have English subtitles. Lecture 3 (Spring).
   MLSP-353
   Trauma and Survival in First-Person Narrative
This course introduces students to first-person narratives about trauma and survival from Latin America, the Hispanic Caribbean, U.S. Latina/o communities, and Spain. Students will learn about Hispanic literature, culture, and history while exploring the themes of memory, community, and survival in autobiography, testimonial narrative, chronicle, memoir, epistolary narrative, essay, and the historical novel. Through in-class discussion, presentations, reading, and writing exercises, this course refines students’ skills in oral expression, reading, writing, and critical thinking. Students will also develop research skills as they complete a project on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor. Lecture 3 (Spring).
   MLSP-401
   Advanced Spanish I
This is the first course at the advanced level. This sequence is designed to further develop proficiency in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This sequence develops the ability to understand and communicate more freely by expansion of vocabulary and grammar, and by exposure to authentic cultural materials, both textual and visual. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Spanish class, and they have some prior study of Spanish. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 4 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-302 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Fall).
   MLSP-402
   Advanced Spanish II
This is the second course at the advanced level. This sequence is designed to further develop proficiency in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This sequence develops the ability to understand and communicate more freely by expansion of vocabulary and grammar, and by exposure to authentic cultural materials, both textual and visual. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Spanish class, and they have some prior study of Spanish. (Prerequisites: Minimum score of 4 on RIT Language Placement Exam or MLSP-302 or equivalent course.) Seminar (Spring).
   SOCI-395
   Borders: Humans, Boundaries, and Empires
Borders are more than walls; they are social constructions with real consequences. This course examines the creation and consequences of borders. It discusses how borders developed historically, how borders function as tools of population management in places and systems far from the borderlands, and the politics and experiences of border crossing. We will look for borders both between and within nation states when addressing these issues. The course will utilize a variety of materials including but not limited to scholarly sources, policy transcripts, popular cultural products (e.g. films and TV shows), and art (e.g. poetry, paintings). Students will play an active role in determining specific course topics, though they can expect to discuss a range of relevant issues including contemporary immigration politics, Indigenous rights, the war on terror, border disputes and armed conflicts, privatization of immigration management, displacement and segregation of domestic populations, and border activism. This course provides students with tools that ground and expand their understanding of borders, preparing them for participation in one of the most important public debates of our time. The purview of this course is relevant for those who aspire toward professions in public policy, law enforcement, public service, law, and community-organizing, among others. Seminar 3 (Fall, Spring).

* This course may be used when the topic focuses on Mesoamerica or Latin America.