Latin American Studies courses
Latin American Studies Program | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
間眅埶AV Calendar 2012 Spring
The following are all the courses offered in this area. To view the current course catalog and/or course schedule on the Student Information System, visit (select "Class Search/Course Schedule" on the left menu).
LAS 100-3 Introduction to Latin American Issues
A multidisciplinary introduction to contemporary Latin America. The course is organized in three modules: people and the land, the human condition, and the political alternatives, each of which will be examined from the varying perspectives of history, geography, politics, the arts, etc. Students who have taken LAS 200 as Introduction to Latin American Development Studies, or LAS 200 Introduction to Latin American Issues, may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
LAS 300-3 Latin American Literature
A study in English of significant contributions to Latin American literature. Breadth-Humanities.
LAS 312-3 Special Topics: Latin American Cultural Topics
A cross-disciplinary focus on specific elements of contemporary Latin American culture. Topics such as indigenism, Afro-Latin culture, religion, literature, and folklore will be studied. Prerequisite: LAS 140 or 200.
LAS 402-5 Field Study
A multidisciplinary study of a selected country or region. This course will normally be part of the LAS Field School in Latin America, and will be conducted in co-operation with local lecturers from the host country. Prerequisite: LAS 200.
LAS 404-3 Special Topics: Field School I
This course will be part of the LAS field school in Latin America. The selected region will be examined on site from a multidisciplinary perspective. Prerequisite: LAS 200 or permission of the department.
LAS 493-3 Directed Readings
Provides opportunity for individual reading and research under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: 90 units including LAS 200 and permission of the program advisor.
LAS 498-5 Capstone Project
Independent reading and research under the supervision of a LAS associated faculty member. A research term paper will be required as the culmination of a LAS joint major. Prerequisite: 90 units, including LAS 200 and permission of the program advisor. Students who have taken LAS 498-5 prior to Fall 2006 may take this course for further credit.
LAS 800-4 Approaches to Research in Latin American Studies
Provides an introduction to choosing a methodological framework for conducting the MA research project. Topics include epistemology of the human sciences, social research design and a review to qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods. Students will gain experience in writing research proposals for external funding early in the term. This course is identical to IS 805 and students may not receive credit for both courses
LAS 815-4 Theories of Latin American Development
A synthetic introduction to historical and contemporary theories of development in Latin America. Topics include political economy of development, sociological theories of development, an introduction to neoliberalism, and the contemporary experience of globalization and development in Latin America. This course is identical to IS 815 and so students may not receive credit for both courses.
LAS 825-4 Latin American History and Culture
LAS 835-4 Social and Political Change in Latin America
A general overview of social and political change in Latin America, including revolutions, independence, transition to democracy, and contemporary social movements. Theoretical approaches may include social-movement theory, democratic theory, etc. This course is identical to IS 835 and students may not receive credit for both courses
LAS 851-5 Directed Readings in Latin American Studies
Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member. An annotated bibliography and a term paper is required.