Latin American/Caribbean Stds (LAS)

An exploration of significant questions and concepts, beliefs and creative visions, theories and discoveries in Latin American Studies for first-year students. Although topics vary, the courses also seek to improve students' communication skills beyond the written word.

This course is an introductory survey of Latin American history from pre-contact societies to the end of colonial rule encompassing both Portuguese and Spanish America. Latin America to 1825 examines crucial historical processes to the formation of modern Latin American societies. The history of the sub-continent is understood as part of the large Atlantic community. Topics that will be examined in the course include: conquest, colonialism, empire, slavery, slave trade, commodity chains, roots of inequalities, subaltern groups, gender, corruption and contraband, rebellions and revolutions, trans-imperial interactions.

The development of Latin America from 1824 to the present, emphasizing the struggle for social justice, political stability and economic development.

An exploration of a specific topic in Latin American Studies. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

Selected topics in LAS are offered occasionally. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester.

This one-credit course serves as the immersion component of the Border Studies program. Students participate in a faculty-led, week-long educational delegation in the US-Mexican border region. Trip preparations and pre-trip meetings take place in the Fall, while the actual immersion trip takes place in early January. Students record their reflections over the course of the trip and complete pre-trip reading and writing assignments as well as a post-mortem reflection.

Situated at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, the Caribbean has played a pivotal role in global transformations since 1492. The region’s past helped shape and was shaped by many of the contradictory themes defining modern history: slavery and freedom, racism and equality, empire and independence, despotism and democracy, and migration and transnationalism. Focusing on Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and especially Haiti and Cuba, we will explore these themes in Caribbean history from the Haitian Revolution to the present. The course is structured around class discussion. Grading will be based on brief papers and class participation.

Interdisciplinary study of the cultural practices, political economies, and societal structures of Latin America with an emphasis on contemporary issues that have their roots in Latin American colonial foundations and nation-building.

Selected topics in LAS are offered occasionally. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester.

Immersion Experience: An experience beyond the William and Mary classroom clearly linked to Latin America or Latino populations. LAS 400 or approval of LAS director required of LAS majors.

Selected seminar topics in LAS are offered occasionally.

Senior-level, in depth study of a topic relevant to Latin American Studies.

For majors and minors who have completed most of their requirements and who have secured approval from a supervising instructor.

Please see the detailed description of the honors process in the opening of the Global Studies catalogue section.

Please see the detailed description of the honors process in the opening of the Global Studies catalogue section.