This course examines a topic not covered by the Department’s regular course offerings, such as close examination of a single work, a particular theme, a type of literature, or other similar topic. Focus varies from term to term and the course may be repeated for credit.

We all know what culture is. It’s what people make or do: their customs, food, and religious practices. It can also be objects: music, art, literature and other books, or movies. But it’s not always something tangible, something concrete. It can be expressive, like dancing, singing, or myths. But some people also talk about “having” culture or “being cultured,” implying that someone is “cultivated” or has a good appreciation of the highest values of that society. But how can all of these things be categorized under “culture”? In this course, we will unpack all of these meanings of culture. In doing so, we will be in a better position to offer more nuanced interpretations of what we mean by “culture.” We’ll begin the semester by exploring the many different labels we use to describe the Latine community. We will then shift to the meanings of the concept “culture,” and we will study the theory of representation that allows us to unpack examples of Latine culture. We will explore these questions by diving into the specifics of Latine culture. We’ll have occasion to study the history of Latine culture, folk culture, popular culture, music, art, and literary culture

Repeat Rules

Requirements class fulfills