Degree Requirements for the Major in Puerto Rican Studies
General Program B.A.: A total of 36 credits,
12 of which must be at or above the 300
level, as follows: Core Courses on Puerto
Rico (9 cr.): A Lcs 150 or 150Z, 329 and 429.
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (9 cr.): A Lcs
102, 269 and 405.
Puerto Rico and Latin America (3 cr.): A Lcs
100/100Z or 145 or 357 or 361.
Race, Gender and Ethnicity (3 cr.): A Lcs 201
or 240 or 282M or 302 or 451.
Interdisciplinary Research Seminar (3 cr.):
A Lcs 400.
Reading proficiency in Spanish or French
The department will handle administration of
the proficiency examinations. The intent is
for the student to acquire reading
proficiency, and eventually, although not
required in the program, speaking
proficiency. The examination will consist of
translations of selected passages in the
appropriate language (French or Spanish).
Students can build proficiency through
completion of the appropriate reading courses
in French or Spanish. Students are also
encouraged to use appropriate materials and
media in the Interactive Media Center in the
University Library and/or the Center for
Language Learning and Research (C.E.L.L.A.R.)
to build their reading skills. Students
should contact the undergraduate program
director, Department of Latin American and
Caribbean Studies for more details.
Electives with Latin American or Caribbean
content as advised (6 cr.).
Honors Program
The Honors Program in the Department of Latin
American and Caribbean Studies consists of a
structured sequence of at least 12 credits of
course work designed to insure that the
honors student receives a rigorous and
thorough mastery of the discipline. These
courses may be drawn from the department's
regular offerings for the student's major
(either Latin American Studies or Puerto
Rican Studies).
To be admitted to the Honors Program, majors
with the required grade point averages must
complete A Lcs 400 Interdisciplinary Research
Seminar (3 credits) with a grade of A or A-.
After admission to the Honors Program, the
student must complete with a grade of A or A-
a specifically designed three-credit junior-
or senior-level independent honors project
(A Lcs 497) under the direction of an Honors
Committee selected by the chair of the
department in consultation with a faculty
director chosen by the student.
To be eligible for admission to the honors
program, the student must have declared
either the Latin American Studies or the
Puerto Rican Studies major The student must
also have completed at least 12 credits of
course work within the given major. In
addition, the student must have an overall
GPA of at least 3.25, and 3.50 in the major,
both of which must be maintained in order to
graduate with honors.
Courses
A Lcs 100 Cultures of Latin America (3)
General Education: CHP
Survey of the diverse pre-Columbian and New
World cultures of Spanish and Portuguese
America. Focus on the interactions of Indian,
European, and Black cultural elements and on
the complexities of what is known as Latin
American culture. The study of the most
distinctive elements of culture such as race,
social systems and institutions, folklore and
cultural expressions will take precedence
over historical events. A Lcs 100Z is the
writing intensive version of A Lcs 100; only
one may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 100Z Cultures of Latin America (3)
General Education: CHP & WI
A Lcs 100Z is the writing intensive version
of A Lcs 100; only one may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 102 (= A His 170) Introduction to Caribbean History (3)
General Education: CHP
An introduction to the history of culture
contact in the Caribbean from the pre-
Columbian Arawaks and Caribs, through the
infusion of European and African cultures, to
the emergence of the leadership of the United
States in 1898. Special emphasis on the
social and economic development of the
plantation system, the intercontinental trade
system, slavery, and the struggle for
abolition and self-determination. Only one of
A Lcs 102 & A His 170 may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 115 (= A Por 115) Portuguese and Brazilian Culture and Society (3)
Survey of culture and society in the
Portuguese speaking world, including Brazil,
Portugal, and Portuguese Africa. Includes the
development of typical customs and
institutions with special attention to
folklore, music, painting, and architecture.
Utilizes visual and recorded materials.
Conducted in English. Only one of A Lcs 115 &
A Por 115 may be taken for credit. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 145 (= A Ant 145 and A His 145) Continuity and Change in Latin America (3)
Introduction to the historical development of
Latin America's diverse cultural heritage and
to its contemporary institutions and
civilization. Broadly interdisciplinary
perspective reflecting diverse approaches and
fields. Only one of A Lcs 145, A Ant 145, &
A His 145 may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 150 (= A Ant 146) Puerto Rico: People, History and Culture (3)
General Education: CHP
Survey of Puerto Rican culture on the island
from the pre-Hispanic era to the 20th
century. Special emphasis on the change of
sovereignty in 1898, the national question,
class and culture, and migration. A Lcs 150Z
& A Ant 146Z are writing intensive versions
of A Lcs 150 & A Ant 146; only one of the
four courses may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 150Z (= A Ant 146Z) Puerto Rico: People, History and Culture (3)
General Education: CHP & WI
A Lcs 150Z & A Ant 146Z are writing intensive
versions of A Lcs 150 & A Ant 146; only one
of the four courses may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 201 Hispanic Cultures in the United States (3)
General Education: HD
Intensive examination of Hispanic American
society. Major Hispanic groups (e.g., Puerto
Ricans, Mexican-Americans, Cubans) will be
studied with emphasis on interaction between
these groups and mainstream society, culture
and value change in contact situations, and
efforts to deal with prejudice and
discrimination.
A Lcs 201Z Hispanic Cultures in the United States (3)
General Education: HD & WI
A Lcs 201Z is the writing intensive version
of A Lcs 201; only one may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 216L (= A Mus 216L) Music and Society in Latin America: Past and Present (3)
General Education: CHP, HA & HD
This course will deal with two basic issues:
the evolution of musical thought throughout
Latin America from pre-Hispanic times to the
present, and the relationship between musical
manifestations and the prevailing social
order in which those activities took place.
A Lcs 216E & A Mus 216E are the writing
intensive versions of A Lcs 216L and A Mus
216L; only one of the four courses may be
taken for credit.
A Lcs 216E (= A Mus 216E) Music and Society in Latin America: Past and Present (4)
General Education: CHP, HA, HD & WI
A Lcs 216E & A Mus 216E are the writing
intensive versions of A Lcs 216L and A Mus
216L; only one of the four courses may be
taken for credit.
A Lcs 230 (= A Arh 230) Introduction to Latin American Colonial Art (3)
Survey of the major works in painting,
sculpture, and architecture in the Spanish
and Portuguese-speaking New World from the
16th through the 19th century. Focus on the
arts as social history and expressions of
ideology, religious cults, and ethnic and
cultural dialects, as well as in terms of
aesthetics, styles, and techniques. Special
emphasis on the Caribbean, Brazil, Mexico and
the Spanish-Mexican Southwest, and on the
native Indian contribution to the arts. Only
one of A Lcs 230 & A Arh 230 may be taken for
credit. May not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 233 (= A Ant 233) Aztecs, Incas and Mayas (3)
General Education: CHP
Introductory survey of the archaeology and
ethnohistory of the three best-known
indigenous civilizations of the New World.
Each is presented in terms of prehistoric
background and evolution, social
organization, politics and economics,
religion and art. Consideration is given to
the Spanish conquest of these groups and to
their modern legacies. Only one of A Lcs 233
& A Ant 233 may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 240 (= A Wss 240 & A Aas 240) Classism,Racism, and Sexism: Issues (3)
General Education: HD
Analyzes the connections between and among
classism, racism, and sexism, their mutually
reinforcing nature, and the tensions arising
from their interrelations. Particular
attention is given to the ideological and
personal aspects of these phenomena, as well
as to institutional guises in American
society. Only one of A Lcs 240, A Wss 240, &
A Aas 240 may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 250 (= A Gog 250) Geography of Latin America (3)
General Education: CHP
An introduction to the geographical diversity
of Latin America, reviewing the Continent's
physical features, natural resources,
societies, economies and politics, and
relating them to its history and cultural
traditions. Particular attention will be
given to rural and urban living conditions,
social and regional inequalities, population
distribution, internal and international
migration, and socioeconomic development
issues. A Lcs 250Z & A Gog 250Z are writing
intensive versions of A Lcs 250 & A Gog 250;
only one of the four courses may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 250Z (= A Gog 250Z) Geography of Latin America (3)
General Education: CHP & WI
A Lcs 250Z & A Gog 250Z are writing intensive
versions of A Lcs 250 & A Gog 250; only one
of the four courses may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 268L (= A Ant 268L) Ethnology of Pre-Columbian Art (3)
General Education: HA
Survey of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican arts and
architecture for the reconstruction of pre-
Columbian culture, history, religion,
symbolism, and ritual. Stresses
interrelationships of New World cultures, art
styles, and worldview. and on ethnological
techniques for iconographic interpretations.
Only one of A Lcs 268L & A Ant 268L may be
taken for credit. May not be offered during
1999-2000.
A Lcs 269 (= A Aas 269 and Ant 269; formerly A Aas 301, A Lcs 301, A Ant 346) The Caribbean: Peoples, History, and Culture (3)
General Education: CHP
Peoples, history and cultures of the 20th
century Caribbean, with special emphasis on
responses to colonialism and nationalism.
Only one of A Lcs 269, A Aas 269, & A Ant 269
may be taken for credit.
A Lcs 282M (= A Soc 282M) Race and Ethnicity (3)
General Education: HD & SS
Study of religion, race, and nationality
conflicts in American society. Reactions of
minority to majority; changing patterns of
minority relationships; efforts to deal with
prejudice and discrimination. Only one of
A Lcs 282M & A Soc 282M may be taken for
credit. Prerequisite(s): A Soc 115M.
A Lcs 289 (= A Soc 289) Special Topics in Ethnicity (1-3)
Intensive examination of the culture and
lifestyle of a single ethnic group within
American society. The specific ethnic group
varies from term to term and is indicated by
course subtitle: e.g., Ethnicity; Italian
Americans. A Lcs 289 and A Soc 289 can be
repeated, but the total credits earned may
not exceed 6 credits under different
subtitles. Departmental permission required
for more than 6 credits. Prerequisite(s):
A Soc 115M.
A Lcs 302 (= A Spn 322) Las Culturas Latinas en los Estados Unidos (3)
General Education: HD
Intensive examination of Hispanic American
society. Major Hispanic groups (e.g. Puerto
Ricans, Mexican-Americans, Cubans) will be
studied with emphasis on interaction between
these groups and mainstream society, culture
and value change in contact situations, and
efforts to deal with prejudice and
discrimination. To be conducted in Spanish.
Only one of A Lcs 201, 302, & A Spn 322 may
be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Spn
223L or 301 or placement.
A Lcs 312 (= A Por 312) Introduction to Brazilian Literature (3)
Survey of Brazilian literature from the
colonial period to the present. Selected
readings, discussions, and reports on
collateral study. Only one of A Lcs 312 &
A Por 312 may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Por 207 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Lcs 314 (= A Spn 318) Topics in Hispanic Film (3)
A study of Hispanic film as a medium that
offers a unique amalgam of diverse musical,
pictorial, and literary art forms within a
sociopolitical context. The course will focus
on such specific topics as peasant movements,
human rights, images of women, race, and
ethnicity. Only one of A Lcs 314 and A Spn
318 may be taken for credit in any semester.
Either may be repeated once for credit, with
a change in topic. Consult current schedule
of classes for topic. Prerequisite(s): A Spn
223L or permission of instructor. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 315L (formerly A Lcs 315) Latin America through Film (3)
General Education: CHP & HA
Study of culture and society in Latin America
as revealed through film. Emphasis on the use
of film, especially in the "new cinema"
movements, as an instrument for social and
political change. History and current trends
of cinema in selected countries.
Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 100 or 100Z or 145, or
permission of instructor. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 316 (= A Spn 316) Representative Spanish-American Authors (3)
Survey of literary movements in Spanish
America from independence to World War II.
Only one of A Lcs 316 & A Spn 316 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Spn
223L.
A Lcs 317 (= A Spn 317) Latin American Civilization (3)
General Education: CHP
Study of Spanish-American cultures and
institutions from the beginnings of the 20th
century. Only one of A Lcs 317 & A Spn 317
may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Spn 207.
A Lcs 318 (= A Por 318) Introduction to Brazilian Cinema (3)
Survey of Brazilian cinema, with emphasis on
the social and cultural dimensions of
selected major films, including some which
represent the "new cinema" movement. Course
includes viewing, discussions, readings, and
written work. Only one of A Lcs 318 & A Por
318 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
junior or senior class standing, or
permission of instructor. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 319 (= A Spn 320) Twentieth-Century Spanish American Literature (3)
A study of selected works of Spanish American
literature from World War II to the present.
Works studied will deal with topics of
special interest such as the continuing
debate with regard to civilization and
barbarism, dictatorship and revolution,
social justice, and the search for identity.
Only one of A Lcs 319 & A Spn 320 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Spn
223L.
A Lcs 321M (= A Eas 321M and A Gog 321M) Exploring the Multicultural City (3)
General Education: CHP & SS
This course will explore the human dimensions
and implications of ethnic diversity in the
United States, focusing on New York City. The
course utilizes a variety of methods to
introduce students to the multicultural city,
beginning in the classroom but ending with
fieldwork in a specific New York
neighborhood. A Lcs 321M is equivalent in
content to A Eas 321M and A Gog 321M; only
one of the three courses may be taken for
credit. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 102M or 102G;
or A Gog 120Z, or 125M; A Gog 160M or 160G;
or A Gog 220M; or A Gog 240.
A Lcs 326 (= A Spn 326) Spanish-American Poetry and Theatre (3)
Representative Spanish-American plays and
selected works in Spanish-American poetry,
with emphasis on specific characteristics of
the genres. Only one of A Lcs 326 & A Spn 326
may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Spn 223L.
A Lcs 327 (formerly A Lcs 275L) Four Caribbean Writers (3-4)
An introduction to the literature of the
Caribbean and to the methods of literary
analysis. Writers will be grouped around an
essential, universal theme: for example,
Claude McKay, Vidia Naipaul, Derek Walcott
and Jamaica Kincaid around the theme of
homelessness.
A Lcs 327Z Four Caribbean Writers (4)
General Education: WI
A Lcs 327Z is the writing intensive version
of A Lcs 327. Only one may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 329 Special Topics in Puerto Rican Studies (3)
Intensive interdisciplinary examination of a
specific aspect on contemporary Puerto Rican
Studies. The topic varies from term to term
and is indicated every term by the subtitle:
e.g. Nineteenth century Agrarian Society or
the Political Status Debate or the Migrant
Experience. May be repeated for up to 6
credits under different subtitles.
Departmental permission required for more
than 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 150.
150Z or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 341M (= A Ant 341M) Ethnology of Mesoamerica (3)
General Education: SS
Survey of the cultures and history of the
native peoples of Mexico and Central America.
Beginning with the documents created by and
about the native peoples around the time of
the Spanish invasion, the course follows the
experiences of these societies through the
colonial period and up to the present. A Ant
341G & A Lcs 341G are the writing intensive
versions of A Ant 341M & A Lcs 341M; only one
of the four courses may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Ant 100 or 200M or 200G.
Offered spring semester.
A Lcs 341G (= A Ant 341G) Ethnology of Mesoamerica (3)
General Education: SS & WI
A Ant 341G & A Lcs 341G are the writing
intensive versions of A Ant 341M & A Lcs
341M; only one of the four courses may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Ant 100
or 200M or 200G. Offered spring semester.
A Lcs 348 (= A Soc 348) Social Change in Latin America (3)
Changing class structure, ethnic composition
and culture of contemporary Latin American
nations. Only one of A Lcs 348 & A Soc 348
may be taken for credit. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 354 (= A Gog 354) Caribbean Environment & Development (3)
Survey and analysis of problems of
development and the environment in the
Caribbean. Topics covered include the
relationship of the region's colonial legacy
to present-day underdeveloped and ecological
degradation; environmental consequences of
various strategies of development; prospects
for alternatives such as sustainable
development and regional integration. A Lcs
354Z and A Gog 354Z are the writing intensive
versions of A Lcs 354 and A Gog 354; only one
of the four courses may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N, or A Gog 102M or
102G, A Gog 250 or A Lcs 250, or A Lcs 102,
or A Lcs 269, or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 354Z (= A Gog 354Z) Caribbean Environment & Development (3)
General Education: WI
Survey and analysis of problems of
development and the environment in the
Caribbean. Topics covered include the
relationship of the region's colonial legacy
to present-day underdeveloped and ecological
degradation; environmental consequences of
various strategies of development; prospects
for alternatives such as sustainable
development and regional integration. A Lcs
354Z and A Gog 354Z are the writing intensive
versions of A Lcs 354 and A Gog 354; only one
of the four courses may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N, or A Gog 102M or
102G, or A Gog 250 or A Lcs 250, or A Lcs
102, or A Lcs 269, or permission of
instructor.
A Lcs 357 (= A Pos 357) Latin American Politics (3)
Study of the domestic political institutions,
the forces that shape the quest for power,
and the processes by which public policies
are determined in Latin America. Only one of
A Lcs 357 & A Pos 357 may be taken for
credit.
A Lcs 360 Political Economy of the Caribbean (3)
An intensive evaluation of political and
economic forces as they have shaped the
Caribbean region during the 20th century.
particularly the period since World War II.
Special attention given to social conflicts
and political movements, population growth
and migration, urbanization, problems of
industry and agriculture, economic planning,
education, and superpower confrontations.
Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 269.
A Lcs 361 (= A Eco 361) Development of the Latin American Economy (3)
Economic change in Latin American societies.
Comparative study of the growth of various
Latin American countries emphasizing the
variables associated with development:
population, technology, capital formation,
output, resources, and income distribution.
Only one of A Lcs 361 & A Eco 361 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Eco 110M
and 111M.
A Lcs 369 (= A His 369) Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies since 1810 (3)
The circum-Caribbean lands and islands in the
19th and 20th centuries; independence;
independent nations and colonies; foreign
intrusions and interventions; social and
economic change; revolutions; comparative
Caribbean studies. Only one of A Lcs 369 &
A His 369 may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing, or 3 credits in history. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 371 (= A His 371) South America since 1810 (3)
The political, economic, social. and cultural
evolution of the South American nations from
the winning of independence to the present.
with emphasis on Argentina. Brazil, and
Chile. Among topics studied will be
dictatorship, democratic government, economic
change, modern revolution, and social trends.
Only one of A Lcs 371 & A His 371 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or
senior class standing. or 3 credits in
history.
A Lcs 400 Interdisciplinary Research Seminar in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to research in
area studies on Latin American and the
Caribbean. Special emphasis will be placed on
research methods in the Social Sciences and
the Humanities and how these methods have
been applied by leading Latin American
scholars. Central themes will be selected and
the approaches and conclusions of different
disciplines will be compared and contrasted.
A Lcs 403 Special Topics in Latin American Studies (2-3)
The specific topic will be selected by the
instructor and will vary from semester to
semester as indicated by course subtitle. May
be repeated for up to 6 credits under
different subtitles. Prerequisite(s): A Lcs
400 or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 405 Special Topics in Caribbean Studies (3)
An intensive examination of social, economic,
political, and cultural issues which affect
contemporary Caribbean life and society.
Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 400 or permission of
instructor.
A Lcs 406 Leaders and Societies of the English-Speaking Islands (3)
An examination of the emergence from an
island society of leaders capable of
confronting the British legacy of post-colonial
island nations. Designed to sharpen
research and writing skills. Prerequisite(s):
A Lcs 100, 102 or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 407 Three Island Revolutions (3)
An in-depth analysis of the revolutions of
Haiti (1791), Cuba (1959), and Grenada
(1979). Designed to sharpen research and
writing skills. Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 100,
102 or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 414 (= A Spn 414) Literature of the Hispanic Caribbean (3)
Study of selected major writers of Cuba, the
Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico of the
19th and 20th centuries. Special
consideration of literature as a reflection
of situations and problems peculiar to the
Hispanic Caribbean. Conducted in Spanish.
Only one of A Lcs 414 & A Spn 414 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Spn
223L. May not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 415 U.S. Latino Literature & Culture (3)
A study of the development of U.S. Latino
literature with special emphasis on the 20th
century. Major writings by Mexican, Puerto
Rican, Cuban, Dominican, and other groups
will be analyzed in reference to the
particular experience of each group and its
relations to mainstream society. Particular
attention will also be given to how gender,
race, ethnicity and class interact in the
formation of the hybrid cultural experience
of U.S. Latinos. Knowledge of Spanish is
required. Prerequisite(s): A Lcs 302 (A Spn
322) or permission of the instructor.
A Lcs 450 Legislative Internship (3-6)
Internships involving off-campus
participation in the NYS Legislature, with
collateral academic study. Contingent on the
approval of a faculty member of the
Department of Latin American and Caribbean
Studies willing to supervise the study and
evaluate on-site reports of the student's
progress. Students must apply two weeks prior
to the start of the academic term, and are
subject to an interview and selection
process. Internships are open only to
qualified juniors and seniors who have an
overall grade point average of 2.50 or
higher. Prerequisite(s): open to students of
any major. Bilingual and multicultural skills
will prove particularly useful since students
will be working with legislative members of
the NYS Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task
Force. May not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Lcs 451 (= A Wss 451) Gender & Class in Latin American Development (3)
The study of the interplay of cultural,
ideological, and structural factors affecting
women's lives during the course of Latin
America's growing industrialization, from the
perspective of gender and class analysis. The
topics covered are: household work, paid
work, migration, growth of female headed
households, and women's political
participation. Only one of A Lcs 451 and
A Wss 451 may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): any course in Latin American
Studies and/or Women's Studies.
A Lcs 475 Caribbean Migration (3)
The focus of the course is post-World War II
migration between the Caribbean and the
United States-in particular migration from
Cuba, the West Indies, the Dominican
Republic, and Puerto Rico. The material is
interdisciplinary in nature, though
highlighting approaches from the fields of
economics, sociology, political science, and
history. The major topics include (1)
Migration theory; (2) U.S. migration
policy-its impact on receiving and sending
populations; (3) a socio-historical
background to post-war Caribbean Migration;
and (4) specific migrations from Cuba, the
West Indies, the Dominican Republic, and
Puerto Rico. Shared resources with A Lcs 575.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing; or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 491 (= A Ant 481) Research Projects (3-6)
Introduction to basic research skills
required to answer questions on human
behavior, with special emphasis on cross-cultural
interaction. Specific research
projects provide students with the basic
research methods, including data collection,
processing, and analysis. Only one of A Lcs
491 & A Ant 481 may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing or permission of instructor.
A Lcs 497 Independent Study (3-6)
Independent study in an area of special
interest to the student under the supervision
of the sponsoring faculty member. May be
repeated for up to 6 credits.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and
department chair.
