Winter 2011 Feature Course:
LAS 200 - Social Issues in Latin America
Latin America is a diverse region of considerable importance to Canadians for political, commercial, and social reasons. In this course we explore key facets of social life in this volatile region. We look at the forces that have shaped Latin American society, at the situation Latin America finds itself now and at the region's prospects for the future. In the process we examine class, race, gender, socio-economic development, and other social issues.
Prerequisites: NONE
CRN: 11167 (LAS), 11423 (SOC)
Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:50PM
Stephen Piper
Latin America is a region of great diversity, drama, and interest. Its physical beauty and extravagance is matched by the compelling nature of its vibrant social, cultural, and political life. The region’s economic significance to us is now coming into clearer focus, and has led to Canada’s membership in the Organization of American States, a trade agreement between Chile and Canada, and the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico. A major testing ground for competing development paths, Latin America offers valuable insights into the world’s future — and sobering reflections about its past.
The multi-disciplinary courses described starting in the LAS course description section will introduce students to many facets of the Latin American reality. From literature to sport, music to politics, we will begin to understand this complex and important region, and with the help of our imaginations (and the occasional study tour), breathe in some of its excitement.
UFV offers a minor and an extended minor in Latin American Studies as part of its Bachelor of Arts program. You can also specialize in Latin American studies by completing the International and Development Studies option within UFV’s Associate of Arts degree program.
Students are given the opportunity to continue their studies in Latin America through study tours and field schools. In addition, UFV has a formal agreement with the Autonomous University of Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico, to allow students to study at a Mexican university. Informal links exist with other universities and institutes in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Chile. In recent years, UFV students have completed a co-op education work placement in Nicaragua and in Brazil, and it is hoped that further placements can be arranged.
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