AMST 339 Theorizing Popular Culture: Latinas/os and the Dynamics of the Everyday (Same as Comparative Literature 338 and Latina/o Studies 338) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W) (D)

LATS 338 Theorizing Popular Culture: Latinas/os and the Dynamics of the Everyday (Same as American Studies 339 and Comparative Literature 338) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W) (D)
Via the critical analysis of select musical, cinematic, literary, and popular media texts, we will investigate the primary approaches to the study of popular expression and identity, with particular emphasis on Latina/o popular cultural production. This course will focus on the following questions: How is Latina/o identity expressed through the "popular" or the everyday? In which ways does the study of Latina/o popular culture illuminate our understanding of the Latina/o community's history and culture? What methodologies or theoretical approaches are best suited to the analysis of the "here and now"? Employing a broad range of current Cultural Studies theories and methods, students will conduct an original semester-long research project and complete various ethnographic exercises in this analysis of the historical, socio-political, and artistic uses of popular culture among Latinas/os.
Format: discussion. Requirements: class participation, several short writing assignments (1- to 3-pages each), oral presentation, and a final paper (15- to 20-pages).
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 10). Preference to Latina/o Studies concentrators and Comparative Literature majors.
CEPEDA