Via 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 U.S. 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, students will conduct a semester-long research project and complete various ethnographic exercises in this analysis of the historical, socio-political, and artistic uses of popular culture among U.S. Latinas/os. Format: discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, several short writing assignments (1-3 pages each), oral presentation, final paper (15-20 pages). No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 15). Preference given to Latina/o Studies concentrators.

Hour: CEPEDA