Scroll down to see all the Spanish 232 Topics courses that will be offered next semester:
Bad Bunny: Historia, cultura y lengua a través de la música.
Instructor: Caitlin Rowe
In this course, we will explore history, culture and language in Puerto Rico and Latin America through the lens of Bad Bunny's music and influences. Throughout the course we will explore the evolution of Reggaeton, the complex relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States and the various mechanisms that have contributed to the economic and political environment in Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America. Using Bad Bunny's songs, interviews and activism, we will examine connections between the rich history of social and political commentary in popular music and the current socio-political climate. Finally yet importantly, we will use the topic-context of the course to develop the foundation of your basic Spanish language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) by using the class material, interacting and communicating in Spanish at an Intermediate to Mid-High
proficiency level.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
"From Gold to Coffee": Commodities that shape the Hispanic World
Instructor: Chelo Digon
In this course, you will learn about powerful commodities that drive the economies, cultures, and landscapes of the Hispanic world. We will examine who, how and why some of these products are exported to international markets. We will explore the fascinating stories behind products such as coffee in Colombia, gold in Peru or oil in Venezuela,and how they shape not only local communities but global markets. Through engaging discussions we will approach current topics like: energy sources and the rising demand, food supply chains, illegal mining, labor conditions and the challenges of protecting natural resources.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
Instructor: Gabriel Villarroel
igvillar@umich.edu
Rock music in Latin America offers a vast tapestry of cultural expressions with meaningful political significance. It spans a wide array of influences from cumbia to tango, rancheras or reggaeton. This course is designed to present a panoramic exploration of four distinct countries/regions, spotlighting their unique popular music trends. Rock music, typically embraced by younger generations, mirrors a global cultural affiliation while commenting on personal experiences and societal struggles. Leveraging a selection of curated readings, videos, songs, movies, and podcasts, this course will invite students on a musical and historical voyage across Latin America.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
This course will provide an overview of the Hispanic world through the experiences of influential women in different Hispanic countries. Each woman studied will serve to contextualize themes that relate to Diversity, Inclusion and Equality in the Hispanic world as well as history, politics, culture and society. The overall purpose of the class is to provide students with a better understanding of the Hispanic world and its women through listening, writing, reading, and speaking activities in Spanish.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
In this class, we will familiarize ourselves with some of the environmental issues that Latin American countries and Spain are currently facing and how they are responding to them. We will take a closer look at how these issues impact society in different ways, for instance economically and culturally. Further, we will try to imagine and understand the ways in which these issues may impact the future.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
The Hispanic world is as varied as its people… and sometimes, its diversity is shocking, revealing and challenges our preconceived notions. In this class, we will learn about smaller communities throughout the Hispanic world that are fighting to become visible. We will explore themes such as identity, language preservation, gastronomic culture and artistic expressions. Using a hands-on approach and self reflection as our guiding principles, we will immerse ourselves in a journey to understand the realities of these communities as well as the impact they have on our own.
To enroll, the please visit the LSA course site.
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