• LTAM 101: Elementary Portuguese

    Elementary Portuguese introduces students to Brazilian Portuguese, emphasizing communicative competence in real contexts. Instruction is conducted in the target language as much as possible. Vocabulary and grammar are taught in context. Instruction pays attention to the cultural information in relevant contexts of communication. The main learning/teaching styles used include role plays, prepared presentations, interactive lectures, classroom conversations, and dramatization. Student assessment is continuous, and includes classroom participation, homework, written exams and oral exams. 

     Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Afro-descendant Identities in Cuba and Brazil Program.

     6 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • LTAM 110: Portuguese for Spanish Speakers

    This fast-paced introductory Portuguese language course focuses on developing communication skills and emphasizes speaking, reading, and writing. Previous knowledge of Spanish is assumed in presentation of grammar and vocabulary. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): SPAN 204 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Spanish Literature AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Spanish Language AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Spanish IB exam or equivalent.

     3 credits; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • LTAM 113: Archeology of Ancient Latin America

    This course examines ancient peoples of the large, geographically and culturally diverse region of Latin America. Focused on Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, we will examine the material culture of Indigenous peoples from c. 20,000 years ago to the time of European contact (1500 AD), including the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Moche, Inka, Taíno, and Rapa Nui peoples. Themes include migration, the environment, settlement, long-term social change, and daily life. We will also review current debates and ethical issues, with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives and cross-disciplinary dialogues between archaeology and related fields.

     6 credits; IS, International Studies, SI, Social Inquiry; not offered 2024–2025

  • LTAM 220: Eating the Americas: 5,000 Years of Food

    Food is both a biological necessity and a cultural symbol. We eat to survive, we “are what we eat,” and delicious foods are “to die for.” What does this all mean in the context of Latin America, which gave us the origins of peanut butter (peanuts), spaghetti sauce (tomatoes), avocado toast (avocados), french fries (potatoes), and power bowls (quinoa)? In this class, we will explore the long history humans have had with food in Latin America, drawing from archaeology, ethnohistory, and anthropology to explore the relationship between food, culture, power, identity, gender, and ethnicity. 6 credits; IS, International Studies, SI, Social Inquiry, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Spring 2025 · Sarah Kennedy

  • LTAM 230: Ancient People of the Andes

    Who were the first settlers of South America? Was Caral the first city on earth? Who made the Nazca Lines? How did the Inka build Machu Picchu? Which societies flourished or collapsed in the Andean region of South America? This course will examine these questions using archaeology to understand the sociopolitical arrangements that existed among ancient Andean peoples prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Evidence used to explore these themes comes from a range of prehispanic societies, including the Chavin, Tiwanaku, Wari, Moche, Chimu, and Inka. Offered at both the 200 and 300 levels; coursework will be adjusted accordingly. Students who have previously taken any 200-level LTAM social science or humanities course should register for LTAM 330; students who have not should register for LTAM 230.

     6 credits; IS, International Studies, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning, SI, Social Inquiry, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Winter 2025 · Sarah Kennedy

  • LTAM 300: Issues in Latin American Studies

    This is an advanced multidisciplinary research seminar on contemporary Latin America. New forms of political populism, indigenous understanding of the relationship between human and non-human forms of being, transformative urbanistic solutions at work in its largest cities, the political economy of migration, and vibrant cultures of protest, will be among our topics of study. Ideal for students going to or returning from study abroad in Latin America. Required course for minors and majors in Latin American Studies. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): HIST 170, POSC 221, SOAN 353, SPAN 242 with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; IS, International Studies, SI, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2024 · Silvia López

  • LTAM 330: Ancient Peoples of the Andes

    Who were the first settlers of South America? Was Caral the first city on earth? Who made the Nazca Lines? How did the Inka build Machu Picchu? Which societies flourished or collapsed in the Andean region of South America? This course will examine these questions using archaeology to understand the sociopolitical arrangements that existed among ancient Andean peoples prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Evidence used to explore these themes comes from a range of prehispanic societies, including the Chavin, Tiwanaku, Wari, Moche, Chimu, and Inka. Expected preparation: Any 200 LTAM social science or humanities course.

     6 credits; IS, International Studies, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning, SI, Social Inquiry, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Winter 2025 · Sarah Kennedy

  • LTAM 398: Latin American Forum

    This colloquium will explore specific issues or works in Latin American Studies through discussion of a common reading, public presentation, project, and/or performance that constitute the annual Latin American Forum. Students will be required to attend two meetings during the term to discuss the common reading or other material and must attend, without exception. All events of the Forum which take place during fourth week of spring term (on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning). A short integrative essay or report will be required at the end of the term. Intended as capstone for the Latin American Studies minor. 2 credits; S/CR/NC; HI, Humanistic Inquiry, IS, International Studies; offered Spring 2025 · Alfred Montero

  • LTAM 400: Integrative Exercise

    Satisfactory completion of the major includes the writing of a thesis which attempts to integrate at least two of the various disciplines studied. A proposal must be submitted for approval early in the fall term of the senior year. The thesis in its final form is due no later than the end of the first week of spring term. An oral defense of the thesis is required. Prerequisites:

    Student is a Latin American Studies major and has Senior Priority.

     S/NC; offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025 · Constanza Ocampo-Raeder