SPAN 290: Latin America Through Film Argentina

SPAN 290 (4 credits)
4 weeks in Córdoba, Argentina
Professor Cristina Pinto-Bailey

Through viewing, discussion, and analysis of Latin American films, students will develop an understanding of Latin America and of issues that have shaped their societies, such as the foundation of national identities; the political struggles and dictatorships of the twentieth century; women and society; immigration and globalization. The class will include movies from various Latin American countries, with a special focus on Argentina. It is intended as a bridge between intermediate Spanish and more advanced courses on culture and civilization, offering students the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills, expand their knowledge of Latin America, and develop critical tools to analyze movies in their thematic content and cinematic aspects. The course will include a four-day visit to Buenos Aires, daily Spanish language classes, a visit to La Perla (a clandestine detention center during the Argentine military dictatorship of the 1970s), tango lessons, and home stays.

Prerequisite: SPAN 162 or 164 or equivalent and instructor consent.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $3,450. This fee includes full room and board in home stays; site visits, other programming events and health insurance.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare ($1,400); public transportation ($60); pocket money ($450-500); reciprocity fee for all U.S. passport holders payable to the Argentinean Consulate ($160).

For more information, please contact Professor Pinto-Bailey at pinto-baileyac@wlu.edu.