Guided reading and research on a topic selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Life and culture of the Spanish-speaking populations in the U.S. This course focus is on the social, economic, political, historical, and religious issues that these populations confront within themselves and in relation to other cultural groups. Taught in English. Students may not receive credit for both LASP 312 and SPAN 312.

Contemporary literature of men and women from primarily the Mexican-American, Cuban-American, and Puerto Rican-American cultures. This course will focus on the poetry, prose, fiction, and non-fiction writings reflecting the current cultural realities of these groups. Taught in English. Students may not receive credit for both LASP 316 and SPAN 316.

This course has been designed to introduce films focusing on the social, historical, and political dimensions of Latin America during the last three decades. The core of the course will be devoted to the examination of recent Latin American films and documentaries that reflect on contemporary issues such as dictatorships in the 20th century, neoliberal reforms, social movements, and immigration. This course is offered in English. Audiovisuals materials are in Spanish with English subtitles. Prerequisite: 100 and/or HIST 153 recommended. (Equivalent to SPAN 336.)

The purpose of this course is to explore health care in Latin America. The historical, social, economic, and political factors influencing health care quality, access, and cost will be discussed. Topics will include a global health perspective, an overview of Latin American health care, and a focus on health care in specific countries. Both Western medicine and indigenous health practices will be addressed. G9

Courses on topics of interest to language students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.

This course continues the study of language and culture of the Deaf community in the United States undertaken in ASL 2. Focus is on advancing ASL linguistic concepts and vocabulary as well as Deaf cultural behaviors, conversational strategies, history, and accommodations. Prerequisite: 202.

This course will give students theoretical tools to understand Latin America from a interdisciplinary perspsective. Using a wide range of cultural products, we will seek to understand the region beyond a descriptive approach by taking a closer look into its socio-historical formation. Among others, we will examine issues of class, race, and gender as well as political tradition and intellectual history. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. LDW

Non-classroom experiences in the field of Latin American studies. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurrence, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. See the experiential learning: internship section of this catalog for more details. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. Graded CR/NC.

This is an intensive, highly student-directed hybrid seminar in medical interpreting and social settings. The course will cover different aspects of medical interpreting as a profession, including the training needed, job opportunities and sources of work, standard business practices, free-lance status versus staff interpreting, extensive practical work in the three modes of interpretation used in the medical context with special emphasis on consecutive interpretation, the professional code of ethics, and professional development activities.