How we understand Latin American culture through the contributions of African slaves and African descendent people since the formation of the colonies to the present.

How do we understand Latin American culture through the diverse contributions of African slaves and African descendent people since the formation of the colonies to the present, constitutes the main line of inquiry in this course. The course examines how the experiences of African slaves since their arrival with colonizing Spaniards to the Americas in the 16th century, culturally shaped what is known today as Latin America. Through music, food, dance, art, religion, labor and clothing, African migrants became part of diverse communities (diasporas) that fought to gain visibility, humanity, dignity and power in a society where they were perceived as inferior human beings.  We will discuss visual and written texts as well as music and films. (Prerequisite: SPAN 228)

T/Th 9:30-10:50 am

Section B

CRN: 54425

Prof. Mariselle Meléndez