U.S. Latino/a Studies Program (US LS)
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
US LS 211. Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Studies.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
History and current lives of the Latino/a peoples in the United States, including Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and South and Central Americans, as well as information specific to Iowa Latino/as, will be covered. Through readings, class discussions, writing assignments, and guest speakers, students will acquire accurate information and a solid understanding of the US Latino/a population and cultural perspectives. Elements of Latino/a culture to be covered include historical, sociological, educational, psychological, economic, and political facets.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 240. Latina/o History.
(Cross-listed with HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Historical and cultural heritage of Latinas/os in the United States. The histories of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Latin American peoples in the U.S. emphasizing political and cultural convergence and congruencies.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 332. The Latino/Latina Experience in U.S. Society.
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: SOC 134
Examination of the social, historical, economic and political experience of varied Latino ethnic groups in the U.S. - primarily focusing on Mexican, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 342. Religion and U.S. Latino/a Literature.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
A study of the religious behavior and attitudes expressed in the literature of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans and other groups of people living in the U.S. who trace their ancestry to the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 343. Latin American Government and Politics.
(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Political institutions, processes, and contemporary issues. Selected countries examined intensively to illustrate generalizations. Role of parties, military, church, human rights, women, environmental issues, interest groups, ideology, and globalization.
US LS 344. U.S. Latino/a Literature.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ENGL 250
An introduction to the literature of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans and other Latino/a sub-groups. Special emphasis on themes such as ethnic relations and comparisons with EuroAmerican literary traditions.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 347. U.S. Latino/a Psychology.
(Cross-listed with PSYCH). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Two courses in Psychology including PSYCH 101
Historical, political, and social contexts of psychological and mental health constructs in terms of their validity and utility for use in Latino/a people in the U.S. Unique aspects of psychological functioning particular to Latino/a peoples in the U.S.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 473. Civil Rights and Ethnic Power.
(Cross-listed with AF AM, HIST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
Comparative history of the civil rights and ethnic power movements (African American, Chicano, American Indian, Puerto Rican, among others) in the U.S. from World War II to the present. Topics include institutional foundations, leadership, gender and racial dynamics, and the convergences and divergences of these differing ethnic struggles for rights.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
US LS 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: permission of instructor
Independent study under supervision of instructor.
No more than 3 credits may count towards the U.S. Latino/a Studies certificate.
