SPA 25403 - Introduction to Latina/Latino/Latinx in the United States

This course examines the historical, social and legal experiences of Latinas/Latinos/Latinx in the United States, Latinas/Latinos/Latinxs is an umbrella term for people with origins in Latin America: including people from South America, Central America, and North America as well as some Caribbean countries such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Latinas/os/xs are a significant sector of the U.S. population, which is why this course will explore the many facets of the Latinas/os/xs experience in the United States and the specific histories and cultures that mark their trajectories and cultural representations. It will address topics such as: reasons causing immigration, difficulties presented once they arrive in the US and at the borders, the processes of becoming a citizen or gaining permission to live and work in the US, the population, culture, and various representations of the arts (literature, music, cinema, visual expressions), as well as trials and tribulations of specific groups who are arriving here. In addition, students will explore the influence of the Latino culture in Ohio and their own community through research, exploration and connections in order to create something to make a positive impact on these populations.The course will also help you to develop your knowledge on the Spanish language as well as to expand your communicative skills in Spanish.

Semester Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): SPA 11103 SPA 11203 SPA 21103 SPA 21203