Check out some of our popular courses below and view all courses in our course catalog.
Intro Latina/Latino Studies
LLS 100
Interdisciplinary introduction to the basis for a Latina/Latino ethnicity in the United States. Topics include immigration and acculturation experiences and their commonalities and differences, comparison of Latina/Latino experiences to those of other racial, ethnic and immigrant groups, and the potential for a pan-ethnic identity.
Gen Eds: Cultural Studies - US Minority, Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
Find LLS 100 on Course Explorer
Latina/os on the Bronze Screen
LLS 250
Critical, historical, and theoretical exploration of Latina/o representations in U.S. film from the 1900s to the present. Examination of cinematic representations as well as the social, political, and cultural context in which those representations are produced. The focus is on Mexican American and Puerto Rican images, but Hollywood's treatment of other Latina/o communities and ethnic groups will be discussed. Students will be required to attend weekly movie screenings.
Same as MACS 250
Gen Eds: Cultural Studies-US Minority; Humanities-Lit & Arts
Latinas/os & Public Policy
LLS 368
Examines the effectiveness of current U.S. public policies in addressing the social, economic, and political problems affecting Latina/o individuals and communities. Specifically, it evaluates current policy in the areas of public assistance, fair housing, criminal justice, immigration enforcement, and reproductive health. Although this interdisciplinary course primarily focuses on national policies and programs, it also addresses, as necessary, the particulars of public policy in the state of Illinois.
Commodifying Difference
LLS 435
An interdisciplinary examination of how racial, ethnic and gender difference is negotiated through media and popular culture, and how racial, ethnic and gendered communities use cultural forms to express identity and difference. Among the theoretical questions explored are the politics of representation, ethnic/racial authenticity, cultural commodification and transnational popular culture. Some of the cultural forms examined are cultural festivals/parades, ethnic/race-based beauty pageants, cinematic and televisual texts and musical forms, such as Hip-Hop and Salsa.
Same as AAS 435, AFRO 435, GWS 435, and MACS 432.