Course Offerings

Spring 2010

PRLS 1009 Latino Literature, Culture and Society (SPAN 1009)

Critical approaches to Latinos/as and cultural representation, production, and agency, as impacted by globalization, local dynamics, and diaspora. Deals with topics of religion, race, gender, sexuality, popular culture, literature, film, music, digital culture, visual arts, urban culture.
Instructor: Dr. Guillermo B. Irizarry/TTh 12:30-1:45 pm/Arjona 243

PRLS 1570: Honors Core: Latin American Migrant Workers in Connecticut (Also offered as HIST 1570/LAMS 1570)

Interdisciplinary honors course on the life and work experiences of Latin American migrant workers in CT. Integrated service learning component.
Instructor: Dr. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez/Th 2:00-4:30 pm/

Contemporary Issues in Latino Studies PRLS 3210

Introduces topics in socio-demographic patterns, cultural identity claims, community organization, migration and citizenship issues of Latino groups in post-WW II United States. Emphasis on comparative analysis of issues and policy implications.
Instructor: Juhem Navarro-Rivera/MWF 2:00-2:50 pm/MSB 411

Latinos/as and Human Rights - PRLS 3221 (HIST 3674)

Examines issues of the US Latina/o experience and claims of human and civil rights. Gender differences in claiming rights discussed in an analysis of social, reproductive and economic rights. Includes Puerto Ricans' claims of participatory citizenship, refugee status of Central Americans, Cuban migration special rules, claiming rights at the Mexican border, peace and safe environment movements.
Instructor: Dr. Blanca Silvestrini/Thurs 9:00-11:30 am/SUB438-PRLACC

Latin American Minorities in the US - PRLS 3241 (ANTH 3041)

Examines the Latino experience in the U.S., explores historical presence through different theories of migration, cultural conflicts between Latinos and prevailing North American culture, and consequences of this interaction on US politics, policy and society as well as Latino identity. Emphasis on current social-economic status of US Latinos, particularly Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Dominican Americans.
Instructor: Rosemary Diaz/Thursdays 5:00-7:30 pm/

Latinos: Sexuality and Gender - PRLS 3251 (HDFS 3268)

Critical discussion of issues involving gender and sexuality among Latinos, with particular attention to race, class, ethnicity and acculturation.
Instructor: Dr. Marysol Asencio/Tuesdays 5:00-7:30 pm/FS 202

Immigration and Transborder Politics - PRLS 3271

(Also offered as POLS 2998W)

Examines globalization, movement of people, challenges posed to US policy-making and society. Looks at past/present US immigration policies, public opinion, influence of ethnic groups in shaping US foreign policy.
Instructor: Dr. Charles Venator Santiago/Mondays 4:00-7:00 pm

PRLS 3298 Latin(o) American Transnational Cultural Studies (SPAN 3214)

Study of literature, film, and other Latin(o)American cultural products, and critical scholarship on transnational dynamics concerning US Latina/o and Latin American studies.
Instructor: Dr. Guillermo Irizarry/Thursday 3-5:45./RR240

Field Internship in Latino Studies - PRLS 4212

Work 9-18 hours per week in cultural and community oriented setting(s). Grade of S or U. Prereq: Fifth semester standing. Contact 486-3997 for listing of possible job sites.
Instructor: Staff

Media and Special Audiences-PRLS 4320 (COMM 4320)

Examines media content and audience responses to media. Addresses ethnic, racial and gender issues in mainstream and specialized media. Special audiences include Latina/os, African Americans, Asian Americans, women, gays, lesbians.
Instructor: Dr. Diana Rios/on-line course

Latinos and US Education-PRLS 5300 Also offered as EDCI 5740

Historical context of schooling for Latinos in the US and the impact of "push and pull" economics on migration patterns. Explores educational policy issues; theoretical discussions related to (under)achievement. Covers relationship between dominant/subordinate cultures and languages and their effects on classroom discourses. Undergraduates must have instructor approval and register as
PRLS 3299.Instructor: Dr. Xaé A. Reyes/W 4:00-6:30 pm/Gentry 325

Independent Study in Puerto Rican and Latino Studies

PRLS 3299 PRLS 5390 - can be arranged with any of the following:

Fall 2009

The Physics of Salsa - INTD 1820-38 (Part 1) (class number 6749) INTD 1820-39 (Part 2) (class number 8391)

Instructors: Ms. Artacho Guerra and Mr. Rey Bermudez Mondays 6 pm -8 pm/TBD
Investigate basic newtonian mechanics through body mechanics of salsa dancing. Multidisciplinary exploration of physics and dance from a multicultural perspective. Covers basic descriptions of motion and forces as in a traditional mechanics physics class; uses basic salsa steps, turns, spins and styling as the application of physical concepts. First six weeks (section 38) focuses on basics of dance and physics. Second six weeks focuses on application of skills.

History of Latinos/as in the United States - PRLS 3220

Instructor: Dr. Blanca G. Silvestrini/Th 9:00-11:30 am/PRLACC-SUB438
In-depth study of the settlelment and growth of Latinoas/os or Hispanic-origin populations in the U.S. today. Compares the Latino experienced with other immigrant groups. Also offered as HIST 3574

Latino Health - PRLS 3250

Instructor: Dr. Marysol Asencio/T 4:00-6:30/FS 25
Overview of health and health care issues among Latinos in the United States. Particular attention is paid to cultural and social factors associated with health and well being (e.g., migration, acculturation, SES).Also offered as HDFS 3442

Literature of Puerto Rico & The Spanish Caribbean-PRLS 3265

Instructor: Dr. Odette Casamayor Cisneros/MWF 11-11:50 am/Hawl 102
Readings and discussions of major authors and works of the Spanish Caribbean with special emphasis on Puerto Rico. Recommended preparation: SPAN 278 or instructor consent. Also offered as SPAN 3265

Latino Political Behavior - PRLS 3270

Instructor: Dr. Charles Robert Venator Santiago/W 6:30-9:00/Mont 319
Examines Latino politics in the United States. Focuses on political histories of four different Latino populations: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Central American; looks at different forms of political expressions, ranging from electoral behavior to political art. Also offered as POLS 3662

Field Internship in Latino Studies - PRLS 4212

Work 9-18 hours per week in cultural and community oriented setting(s). Grade of S or U. Prereq: Fifth semester standing.

Media and Special Audiences - PRLS 4320

Examines media content and audience responses to media. Addresses ethnic, racial and gender issues in mainstream and specialized media. Special audiences include Latina/os, African Americans, Asian Americans, women, gays, lesbians. Also offered as COMM 4320
Instructor: Dr. Diana Ríos/on-line course

Latinos, Leadership and Mentoring - PRLS 3295

Instructor: TBD/Tuesdays 4:00-6:30/PRLACC
Introduces issues affecting Latinos in higher education. Leadership and mentoring training. Students will analyze responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change.

Latinos and U.S. Education - PRLS 5300 Graduate course

Instructor: Dr. Xaé Alicia Reyes/W 4:00-6:30/Gentry 325
Discusses US schooling for Latinos in historical context and the impact of “push and pull” economics on migration patterns. Educational policy issues and theoretical discussions related to (under)achievement explored. Undergrad need instructor approval and register for course as PRLS 3299. Also offered as EDCI 5740

Independent Study in Puerto Rican and Latino Studies - PRLS 3299 PRLS 5390

Can be arranged with any of the following:

Spring 2008

Contemporary Issues in Latino Studies - PRLS 3210

Introduces topics in socio-demographic patterns, cultural identity claims, community organization, migration and citizenship issues of Latino groups in post WWII US. Emphasis on comparative analysis of issues and policy implications. Required course for those minoring in Latino Studies.
Instructor: Dr. Guillermo B. Irizarry/TTh 12:30-2:00

Field Internship in Latino Studies - PRLS 4212

Work 9-18 hours per week in cultural and community oriented setting(s). Grade of S or U. Prereq: Fifth semester standing.

Latinos/as and Human Rights - PRLS 3221

Examines issues related to the Latino/a experience in the US and claims on human and civil rights--citizenship matters, cultural rights, education and freedom of speech and association as well as gender differences in claiming rights. Also offered as HIST 3575
Instructor: Dr. Blanca G. Silvestrini/Th 9:00-11:30 am/PRLACC-SUB438

Latina/o Literature - PRLS 3232

Extensive readings in Latina/o literature from the late nineteenth century to the present. Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 1010 or1011 or 3800 or instructor consent. Also offered as ENGL 3605
Instructor: Staff/MW 7:00-8:30 pm/STORRS CAMPUS/CLAS 445

Latina/o Literature - PRLS 3232

Extensive readings in Latina/o literature from the late nineteenth century to the present. Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 1010 or 1011 or 3800 or instructor consent. Also offered as ENGL 3605
Instructor: Dr. Siskanna Naynaha/TTh 11:15-12:30/HARTFORD CAMPUS Htfd Ugr-H217

Latino Health - PRLS 3250

Overview of health and health care issues among Latinos in the United States. Particular attention is paid to cultural and social factors associated with health and well being (e.g., migration, acculturation, SES). Also offered as HDFS 3442
Instructor: Dr. Marysol Asencio/T 4:00-6:30/FS 25

Media and Special Audiences - PRLS 4320

Examines media content and audience responses to media. Addresses ethnic, racial and gender issues in mainstream and specialized media. Special audiences include Latina/os, African Americans, Asian Americans, women, gays, lesbians. Also offered as COMM 4320
Instructor: Dr. Diana Ríos/on-line course

Latinos, Leadership and Mentoring - PRLS 3295

Introduces issues affecting Latinos in higher education. Leadership and mentoring training. Students will analyze responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change.
Instructor: Mayté Pérez-Franco/T 4:00-6:30/PRLACC

Latinos and U.S. Education - PRLS 5300

Graduate course. Discusses US schooling for Latinos in historical context and the impact of “push and pull” economics on migration patterns. Educational policy issues and theoretical discussions related to (under)achievement explored. Undergrad need instructor approval and register for course as PRLS 3299. Also offered as EDCI 5740
Instructor: Dr. Xaé Alicia Reyes/W 4:00-6:30/Gentry 32

Independent Study in Puerto Rican and Latino Studies - PRLS 3299 or PRLS 5390

Can be arranged with any of the following:

Fall 2007

PRLS 210 Contemporary Issues in Latino Studies

Instructor: Dr. Odette Casamayor Cisneros, MWF 1:00-1:50, Family Studies 220
Introduces topics in socio-demographic patterns, cultural identity claims, community organization, migration and citizenship issues of Latino groups in post WWII United States. Emphasis on comparative analysis of issues and policy implications.
Required course for those seeking a minor in Latino Studies.

PRLS 212 Field Internship in Latino Studies

Instructor: Staff
Work 9-18 hours per week in cultural and community oriented setting(s). Grade of S or U. Prereq: Fifth semester standing.

More information>>

PRLS 220 History of Latinos/as in The U.S.

Instructor: Dr. Blanca G. Silvestrini, Th 9:00-11:30, PRLACC
Examines settlement and growth of Hispanic-origin populations in the U.S. from Spanish/Mexican settlements of Western U.S. to the growth of Latino communities. Student oral history project. Also offered as HIST 278.

PRLS 232 Latina/o Literature

Instructor: Professor Lisa Sanchez, MWF 11:00-11:50, CLAS 163
Extensive readings in Latina/o literature from the late ninteeth century to the present. Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250 or instructor consent. Also offered as ENGL 261.

PRLS 250 Latino Health

Instructor: Dr. Marysol Asencio, T 4:00-6:30, Monteith 303
Overview of health and health care issues among Latinos in the United States. Particular attention is paid to cultural and social factors associated with health and well-being (e.g., migration, acculturation, SES). Also offered as HDFS 267.

PRLS 260 Media and Special Audiences

Instructor: Dr. Diana Rios, T 4:00-6:30, online course
Examines media content and audience responses to media. Addresses ethnic, racial and gender issues in mainstream and specialized media. Special audiences include Latina/os, African Americans, Asian Americans, women, gays, lesbians. Also offered as COMM 232.

PRLS 271 Immigration and Transborder Politics

Instructor: Charles Venator Santiago, MWF 9-9:50, Arjona 109
Looks at globalization, movement of people, challenges posed to U.S. policy-making and society. Examines past/present U.S. immigration policies, public opinion, influence of ethnic groups in shaping U.S foreign policy. Also offered as POLS 296W. Linkage through language section available.

PRLS 298 Latinos, Leadership and Mentoring

Instructor: Dr. Mayte Perez-Franco T 4:00-6:30/PRLACC
Special topics course designed to introduce issues affecting Latinos in higher education as well as provide leadership and mentoring training. The overall purpose of this course is to encourage students to carefully analyze their responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change. Also offered as INTD 298.

PRLS 298 Soap Opera-Telenovela

Instructor: Dr. Diana Rios, TTh 11:00-12:15, Wilson South Residence 112
Examines socio-cultural functions of telenovelas as mediated serials constructed by commercial organizations and consumed by US and global audiences. Students will become more discerning media consumers. Also offered as COMM 298.

PRLS 300 Latinos and U.S. Education

Instructor: Dr. Xae Alicia Reyes, Wednesdays 4:00-6:30 p.m.
Discusses conditions of schooling for Latinos in the U.S. educational system. The presence of Latinos in the U.S. will be looked at in terms of the historical context and the impact of "push and pull" economics on migration patterns. Educational policy issues concerning different Latino groups and the theoretical discussions related to (under)achievement, such as John Ogbu's voluntary and involuntary minority dichotomy, will be explored. The relationship between dominant and subordinant cultures and languages and their effect on classroom discourses will be explored through both readings and students initiated research in classrooms.
Note: This is a graduate level course. Undergraduates wishing to enroll must get instructor approval and should register for course as PRLS 299
Also offered as EDCI 360-01

PRLS 299/PRLS 390 Independent Study in Puerto Rican & Latino Studies

By Special Arrangement - Contact: