Our programs examine the diverse societies of Latin America and Spain through a de-colonial lens to explore and make sense of the experiences of the peoples of the region.
Three fundamental questions structure this inquiry:
- How are gender, class, and ethnicity constructed in Latin America and Spain?
- How do these constructions intersect with structures of power? How is power contested and resisted?
- How are people building more tolerant and more inclusive societies?
We address these issues in cultural studies courses (taught in English) and Spanish language courses (taught in Spanish).
Learn about the culture
Cultural production reflects and critiques society. Our interests range from the study of novels, comics, film, poetry, music, art, performance, digital and traditional mass media, documentaries, etc. from representative authors and creators to the study of everyday social interactions to understand and question the values and practices that structure Latin American and Spanish societies.
Learn the language
At the same time, language always plays a central role in the construction of social relations and identity. Language mediates our relationship to the world; it is a way to make sense of it and to organize it. Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Spain and was imposed through conquest and colonization on what we now know as Latin America to structure the social, political, and spiritual lives of the region. It is the main linguistic force shaping Spanish and Latin American societies.
News
Offering two exciting courses for the Winter 2024 term!
The Spanish and Latin American Studies Department have two exciting courses that we are so proud to offer for the upcoming Winter 2024 term:
- SPAN 217 - First Nations, Native Americans, Pueblos Originarios
- SPAN 317 - Afro-Latin America
Arts Major Showcase
The Arts Major Showcase is back! Want to learn more about the courses we are offering, activities we are hosting, or events we are having? Come visit the Spanish and Latin American Studies booth on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Hats off to our alum!
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Rafael Ponciano will be beginning a Masters’ degree in Spanish in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Toronto come this September. Rafael is graduating this April with a B.A. Honours in Spanish and Latin American Studies and three Minors (Music, German, and Cultural Identities).