CENTRE for LATIN AMERICAN
RESEARCH and DOCUMENTATION

Introduction to Latin American Studies

Course lecturers: 
prof. dr. J.M. Baud
dr. F. de Castro
dr. B.B. Hogenboom
dr. C. Klaufus
prof. dr. C.G. Koonings
dr. A. Ouweneel
dr. JHJ Weegels (co-ordinator)

BLOCK 1
Course load: 6 EC

This course introduces key themes and leading approaches and theoretical debates in contemporary Latin American Studies. As the region has recently entered a phase of aggravated economic, social and political conditions, we conceptualize crisis both as a barrier and a driver of transformation. Problems, tensions and polarization may enhance (latent) conflicts and power relations as much as they can trigger new forms of resistance, adaptation and collaboration, according to the social, cultural, historical, spatial and institutional context. 

Approaches to Popular Culture in Latin America: Researching Heritage and Worldmaking

Course lecturers: 
dr. C. Klaufus
dr. A. Ouweneel (co-ordinator)
dr. JHJ Weegels

BLOCK 1
Course load: 6 EC

This course discusses different ways to study popular culture. Far from being inclusive to all varieties, the following approaches are being privileged: cultural history, cognitive visual culture, cultural anthropology and cultural criminology. The term popular culture is nineteenth-century and was used to discuss — or in fact: dismiss — non-elite culture.  A key issue in the discussions has been the (re)production of narratives of who people are and what they want to be, thereby acknowledging that their 'being-in-the-world' — or storyworld — is defined by heritage and histories of a birth place, hometown, ancestors, cemeteries or journeys. In people’s testimonies over time, new elements are woven into existing storyworlds, creating innovative ways of worldmaking.

Socio-Environmental Changes in Latin America: Power, Participation and Governance

Course lecturer: 
prof. dr. J.M. Baud
prof. dr. RA Boelens
dr. F. de Castro (co-ordinator)
dr. B.B. Hogenboom

BLOCK 2
Course load: 6 EC

Latin America holds large reserves of renewable and non-renewable resources and is a major global supplier of energy, metals, foodstuffs and environmental services. Historically the countries in the region have faced challenges in managing their natural resources in a sustainable, productive and equitable way. While some progressive governments have tried to change that trend, the intensification of extractive activities and related large infrastructure projects has led to a growing vulnerability and innequality. More recently, the region started to experience a new wave of right-wing governments who are explicitly moving away from social policies, human rights and the environmental conservation agenda.

Registration and Participation

UvA students
Students of the University of Amsterdam can register for our courses in SIS. For more information on registration for courses at the UvA, check here.

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Other students
Bachelor students that are enrolled at other Dutch universities can participate in our courses for free. These students should first register themselves as ‘elective course student Spanish Language and Culture’ at Studielink. For more information on registering for electives, please check here.

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Others
Others interested to participate in our Bachelor courses may attend the lectures of the course as auditor under certain provisions. Those interested should send an email to secretariat@cedla.nl, indicating their special interest in the course and a brief account of their academic background. Please note that students are given priority to register for our Bachelor courses. Any remaining spaces are available for others on a first come, first served basis. Those who have indicated their interest in the above mentioned way, will be informed of their registration two weeks before the start of the course. The cost for attending a Bachelor course is €150,- in total. Payment details will be made available once the student has been accepted to the course.

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If you have any questions, feel free to contact the CEDLA secretariat. We are open on weekdays from 10.00 to 17.00 h. 
For the class schedule and examination dates please consult the timetable on rooster.uva.nl.

Telephone: +31 20 525 3498
Email: secretariat@cedla.nl