Media Cultures in Latin America

3 units

One of the key topics in Latin American Studies today is the history and theory of media and the way in which media cultures have shaped the nation, social subjectivities and the region’s relationship to modernity. This course is a study of both the history of key audiovisual media in Latin America (print, radio, television, cinema, cybermedia) as well as of the key paradigms for media studies regarding this production. After discussing foundational concepts (media, mediation, cultural industry, popular culture), the course proceeds by in-depth studies of the role media played in different countries from the 19th century, through the different national processes of the 20th century to the present. In doing so, the class engages with questions of technology, identity, indigenous culture, urbanization and other theoretical concerns. This course fulfills the Seminar Requirement for Latin American Studies majors and minors. PreReq L45 165D or a 300-level course on Latin American culture.