Description

Buenos Aires, known as "The Paris of the South," is one of the mythic cities of the world. Containing nearly one-third of Argentina's population, the city has had an inordinate impact not only on Argentina, but on Latin America consciousness and identity. This three-week course will trace the evolution of the political theorists, educational reformers, and creative artists whose works have shaped the culture, art and politics of Buenos Aires and Argentina.

Highlights

Academics

Readings include excerpts from the works of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, Jose Enriquue Rodo, Robert Ferris Thompson, and George Reid Andrews; fiction by Jorge Luis Borges, Silvinia Ocampo, Julio Cortazar, Roberto Arlt, and Adolfo Bioy Casares; such documents as Nunca Mas, and the film The Afro-Argentines.

Course
Open only to undergraduates. Non-Gallatin and Non-NYU students welcome! Gallatin students please note that this course fulfills 4 Interdisciplinary Seminar K-credits.

For immigrants arriving in Argentina in the 19th century, the search for opportunity required a narrative that would justify identification with the nation state. A mythology that celebrated the independent-and mestizo-"gauchos" of the pampas was slowly replaced by a philosophy that excluded peoples of color and redefined "whiteness" as a desired objective in repopulating the entire nation. The "Generation of 1880" played an important role in shaping this new identity, and its impact is still felt in Buenos Aires, where the African population has been subsumed by other ethnic groups. Yet the Africanist heritage is apparent in such cultural artifacts as the tango, a dance of African origin but whose origins are contested in Buenos Aires.

In the 21st century, the upheavals of the "dirty war," the trauma of the desaparecidos (the disappeared), the Falklands War, and the economic crisis of 2001 all occasioned not only political but artistic responses. Argentina's political and economic fortunes have created a unique dialogue between the arts and politics. In Buenos Aires, the national capital, arts inform and influence the national debate to a great extent. We examine this phenomenon and its effect on Argentine society.

Excursions
Field trips encompass the rich resources of the city's museums, historical sites, and ethnic neighborhoods. Sessions with leading Argentine jurists, educators, and artists are an important component of this course. In addition, students will spend one weekend in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Arts
• Culture
• History
• Political Science/politics

Cost in US$:

USD 4,700

Program Fees Include:

Undergraduate tuition (4 points): USD 3,000
Program deposit: USD 400
Program activities fee (includes museum admissions, excursions, and some meals): USD 450
Housing: USD 850 (double occupancy)

Experience Required

yes

Applicants must have completed at least two full-time college semesters by the beginning of the course. Currently enrolled college students must have a 3.0 GPA, have no incompletes, and be in good disciplinary standing.

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

New York University's Mission Statement

International education is a long-standing part of New York University's global mission which includes a wide range of initiatives both in the United States and abroad to facilitate the exchange of knowledge across international boundaries. NYU's study abroad tradition began in 1958 when NYU in Madrid opened its doors to American students. Since then NYU's offerings of international opportunities has expanded rapidly and includes fully staffed academic centers in eight countries, exchange partnerships with some of the world's most prestigious universities in 18 countries, short term summer programs in 17 countries, and specialized learning programs like film directing and nursing.

Year Founded

1958