SPAN3070: Crime, Deviance, and Media in Latin America

In this Honors seminar, we will examine the history and cultural representation of crime, deviance, and political violence in Latin America. In the first part of the seminar, we will analyze how different manifestations of violence intersect national identity, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and religious beliefs. Focusing on fictional representations and factual accounts of organized crime in Latin America, we will pay special attention to how the mass media has contributed to the exaltation of criminal organizations, the glorification of drug lords, and the misrepresentation of contemporary Latin American societies.

In the second part of this seminar, we will analyze successful crime prevention practices. We will discuss examples of social inclusion through urban upgrading and environmental design. In addition, we will reflect on the intersections of artistic and cultural practices with public safety. We will examine these issues through case studies in Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, Venezuela, and Colombia. The primary goal of this course, then, is threefold: (a) to provide students with contextual information and analytical tools to analyze film and media portrayals of crime, deviance, and punishment in Latin America; (b) to analyze the contextual and structural issues behind criminality and violence in the region; and (c) to examine the integration of crime prevention strategies into urban design and planning. The course will be conducted in English. Some videos (TV series, documentaries, feature films, etc.) will be available in Spanish or Portuguese with English subtitles.

On December 13 the group will depart from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport bound for Merida, Mexico. The group will stay in Mexico from December 13 - 20. On December 20, the group will return to Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport from Mexico.

While staying in Merida the group will be staying in a hotel similar to a 3-star hotel in the US.

Day 1 - Saturday, December 13: depart Cincinnati, arrive in Merida, check into hotel

Day 2 - Sunday, December 14: visit Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and Merida's markets

Day 3 - Monday, December 15: walking tour focusing on street art and graffiti and Yucatecan music and dance performance

Day 4 - Tuesday, December 16: visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza

Day 5 - Wednesday, December 17: visit with local communities

Day 6 - Thursday, December 18: visit Progreso

Day 7 - Friday, December 19: visit Celestun Biosphere Reserve and guided boat tour of Celestun lagoon

Day 8 - Saturday, December 20: return to Cincinnati

• Fall 2020