Center for Latino Studies in the Americas

Administrative Office

Harney, Room 240

Phone: (415) 422-5122

Fax: (415) 422-5700

Email: celasa@usfca.edu

Website: http://www.usfca.edu/celasa

Pedro Lange-Churión, Associate Director

Michael Stanfield, Associate Director

Lois Lorentzen, Associate Director

The overall aim of the Center for Latino Studies in the Americas is to contribute to the understanding of Latino communities in the United States and throughout Latin America as well as to promote scholarly communication across national boundaries. In particular, the Center fosters the interdisciplinary analysis of the social, political, cultural, and educational realities of Latin Americans and of Latinos in the United States. The Center also supports the study of shared cultures and social realities among Latinos in the Americas that are the product of historical events, migration, and globalization.

The Center's activities reflect the University's nature as a Jesuit university and support its mission by contributing to the seeking of "knowledge, love, and dissemination of truth unreservedly" and the training of "leaders who will work for justice for all people" and who will "shape a multicultural world with creativity, generosity, and compassion."

CELASA will achieve these goals by (a) disseminating information about Latinos and Latin Americans to the USF community and to residents of Northern California; (b) conducting research on issues of significance to Latinos and Latin Americans; and (c) supporting and sponsoring scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities on topics of relevance to the Center's target populations.

Areas of Interest

The activities of CELASA cover five thematic areas:

• Cultural Studies, Literature, and Literary Criticism
• Cultural, Ethnic and Political Identities
• Environmental and Economic Justice
• Contemporary Social Issues (e.g., migration, violence, substance use)
• History, Religion, and Culture

Activities

CELASA provides logistical support for scholarly activities developed by faculty, staff and students at USF that deal with Latinos in the Americas including research projects, the development of audiovisual and bibliographic archives, the holding of special cultural and academic events, and the development of service learning opportunities for USF students. In addition, CELASA supports or hosts a number of ongoing activities including:

• Latin American Studies Major and Minor. An interdisciplinary program for undergraduate students with courses offered in areas such as History, the Social Sciences, Theology and Spanish.
• Exchange Program with SEUIA-ITESO. A cooperative program between USF and the six Jesuit universities in Mexico that promotes the exchange of students and faculty, and the carrying out of collaborative research and joint scholarly activities.
• El Círculo. Weekly readings and discussions of Latin American literature among faculty and students in informal settings.
• Latin American Film Retrospectives. Presentation and analysis of classic films by Latino and Latin American directors.
• Adventures in Latin America. Informal presentations by USF students of their educational and travel experiences in Latin America.
• Conversaciones. Presentations by Latino and Latin American authors, scholars, and community leaders that include readings of their works as well as presentations of contemporary issues.
• Córrele a Leer. A binational (Mexico-USA) marathon reading of Latin American classics with the participation of faculty, students and authors.
• Art Exhibits. Periodic exhibits of Latino and Latin American artists.
• Visiting Scholars Program. The Center hosts visiting scholars from the United States or Latin America whose areas of interest match those supported by the center.