2007 LA ST 314 B1: Urban Space and Visual Culture

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Course Prerequites: LAST 205 or 210

Course-Based Ethics Approval in place regarding all research projects that involve human testing, questionaires, etc.? cYes xNo, not needed, no such projects involved

Course Description and Objectives:

This course will study how visual culture both represents and shapes urban space. By studying different examples found in art, architecture, film and other visual media we will focus on different cultural constructions of the Latin American city and the social and political context that informs these.

Texts:

Required: 
LAST 314 Selected Readings. Course pack available at U of A Bookstore. 

Grade Distribution:    

Term Work Distribution:

Final Paper: Each student will have to hand in a final term paper on one of the assigned topics. The purpose of this paper is to show how the student grapples with the material discussed in class, and his/her ability to take a critical position on an important issue in Latin American Studies. The essay will be a length of Ten to Twelve (10-12) typed-written pages, as well as contain bibliography and notes in correct format. The paper will be due on the last day of class (April 13, 2007).

Quizzes: There will be a total of four quizzes throughout the semester. All of the quizzes will be announced one class in advanced. If the student misses such class s/he is responsible for finding out whether there will be a quiz or not in the following class. No makeup quizzes will be allowed.

Exams: There will be a 3 hour Final Exam on April 20, 2007. This exam will test the student's comprehension and grasp of the material as well as the student's ability to take that knowledge and apply it in a discussion of certain related topics.

Required Notes:

"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar." (GFC 29 SEP 2003).

"The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University." (GFC 29 SEP 2003)

Plagiarism and Cheating:

All students should consult the "Truth-In-Education" handbook or Website (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. 

Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components: 

Regular daily attendance is essential for optimal performance.In cases of potentially excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days. 

Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections 23.4.2 and 23.4.3 of the University Calendar. 
Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the "attendance and participation" component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result.

Policy for Late Assignments: 

Students who consult in advance with an instructor regarding contingencies preventing the timely completion of an assignment may, at the discretion of the instructor, be granted an extension. Otherwise, assignments may be handed in one class-day after the stated deadline without penalty, with a 5%-per-class-day penalty assessed for each subsequent class-day of lateness.

Grading:

Marks for assignments, tests, and exams are given in percentages, to which letter grades are also assigned, according to the table below ("MLCS Grading Scale"). The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final letter grade for the course.

MLCS Grading Scale:

Outstanding: Superior performance showing understanding and knowledge of the subject matter far exceeding expectations.

I hope we all have an intellectually stimulating, engaging and enjoyable semester! J