Modern Arts, Modern Literature, Modern Contexts
2007 Exploration Seminar in Buenos Aires, Argentina

**THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**

Program Director:  Henry Laufenberg, English
Dates of Instruction: August 21 to September 13, 2007

Those attempting to briefly describe Buenos Aires, Argentina, most often compare it to Paris or Madrid.  Many Porteños (the resident of Buenos Aires) fancy themselves as being more like New Yorkers than anyone else.  But closer examination shows no easy analogies.  Buenos Aires is a city of striking beauty and layered history where residents vigorously enjoy and stubbornly endure complex social, cultural, and political lives. As such, Buenos Aires’ normal face simultaneously expresses exasperated defeat and excited renewal, and currently this mood is particularly conspicuous.  But Buenos Aires is also typically Latin American, particularly in its political life, folk culture and relatively volatile economy. 

Argentina is currently withstanding, yet again, a serious economic upheaval and its political fallout.  Porteños have seen their way back from many similar downturns in the past century.  As such, Buenos Aires’ normal face simultaneously expresses exasperated defeat and excited renewal; currently this mood is particularly conspicuous.  The city is in the midst of a creative explosion of grass-roots art and cottage industry spurred by economic dislocation, disaffection and new opportunities.

This exploration seminar will engage the following controlling question: how does the political and social volatility in Argentina’s recent history manifest in its modern and postmodern arts and literature?  We will explore literature, fine arts, dance, and avant-garde movements, and students will be encouraged to pursue their own interests in any field of artistic or creative endeavor as well, including folk culture and popular cultural subgenres such as urban arts and music.  Historical and culture contexts will focus on Argentina’s current economic crisis, its economic boom in the 1990’s, and it legacy of similar cycles in the 20th century.  Theoretical context might include readings and lectures on salient concepts such as surrealism, dadaism, socialist realist arts, nihilism, escapism, anti-foundationalism, rejection and cooption of meta-narratives, modern adaptation of folk and traditional cultures, and heterotopias.

The course will be conducted in English, and host six to eight local guest speakers, including university faculty, art world professionals, artists and performers.  Many activities will be organized in which students will work together in small groups for extended periods.  Students will be expected to keep journals, manage “expert” panels in preparation for guest speakers, keep up with scholarly readings and write essays, all activities on which they will be evaluated. Field trips will include travel to smaller provincial capitals, UNESCO world heritage site Colonia, Uruguay, and nearby rural areas.

Student costs:  
$2,275 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: Round trip airfare to Buenos Aires, insurance, immunizations, some meals, and personal spending money.

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