Soccer, Culture and Society in the Latin American World

Syllabus
Spanish 670/ML 313 Dr. Manuel F. Medina
Summer 2013 E-mail: manuel.medina@louisville.edu
Time: please see reading schedule
Office Hours: By appointment only
IBILCE/UNESP Campus

DESCRIPTION: This class analyzes the cultural production related to soccer, and cultural studies theory.

GOALS:

The class will examine selected readings on the main issues associated with cultural studies as it relates to the role
of soccer in Latin American societies.
The students will familiarize themselves with sample cultural artifacts produced during the postmodern period.
The discussions will address and examine how the social-economical-political conditions affect cultural
production.
The course will use cultural studies theory as the main analytical framework.
Students will receive a brief introduction to the analysis of film.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion, the students will be able to do the following:

discuss key point associated with cultural studies as it relates to the Latin American Soccer cultural production.
Analyze cultural artifacts using a cultural studies critical framework.
Analyze a film on soccer using cultural studies and film theory.

Grading policy and distribution:

NOTE: Grading Policy: Grades are final and not negotiable.

1. Class participation, quizzes, attendance and assignments 15%

2. Reading responses 45%
0. 2-4 page essays where student analyze the readings, film and similar assignments
3. Oral Presentation 15%
Written assignments
4. An 8-10 (5-7 for undergraduate students) pages essay, a in-depth study of a Hispanic film dealing with soccer
25%

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Letter Grade Definitions

100 to 90 = A, Exceptional

Student strongly exceeds all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work product not only meets the
requirements of the project but also goes above and beyond the scope of work.

89 to 80 = B, Above Average

Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. Student is well prepared for every class, with daily
assignments as requested by the instructor and participates in class discussions. Written work demonstrates good
craft with acceptable attention to detail.

79 to 70 = C, Average

Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products reflect basic comprehension of
class objectives and work is completed to meet requirements only. Student is prepared for most class sessions with
assignments as requested by the instructor.

69 to 60 = D, Poor

Student does not complete all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect basic
class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is often ill-prepared for class
sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to detail.

59 to 0 = F, Failing

Student completes a small portion of requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect
basic class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is generally ill-prepared
for class sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to
detail.

Required textbooks:

Dr. Medina will make all materials available on the first or second day of instruction.

List of films to be watched in class:

Cannon, Danny. Goal! The Dream Begins. Touchstone Home Entertainment : Distributed by Buena Vista Home
Entertainment, Burbank, CA, 2006.
Cuarn, Carlos. Rudo Y Cursi. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Culver City, Calif. (Mexico), 2009.
Hamburguer, Co. O Ano Que Meus Pais Sairam De Ferias. City Lights Home Entertainment Distributed by
Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corporation ;, New York (Brasil), 2008.
Olivares, Gerardo. La Gran Final the Great Match. Film Movement ; RB Media [distributor], [Fair Lawn, N.J.];
Prince Frederick, MD (Spain), 2006.
Ramrez, Sergio.Hoy S! , Guatemala, 2009.
Salles, Walter, and Daniela Thomas. Linha De Passe. Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment,
[New York?]/Brazil, 2009.
Sorin, Carlos. El Camino De San Diego. Cameo Media, [Spain] (Argentina), 2007.
Wood, Andrs. Historias De Ftbol. Terra Entertainment, Los Angeles, CA (Chile), 2006.
Zimbalist, Jeff, and Michael Zimbalist. The Two Escobars. ESPN Home Entertainment : Distributed by Team
Marketing, [Bristol, Conn.?], 2010.

Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities:

Every student is expected to be thoroughly familiar with the University's Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities and Student Conduct which can be found in the General Information section of the Undergraduate
Catalog.

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Along with preparing for and attending class, each student has the responsibility of promoting high academic
standards. Students are expected to cooperate in all classes with the instructor to achieve an optimal learning
environment. The College of Arts and Sciences does not tolerate cheating, fabrication, falsification, multiple
submission, plagiarism, or complicity in academic dishonesty. The College of Arts and Sciences has a statement of
academic discipline for action against students who cheat or plagiarize.

University Policy on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment:

The University of Louisville strives to maintain the campus free of all forms of illegal discrimination as a place of
work and study for faculty, staff, and students.
Sexual harassment is unacceptable and unlawful conduct and will not be tolerated in the workplace and the
educational environment.
If an individual is shown to have violated the sexual harassment policy, the individual will be subject, depending
upon the seriousness of the violation, to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or
expulsion from the University.

Policy on Instructional Modifications or accommodations:

I encourage students who have a disability or other educational, physical or mental limitations or conditions which
may impair their ability to complete assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria to meet with me to identify,
discuss and document any feasible instructional modifications or accommodations. Please notify me no later than
the end of the second week of the semester or no later that the end of the second week after you get diagnosed with a
disability or condition, whichever occurs first. You may contact the Disabilities Resource Center for information and
auxiliary aid.

The University of Louisville is committed to providing access to programs and services for qualified students with
disabilities. If you are a student with a disability and require accommodation to participate in and complete
requirements for this class, contact the Disability Resource Center (852-6938) for verification of eligibility
and determination of specific accommodations.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus when necessary to meet learning objectives,
to compensate for missed classes, or for similar reasons.

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Reading and Assignment Schedule
Monday, 06/10 5:00 7:00 pm

Introduction
Soccer and Cultural Studies
Short Film: Hoy s!, (Guatemala, 2000)

Tuesday, 06/11 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Film: The Final Match, (, Spain, 2000)

Stroeken, Koen. "Why 'the World' Loves Watching Football (and 'the Americans' Don't)." Anthropology Today
18.3 (2002): 9-13. Print.
Wilsey, Sean. "The Beautiful Game." National Geographic 209.6 (2006): 42-48. Print.

Wednesday 06/12 5:00 - 8:00 p.m..

Film: Gol: The Dream Begins.

Galeano, Eduardo. "Soccer: Opiate of the People?" NACLA Report on the Americas 37.5 (2004): 38-42.
Print.

Thursday 13 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Film: O Ano que Meus Pais Saram de Ferias, (Co Hambrguer, Brasil, 2008)
Edwards, Todd L. "Brazil's Military Dictatorship (19641985)." Brazil : A Global Studies Handbook. 1 ed. Santa
Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. 64-70. Print.
Bellos, Alex. Futebol : The Brazilian Way of Life. 1st U.S. ed. New York: Bloomsbury, 2002. Print.

Friday 06/14 TBA

Film: El camino de San Diego [The Road of San Diego] (Carlos Sorin, Argentina, 2006)
Bilbija, Ksenija. "Maradona's Left: Postmodernity and National Identity in Argentina." Studies in Latin
American Popular Culture 14 (1995): 199. Print.

Monday, 06/17 5:00 - 8 p.m.

Film: Rudo y Cursi (Mexico, Carlos Cuarn, 2009)
Reading: TBA

Tuesday, 06/18 5:00 - 8:00 p.m..

Film: Linha de Passe, (Walter Sales, Brasil, 2009)
Lever, Janet. Soccer Madness : Brazil's Passion for the World's Most Popular Sport. Prospect Heights, Illinois:
Waveland Press, 1995. Print.

Wednesday 06/19 5- 8:00 p.m.

Brazil vs. Mxico @ 4:00 p.m
Documentary: The Two Escobars (Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, USA, 2006)
Krupp, Sarah. "The Rise and Fall of Narco Soccer." Berkeley Review of Latin American Studies (2010): 65-67.
Print.
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Thursday, 06/20 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Film: Historias de ftbol* (AndrsWood, Chile, 1997).
*Students might be asked to watch the film outside of class.
Lemebel, Pedro. "Soccer and Devotion in the Barrios of Santiago." NACLA Report on the Americas 32.1 (1998): 36.
Print.
.
Friday, 06/21 TBA
Film: TBA
Milanovic, Branko. "Globalization and Goals: Does Soccer Show the Way?" Review of International Political
Economy 12.5 (2005): 829-50. Print.

Class Bibliography:
Aguirre, Carlos. "Bibliography on Soccer in Latin America." (2012). 6/11/12
<http://uoregon.academia.edu/CarlosAguirre/Teaching/22828/Bibliography_on_Soccer_in_Latin_America>.
Anderson, Connie M., Troy A. Bielert, and Ryan P. Jones. "One Country, One Sport, Endless Knowledge: The
Anthropological Study of Sports in South Africa." Anthropologica 46.1 (2004): 47-55. Print.
Arbena, Joseph. "Football in the Americas: Ftbol, Futebol, Soccer by Rory M. Miller; Liz Crolley; Golden and
Blue Like My Heart: Masculinity, Youth, and Power among Soccer Fans in Mexico City Byroger Magazine."
Revista Europea de Estudios Latinoamericanos y del Caribe / European Review of Latin American and
Caribbean Studies.86 (2009): 122-25. Print.
Bellos, Alex. Futebol : The Brazilian Way of Life. 1st U.S. ed. New York: Bloomsbury, 2002. Print.
Bilbija, Ksenija. "Maradona's Left: Postmodernity and National Identity in Argentina." Studies in Latin American
Popular Culture 14 (1995): 199. Print.
Cannon, Danny.Goal! The Dream Begins. Touchstone Home Entertainment : Distributed by Buena Vista Home
Entertainment, Burbank, CA, 2006.
Cuarn, Carlos.Rudo Y Cursi. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Culver City, Calif. (Mexico), 2009.
Danforth, Loring M. "Is the "World Game" an "Ethnic Game" or an "Aussie Game"? Narrating the Nation in
Australian Soccer." American Ethnologist 28.2 (2001): 363-87. Print.
Frey, James H., and D. Stanley Eitzen. "Sport and Society." Annual Review of Sociology 17.ArticleType: research-
article / Full publication date: 1991 / Copyright 1991 Annual Reviews (1991): 503-22. Print.
Galeano, Eduardo. "Soccer: Opiate of the People?" NACLA Report on the Americas 37.5 (2004): 38-42. Print.
Edwards, Todd L. "Brazil's Military Dictatorship (19641985)." Brazil : A Global Studies Handbook. 1 ed. Santa
Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2008. 64-70. Print.
Galeano, Eduardo H. El ftbol a sol y sombra. 1. ed. Montevideo, Uruguay: Ediciones del Chanchito, 1995. Print.
Hamburguer, Co.O Ano Que Meus Pais Sairam De Ferias. City Lights Home Entertainment Distributed by
Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corporation ;, New York (Brasil), 2008.
Lemebel, Pedro. "Soccer and Devotion in the Barrios of Santiago." NACLA Report on the Americas 32.1 (1998): 36.
Print.
Lever, Janet. Soccer Madness : Brazil's Passion for the World's Most Popular Sport. Prospect Heights, Illinois:
Waveland Press, 1995. Print.
McDonald, Sarah. How Brazilian Films Developed Multiple National Identities, 1930-2000 : The Cultural
Achievement of Popular Cinema. Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press, 2011. Print.
Milanovic, Branko. "Globalization and Goals: Does Soccer Show the Way?" Review of International Political
Economy 12.5 (2005): 829-50. Print.
Molotnik, J. R. "Politics & Popular Culture in Brazil." The Massachusetts Review 17.3 (1976): 507-24. Print.
Olivares, Gerardo. La Gran Final [the Great Match]. Film Movement ; RB Media [distributor], [Fair Lawn, N.J.];
Prince Frederick, MD (Spain), 2006.
Oliven, Ruben George. "Anthropology and Brazilian Society." Current Anthropology 30.4 (1989): 510-14. Print.
Ramrez, Sergio.Hoy S! , Guatemala, 2009.
Salazar-Sutil, Nicols. "Maradona Inc.: Performance Politics Off the Pitch." International Journal of Cultural
Studies 11.4 (2008): 441-58. Print.

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Salgado, Pablo, Rebecca Galeano, and Juan Carlos Galeano. "The World Is a Soccer Stadium." Mississippi Review
28.3 (2000): 66-68. Print.
Salles, Walter, and Daniela Thomas. Linha De Passe. Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment,
[New York?]/Brazil, 2009.
Silverstein, Paul A. "Sporting Faith: Islam, Soccer, and the French Nation-State." Social Text.65 (2000): 25-53.
Print.
Sorin, Carlos. El Camino De San Diego. Cameo Media, [Spain] (Argentina), 2007.
Steiner, Henry J., and David M. Trubek. "Brazil -- All Power to the Generals." Foreign Affairs 49.3 (1971): 464-79.
Print.
Straubhaar, Joseph D. "Television and Video in the Transition from Military to Civilian Rule in Brazil." Latin
American Research Review 24.1 (1989): 140-54. Print.
Stroeken, Koen. "Why 'the World' Loves Watching Football (and 'the Americans' Don't)." Anthropology Today 18.3
(2002): 9-13. Print.
Urbina Gaitan, Chester "Futbol e identidades nacionales en Centroamerica: los casos de Guatemala, El Salvador y
Costa Rica." Estudios Centroamericanos 62.709-710: 1071-80. Print.
Wilsey, Sean. "The Beautiful Game." National Geographic 209.6 (2006): 42-48. Print.
Wood, Andrs. Historias De Ftbol. Terra Entertainment, Los Angeles, CA (Chile), 2006.
Zimbalist, Jeff, and Michael Zimbalist.The Two Escobars. ESPN Home Entertainment : Distributed by Team
Marketing, [Bristol, Conn.?], 2010.

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