Cultural Studies Research in Hispanic Studies

This junior-year research forum sponsored by a Mellon Undergraduate Research grant enabled a select group of students to conduct research on a topic related to memory and social justice introduced in a co-enrolled class (HS 480: Cultures of Dictatorship and HS 481: Local/Global Issues and Latin/o American Poetry); to collaborate with others in a workshop environment so as to deepen and enhance their reflection on their chosen topic; and to design and execute a creative group project in order to make their research public. Students traveled to Washington, DC over Spring Break and worked collaboratively in consultation with experts from the DC area, international scholars, and members of our campus community; upon their return to campus, they worked intensively a second week to analyze their findings and determine the best method of disseminating them. A particularly exciting component of this program was the participation of five Argentine college students affiliated with the Comisión Provincial por la Memoria in La Plata who closely collaborated with participating William and Mary students throughout the two week forum. Nine students participated in the first Hispanic Cultural Studies Research Forum. They produced a photo essay, a video, and a mural. Some of their final projects are viewable here; check the sidebar for recent posts.