A new interdisciplinary course at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will explore how theatre and performance can be used to address social problems by studying the work of Latino artist-activists from the United States.

Students will examine how Latino artist-activists have used drama and performance to address civil rights, law enforcement, and public health concerns in the United States.

Students can deepen their knowledge of U.S. Latino culture and history while exploring the use of theatre for discussing and addressing social issues. Students will also learn new techniques for community education and contribute to the community through service learning.

The class will be instructed by Dr. Edma Delgado, visiting assistant professor of Spanish, and Dr. Larry Smith, professor of theatre, arts, and dance.

“I am completely psyched about this class,”said Smith. “Dr. Delgado is a great teacher and scholar, and we have been talking about an interdisciplinary course like this for two years, so I am very happy to be able to realize those plans.”

Smith believes this class will benefit many students from other disciplines, such as nursing, community health, criminal justice, speech communication, and sociology, in addition to students of Spanish and theatre arts. Knowledge of Spanish is not required.

“It’s important to realize that originality and creativity are not merely accessories to community and civic life, but essential to it, and that’s something that we are really going to try and explore through the class,” said Smith.

“THEA 4340-03/SPAN 4361-02” is an upper level elective, and may be used to fulfill minor requirements in a number of programs. There are no prerequisites. Class will meet 1:40 to 2:55 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Stabler Hall 302 this fall.

For more information, contact Delgado at eidelgadoso@ualr.edu or Smith at ldsmith11@ualr.edu.