Latin American Studies Week at TAMIU April 18-25

Children’s story readings on U.S.-Mexico border culture, a game of lotería, and dance concerts featuring famous Mexican cartoon character Cri-Cri are some of the highlights of Latin American Studies Week 2008, a week-long event bringing awareness to Latin American Studies April 18 – 25 at Texas A&M International University.

Most of the events, geared for individuals and families, are free and open to the public.

Kathleen Pletsch de García, TAMIU associate professor of English and Hispanic Linguistics, said the yearly event is an opportunity to explore Hispanic culture and gain knowledge and appreciation for it.

“We are excited to bring a wide variety of events that will give everyone the chance to participate in Hispanic heritage cultural activities. These events which celebrate our students’ Spanish language heritage, showcase ethnolinguistic bilingual stories for children written by University students. The weeks’ activities are part of an effort to expand appreciation of the rich cultural heritage that the Laredo community offers,” Pletsch de García said.

The full schedule of events is as follows:

• Friday, April 18: “Cri-Cri” El Grillito Cantor dance concert. 7 p.m., Laredo Civic Center, free admission.
• Monday, April 21: Puzzle Bowl. A game of questions and answers on several topics related to Latin America including History, Geography, Social Studies, Pop Culture and Science. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center Rotunda, free admission.
• Monday, April 21: Telling Stories to Laredo’s Children: The Three Bs (Bilingual, Bicultural and Biliterate). Celebrate bilingualism in Laredo through stories written for children by University students. 6 p.m., Casa Ortiz, 915 Zaragoza St., free admission.
• Tuesday, April 22: Lecture entitled, “A Global Perspective: Integrating Languages and Cultures into the Curriculum” featuring Dr. Chad Gasta, associate professor of Hispanic Studies at Iowa State University. 7:30 p.m., Student Center Rotunda, room 236, free admission.
• Wednesday, April 23: Lotería. Explore the rich artistic and historic tradition of the popular Mexican game reminiscent of Bingo. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center Food Court, free admission.
• Friday, April 25: Una Primavera Mexicana. Mexican folkloric dance concert. 7 p.m., Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. Tickets: $5, children 10 and under, free.

All events are subject to change. For further information, please contact Pletsch de García at 326-2614 or e-mail UISFL@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu