This paper treats the Afro-Brazilian fetish cults found throughout Brazil and examines the syncretism of these cults with Catholicism. The religious practices of the "macumbas" (deities of the Afro-Brazilian cults), ritual music, and the ethnicity of the Negroes from both southern and northern Brazil are discussed. Frequently, excerpts…

This textbook develops a cross-cultural portrait of Latin America. Four major sections are concerned with the cultural blueprint, historical and social foundations, the social structure, and intellectual and economic life. Subchapters include: (1) the rise of the Spanish people, (2) administration and jurisprudence, (3) the church, (4) the…

A new wave of reform is needed for Latin American universities suffering from structural rigidity, duplicity, inefficiency, and lack of community. The structural crisis in the university reflects the general social crisis in which society is pressured by opposing forces leading it toward either historical modernization or evolutionary…

This document outlines a course unit on Pre-Columbian Mayan Myths intended to be part of a semester-long survey course on world mythology. The intended unit length of three weeks for three hours per week allows time for consideration of a brief geographical, historical, and cosmological background against which to place Mayan myths, study of the…

Analyzes the characteristics of exolingual communication, illustrated by case studies of dialogues between French and Latin American Spanish speakers. Hypotheses about exolingual communication are presented, specifically on the "guidance" offered by native speakers and the role of metalinguistic activities. (Author/CB).

This paper seeks to make sense of the new diversity in the United States, with a focus on immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean. Some key facts and figures about contemporary immigrants are presented, looking at their patterns of settlement and comparing their distinctive social and economic characteristics to major U.S. racial-ethnic…

Suggests that a therapist's involvement of Latinos in therapy requires both skills in family therapy and sensitivity to cultural issues. Presents factors found to be useful in the family assessment. Discusses issues in the engagement and evaluation phases of family therapy with Latino families. (Author)

Describes the CAMINOS computer school that was developed in San Francisco to help Spanish-speaking immigrant and refugee women learn technology skills and English language skills to find white-collar jobs. Discusses flexible curricula; community interaction; disparity in educational levels; connections between classes and future jobs; and…

If we are to close the gaps in achievement among Latino students, we must commit our most able teachers and administrators and prepare them for success. In addition, we need to add Hispanic cultural studies and place value on fluency in Spanish as well as English. Lists nine tips principals can use to involve Latino parents. (MLF)

Discussed are the background, objectives, statement of need, target population, program activity, budget, staffing, funding, problems, and evaluation of the project. Suggestions for the initiation of analogous programs are provided. (CW)

The article describes educational needs and services of visually impaired children in Latin America noting especially the lack of services for children under the age of seven. It proposes early identification, provision of basic services within the child's home and local environment, and training in basic teaching techniques for anyone willing to…

Central American immigrants, who have recently entered the United States in large numbers, may become integrated in the social structure, be confined in a low-wage and -status sector, or create an ethnic enclave. They are at high risk for joining Mexican Americans at the bottom of the socioeconomic system. (AF)

Describes the experiences of a teacher who won a chance to interact with people involved in education in Belem, Para, Brazil. Discusses the teaching unit that was developed in order to qualify for the exchange program. Provides information about the sponsoring organization. (KO)

When funding youth programs in developing countries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should consider programs that recognize both the developmental needs of children and socioeconomic factors, that serve youth directly or work indirectly through family and community, and that have proven strategies for stretching limited funding.…

Identifies four confusions in conceptualizing diversity in the curriculum: the misidentification of what constitutes diversity, studying an artifact from the perspective of mainstream culture, homogenizing cultures, and exoticizing or fetishizing cultures. Proposes a "border consciousness" approach, emphasizing equal legitimacy and cross…