Latin Urban Music: A Global Phenomenon in Spanish

Course: Urban Latin Music: A Global Phenomenon In Spanish
Code: CH4162
Level: B2.2/C1
Nº of ECTS credits: 6
Requirements: B2.1 minimum language command

1. Description
This course will examine the outbreak of urban Latin music in recent years and its impact on the 
global expansion of the Spanish language. We will analyze the roots of urban Latin music, its 
evolution over time and its influence on Latin American culture and identity. Furthermore, we will 
explore the linguistic and sociopolitical aspects of this phenomenon. Whenever possible, 
conferences, talks and/or visits by different experts who work directly in the subject (teachers, 
musicologists, journalists, artists/producers) will supplement the lessons.

2. Learning Objectives
• Understanding the characteristics and evolution of urban Latin music.
• Analyzing the influence of Urban Latin music on global culture and society.
• Exploring the global expansion of Spanish through Urban Latin music.
• Reflecting on the role of Spanish as a connecting language regarding music and popular 
culture.
• Reflecting on the sociopolitical implications of the popularization of urban Latin music.

3. Training Activities
• Theory and Practice Classes
• Tutorial sessions
• In-class presentations
• Daily work outside the classroom
• Group works outside the classroom
• Workshops and complementary training
• Teaching activities outside the campus
• Contact-hours: 45 hours

4. Content

Unit 1. Introduction to Urban Latin music and its cultural context.

1.1 Latin Music and Urban Latin music: concepts
1.2 Latin rhythms. Definition and cataloguing. Root, fusion, crossover
1.3 Cultural, social and political importance of Latin music in the Latin American context
1.4 Gender role, sexuality, feminism and LGBTIQ+ in urban music.

Unit 2. History of Urban Latin music. Milestones.

2.1 The explosion of Latin pop in the 90s: Shakira, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan…
2.2 Macarena: global phenomenon
2.3 Daddy Yankee’s Gasolina and the engine of reggaeton
2.4 Despacito: Full speed with Luis Fonsi 
2.5 Shakira + J.Lo at the Super Bowl

Unit 3. The Golden Age of Urban Latin music. The expansion of Spanish and Latin American culture.

3.1 Factors for the success of urban Latin music: its impact on the music industry and popular culture
3.2 Global fusion of urban Latin rhythms: crossbreeding or cultural appropriation?
3.3 Global divas of urban Latin music: J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Peso Pluma, Karol G.…
3.4 The current business model of urban Latin music
3.5 Global socioeconomic impact of urban Latin music

Unit 4. Possible future(s) of urban Latin music and Latin American culture.
4.1 New generation and artistic replacement: Rai Nao, J Noa, Moffa, MJ Nebreda, AKRIILA…
4.2. New and (possible) future trends in urban Latin music
4.3 Potential development of Urban Latin music: the expansion of the Spanish language and Latin American culture