The Centre for Amerindian, Latin American and Caribbean Studies has existed in St Andrews under different names since before 1969, when it was formally recognised by the Court of the University as the Centre of Latin American Linguistic Studies (CLALS).
It was founded by Douglas Gifford as part of the Department of Spanish when it encouraged the teaching of Amerindian Languages and Basque. Quechua became a regular part of Spanish Honours and was taught by the experienced Quechuista Leslie Hoggarth. A collection of books and objects was created which became the basis of the Centre's Library.
Refounded by the University in 1988 as the Institute of Amerindian Studies (IAS), it continued to teach Quechua for Spanish Honours from 1988-1994 under the direction of Tristan Platt. In 1996, it became the Centre for Indigenous American Studies and Exchange (CIASE) under the direction of Joanna Overing, and was incorporated into the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies. Relaunched as CAS in 2006, it continues to enjoy a privileged link with the Department of Social Anthropology. Since 2010 the centre has been directed by Huon Wardle .
The School currently employs four Amerindianists and one Caribbeanist with interests in the history, languages and ethnography of South America and the Caribbean. They supervise a stimulating group of more than twenty postgraduates. The Centre has an extensive library collection part of which is housed in the Centre suite: books held in the CAS Reading Room can be consulted during opening hours or by appointment with the CAS Secretary.
Theoretical perspectives emphasise the anthropological and historical interpretation of Amerindian, Peasant, Urban and Archipelagian societies, with the learning and use of languages having an important role. Changing American societies are seen in their own terms, as well as in their relations with the rest of the world. A wide network of contacts is maintained with colleagues, popular and academic organizations and NGOs, in the Americas as well as in Scotland.
Link to the catalogue of the CAS collection held in the university's Main Library
Link to the Latin American and Caribean Network (LACNET)
For further information, please contact:
Centre for Amerindian, Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Department of Social Anthropology
School of Philosophical, Anthropological & Film Studies
University of St Andrews
71 North Street
St Andrews, Fife
KY16 9AL Scotland, UK
Email: amerindian@st-andrews.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1334 462986/2977
Centre News
PhD studentships available! Students are invited to apply for PhD studentships as part of a project on ethnogenesis in the Amazon region led by Dr Mark Harris. Details can be found here.
Next CAS seminar will take place on Wednesday, 6th of February in the CAS seminar room at 3 p.m. Alberto Goyena, from Aberdeen University, will present: "Gravity unleashed: notes on the implosion procedures for public buildings in Rio de Janeiro".
Other News:
Congratulations to Daniela Castellanos who has taken up a permanent university post in Cali, Colombia. Likewise to Shelene Gomes who is now teaching at Awassah University in Ethiopia.
Andreza Souza Santos has won a $1000 grant for a paper to be presented at LASA in Washington in May.
Members of staff and PhD students have organized a CAS Reading Group for the Candlemas Semester. The Group will meet on fridays from 1-2 in the CAS Library.
Recent CAS publications by Tristan Platt, Paolo Fortis and George Mentore are available directly from CAS and also via the university's online shop.
