This project will explore Argentina's history and culture, and especially the tango, Argentina's national dance. In each of the morning sessions we will view one movie from Argentina, and then we will investigate Argentina's history and culture by going over readings, looking at works of art, and listening to Argentine music. These works will include some short stories of Jorge Luis Borges, the paintings of Hugo Reinoso, and the tango symphonies of Astor Piazzola. Tango shows, dress and costumes, music, lyrics, famous tango singers, orchestras and instruments, posters and paintings, records, and famous dance halls will be part of our focus. We also will look at the international spread of tango throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.

We will spend some time each day "exploring" the city of Buenos Aires--the national capital and the birthplace of tango — through tourist films, pictures, posters, and postcards.

In the afternoon sessions we will study and practice some of the basic steps and sequences in dancing tango, and we will look at films and documentaries that explore the intricacies of this dance.

Activities may include a meal at one of Chicago's Argentine restaurants, attending an actual Chicago milonga, a special dance where only tango is danced, or visiting a dance studio and meeting professional tango dancers and instructors.