‘Telenovelas’ are popular serial dramas with origin in 1950’s Brazil, and, despite criticism for their melodramatic and often unrealistic plotlines, these serial dramas remain among the most widely watched television shows in the region. Over the decades, the conventions of telenovelas have evolved, adapting to shifting social norms and new media formats. One of the most notable transformations has been the depiction of the villana, or female villain. This course will analyze the archetype of the villana, examining how these 'evil women' are portrayed as antagonists largely because they challenge patriarchal structures and threaten traditional gender roles. While these characters are often depicted as possessing seemingly irredeemable qualities, they also embody traits that disrupt the nuclear family ideal and propose alternative aspirations for women that diverge from the concept of the 'virtuous woman.' Motivated by desires commonly deemed 'shallow,' such as the pursuit of wealth, beauty, or power, villanas defy conventional notions of femininity. Throughout the course, we will explore key villana characters from diIerent time periods and national contexts. Case studies will include Soraya Montenegro from María la del Barrio (1995) (Humble Maria, 1995), Doña Gabriela Acevedo, Dinora Rosales, and Rosario Montes from Pasión de Gavilanes (Hidden Passion, 2004), Samantha Porter and Grace Remington from Dame Chocolate (Sweet Secret, 2007), and Lucía Sanclemente de Vallejo from the latest adaptation of Café con Aroma de Mujer (The Scent of Passion, 2021). By examining these iconic figures, we will uncover the ways in which the villana reflects broader social anxieties and desires, revealing complex insights into gender, power, and cultural norms. For this course, we will watch all media in Spanish with English subtitles. Texts and other reading materials will be provided in English. All assignments and course procedures will be conducted in English.