The purpose of this course is to provide an introductory and brief analysis of Latin American history and culture. The course will focus on general aspects of the very rich and complex Latin American history; starting from the most important pre-colonial Indigenous groups up to a contemporary view of the different Latin American countries. For culture, the course will cover pre-colonial, colonial, nineteenth century literature, modernism, and the literary boom which led to Magic Realism and other movements.
Other issues to be included are the many diverse styles of Latin music and basic aspects of cultural interaction as nonverbal communication and misconceptions among cultures. During the course, students will be able to read, study, and discuss documents related to the main topics as well as be exposed to authentic material such as music and dance.
Finally, depending on the time-period in which this course is taught, students may take field trips to different places in Costa Rica; such as Orosi and Ujarrás in Cartago, and/or Pueblo Antiguo in San José. If possible, students may also visit a community that is celebrating their local party or "fiesta patronal" in order to the opportunity to experience such an important cultural event in Latin American life.
Course Guidelines
1. Classes start on time. Arriving more than 10 minutes late is equivalent to being tardy. Three
tardies equals one absence. Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late are marked absent. A student who accumulates four (4) or more absences fails the course.
2. All assignments must be handed in on the due date.
3. Exams must be taken on the assigned date and will only be made up in case of documented
emergencies. If an emergency occurs, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the
professor and make arrangements. There is an additional charge for make-up tests/activities
which require the professor’s presence.
General Objective
The students will acquire basic knowledge of Latin American history and culture.
Specific Objectives
• Students will obtain a brief introduction to the three main indigenous groups that the Spaniards
faced during the conquest: Incans, Mayas, and Aztecs.
• Students will study the most important contributions and the socioeconomic and political structure
of the Aztecs, Mayas, and Incans.
• Students will compare and contrast the conquistadors Balboa, Pizarro, and Cortes.
• Students recognize the advantages and disadvantages of the Spanish and Portuguese conquest.
• Students will identify the different causes and results of various Latin American countries’
independence.
• Students will understand Bolivar’s goal to create Gran Colombia and San Martin’s fight to obtain
South American countries’ independence.
• Students will study the events that led to Mexico’s independence and the effects it had on the rest of Latin America.
• Students will critically examine present Latin American political leaders.
• Students will analyze the current situation of Latin America.
• Students will read fragments of the pre-colonial Popol Vuh; and they will study its importance.
• Students will recognize the contribution of colonial writers.
• Students will identify the main characteristics of the nineteenth century Latin American authors.
• Students will apply their previous knowledge to understand the Latin American modernism literary
movement.
• Students will read and analyze some examples of the authors who belong to the Latin American
literary boom.
• Students will read and discuss some Latin American contemporary authors.
• Students will compare and contrast some of the many diverse styles of Latin American music.
• Students will examine some of the most popular music styles in Latin American.
• Students will demonstrate some gestures that are particular to Latin people.
• Students will apply their recently acquired knowledge of Latina American culture and history in a specific context.
Grading and Assignments
The course will be graded on the basis of the following aspects:
Student’s journal 15%
Group Project 25%*
Class participation 10%
1st test 25%
2nd test 25%
*The topic for this group project will be one cultural aspect which is not specifically included in the course topics; for example food, clothing, language, etc.
Textbooks
This course will not use any specific textbook; instead a combination of texts from diverse sources will be used.
References
Aune, James, Abena P.A. Busia, Dore J. Levy, Fernando Operé, Gretchen Polnac, and John R.
Williamson. Modern World of Literature. Orlando, FL: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1993.
Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do’s and .Taboos of Body Language Around the World/ Revised and
Expanded Edition. New York, N.Y: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997.
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