This course will examen the development of Latin American cultures and societies. Special attention will be paid to the principal historical influences and the socio-cultural processes that have impacted the development of Latin American societies. The focus of this class will center on the three main regions of Hispanic America: the Caribbean, Central and South America.
OBJETIVES:
At the end of the course students should have an understanding of the following concepts:
1. Understand, from a social stand point, the reality of the Hispanic Caribbean
and Central and South America.
2. Ability to present information about subjects related to Latin American
culture.
3. Critically analyze elements of Latin American culture.
CONTENTS:
Unit I: Introductory Elements
1.1 Overview of course contents.
1.2 Geographical maps of the Hispanic continent and regions.
1.3 The meeting of three cultures.
Unit II: Historical events that define Latin American identity.
2.1 Plantation economy. Analysis of the different models of colonization of the American continent.
2.2 Independence movements and the different social projects. Liberalism vs. Conservatism.
2.3 Economies. The phenomenon of urbanization. Impact on Latin American agrarian societies. Labor unions. New models of state and government.
Unit III: Cultural influences in America.
3.1 Latin American indigenous civilizations.
3.2 African influences.
3.3 Metropolitan cultures. Cultural syncretism: Latin American popular music. Religion in Latin American.
Unit IV: Social movements in Latin America.
4.1 The emergence of new social subjects.
4.2 The woman as a social and political subject.
4.3 Civil society and the state. Reform and participation.
EVALUATION:
Reports over class discussions and readings 30%
Class Participation 20%
Final Exam 25%
Final essay and presentation 25%
Total 100%
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