HIS 247 - History of Latin America II

Semester Hours: 3

This course will survey the history of the cultures and civilizations of Latin America from the Independence era (c. 1830) to the present. This period witnessed the development of independent nations that remained economically dependent. Over time Latin American countries have become key players in international affairs. The course will focus on how social movements both reflected and drove these major transformations. Areas of concern will include the social implications of various models of economic development, the opportunities and problems which result from economic ties to wealthy countries, changing ethnic, gender, and class relations in Latin America, and the diverse efforts of Latin American people to construct stable and equitable political systems. The general approach of the course will be thematic but examples will be drawn from the histories of various Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Cuba, and Venezuela. The course will suggest ways in which an understanding of historical processes is absolutely essential in the understanding of current conflicts and social and political aspirations.

Pre-requisites: none.