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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Core Courses

Geog 200.1 – Latin American Geographies (Walker)
The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the region known as Latin America (i.e.  Mexico, which is regionally classified as part of North America, Central America, South America, and the heterogeneous region of the Caribbean) from a geographic, post-colonial  perspective focusing on how the region is perceived from the inside, as well as how the region has been socially constructed from the outside. We will accomplish the objectives of this course through an appreciation of the construction of the region called Latin America from a cultural-cum-political economic framework (for culture and economics are mutually constitutive)  by following the themes of colonialism, imperialism, development and underdevelopment, globalization, neoliberalization and the formation of alternative spaces to neoliberalism found in the region . These chosen themes are not neatly divided categories. Rather, they are sets of messy overlapping processes and practices that have material effects on the region – ranging from the deterioration of the agricultural sector that has spurred large scale rural-to-urban migration and subsequent uncontrolled urbanization in the form of shanty towns and Favelas – to an increase in the polarization of wealth and the rise of Civil Society groups throughout the region, to name a few.

HIST 115 - Introduction to Latin America (Baskes)
A general introduction to the civilizations, populations, economies, societies and politics of Latin America.

HIST 331 – Mexico: from Conquest to Revolution (Baskes)
A survey of the history of Mexico with emphasis on the variety of forces contributing to the formation of modern Mexico. Special emphasis on the clash between Mexico's European and Indigenous populations and the major social, political and economic upheavals of the Mexican Revolution.

HIST 332 - Argentina, Brazil & Chile since Independence (Baskes)
An introduction to socioeconomic and political trends in the largest nations of the Southern Cone. Topics investigated will include slavery, state formation, immigration, modernization, industrialization, economic development, populism, socialism, military dictatorship and democratization in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

HIST 333 – Modern Latin America: 1800 to the Present (Baskes) 
A topical approach to nineteenth and twentieth century Latin American history with emphasis on the Latin American nations' struggles to sustain economic development, the causes and consequences of social revolutions, and the successes and failures of distinct political formations.

HIST 334 – Indians, Spaniards & the Struggle for Colonial Latin America (Baskes)
A topical approach to the years 1492 to 1821 during which distinctively Latin American nations were forged from the clash of American, European and African societies. Most of the course investigates the Spanish conquest of the great American civilizations of the Inca and the Aztecs. Special attention to the pre-conquest societies and the adaptations made by those societies to resist the Spanish colonial state and to maintain political, social and economic autonomy.

HIST 335A - Latin America in Revolution  (Baskes)
This seminar examines the origins and outcomes of revolutionary upheaval in twentieth century Latin America focusing on Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Cuba, Chile and Nicaragua.

HIST 335B -The Spanish Conquest of America  (Baskes)
This seminar explores the Spanish conquest of Native American societies. Readings focus on the military, ideological, religious, economic, and biological consequences of the Spanish conquest.

HIST 335C - Economic History of Latin America (Baskes)
This seminar examines the evolution of economies of Latin America from the arrival of Europeans to the present day. Course materials focus on the origins and causes of the region's underdevelopment as well as the social consequences of underdevelopment from poverty to political instability.

LAS 490 - Senior Thesis (Staff)
All majors must complete a major research paper of 25 to 30 pages in length, normally in the senior year.  The thesis is to be directed by a member of the Latin American Studies Faculty Committee and overseen by a panel of two additional faculty members from at least one other department.  The final paper will be read and evaluated by the entire faculty panel. 

MFL 254 - Conversation-Composition: Topics in Spanish Culture (Arribas)
Intensive vocabulary building, development of skills in listening, reading, writing, and conversation. This course stresses preparation of students to express their ideas clearly and concisely in Spanish. Compositions and conversation are based on selected topics in the culture and literature of Spain. Prerequisite: 225 or permission of instructor. F, S.

MFL 255 - Conversation-Composition: Topics in the Culture of Latin America (Rojas)
Intensive vocabulary building, development of skills in listening, reading, writing, and conversation. This course stresses preparation of students to express their ideas clearly and concisely in Spanish. Compositions and conversations are based on selected topics in the cultures and literatures of Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hispanic minorities in the United States. Prerequisite: 225 or permission of instructor. S.

MFL 352 - Introduction to Latin American Literature (Rojas)
Analysis of rites of passage, authority figures and the dynamics of dependence in Latin America (cultural colonialism, dictatorship, militarism, social mobility). Prerequisite- two courses numbered 200 or above, or permission of instructor. F.

MFL 360 – 20^th Century Mexican Literature and Popular Culture (Rojas)
This course explores the (inter)relationship between Mexican Literature and Popular Culture in the Twentieth Century in order to give the student a better understanding of Latin America as a subject of study.  The course begins with the Mexican Revolution in literature, popular culture, and art (narrative, corridos, films, popular art – Posada-), then moves forward to post-revolutionary and avant garde narrative and poetry (muralismo, Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, Juan Rulfo), continues with the student protest during the second half of the century (Tlatelolco 68; Elena Poniatowska, José Emilio Pacheco) when the literary group of writers known as los escritores de la onda (José Agustín, Luis Arturo Ramos) caught the attention of a younger generation of readers.  The course will end with a study of contemporary writers (Albert Blanco, Coral Bracho, Eduardo Parra, Ricardo Yáñez) and reveal how their works represent Mexican popular culture and literature during the twentieth and beginning of the twenty-first centuries. 

MFL 362 - Latin American Short Story and Poetry (Rojas)
This course examines Latin America's literature of the XX and XXI centuries. Special attention will be paid to both narrative (short story) and poetry genres, as well as to mythic, artistic, historical and social-political aspects of Latin America. The extensive use of cultural materials including art, films, pictures and music will aid in the comprehension and analysis of the readings. Prerequisite: one course numbered 300 or above, or permission of instructor. S.

MFL 364 - The Latin American Novel Within its Cultures (Rojas)
Critical study of the emergence and international impact of contemporary Latin American writers and their perceptions of Latin America's social and historical reality through their literary expression. Readings will include major works of Garcia Márquez, Vargas Llosa, Bombal, Fuentes, Sitbato, Allende, Esquivel, Azuela and others. Full-length films will supplement the readings. Prerequisite: one course numbered 300 or above, or permission of instructor. S.

PG 300.3 – Comparative Political Topics: Protest and Violence (J. Franklin)
Some of the most dramatic and political important events in the modern world are people’s participation in activities that directly challenge the government.  This course will examine the variety of contentious actions that people participate in, ranging from peaceful protests to revolutions and other major episodes of political violence.  Geographically, we will consider protest and political violence ranging from Latin America and other developing regions to post-industrial democracies such as the United States.  We will also address three important analytical issues.  First, we will analyze why people take the often risky step of opposing authority, and why people in other situations fail to resist.  Second, we will examine why some movements and challenges are successful while others fail.  Finally, we will address the government’s responses to such challenges, considering the role of democracy and the international human rights network in shaping these responses.  Diversity.  S.

PG 344 - Comparative Political Topics: Democratization (J. Franklin) 
This course will focus on the causes and challenges of establishing and consolidating democracy. We will cover the countries that have established democracy in the post- World War II period, with emphasis on the most recent wave of democratization starting in the 1970s. Therefore, the course will cover mostly developing countries, rather than the advanced industrialized democracies in Western Europe and North America. Students will become experts on a particular country, reporting on how it progressed through the various phases of democratization and putting its experience in the context of theories of democratization and democratic consolidation. Diversity.

PG 348 - Comparative Politics: Latin America (J. Franklin)
This course examines the political systems, social groupings and economic development of Latin America.  It will examine the numerous differences in the countries of the region, while keeping in focus the common characteristics that unite them.  The class will discuss who the important political actors are and the various “rules of the game” for governing.  The class will also discuss the role of the military in politics, political instability and revolution, competing approaches to economic development, the wave of democratization that has swept the region, and the characteristics and prospects of these emerging in democracies.  Students will have the opportunity to become knowledgeable about particular countries in Latin America, while also gaining a broader perspective of common problems and issues facing the region.  Diversity.  F.

Cognate Courses

Econ 353 - Economic Development (Rahman)
This course provides an economic analysis of the problems and prospects of development, with a special focus on the circumstances faced by contemporary, less developed countries.  The analyses will focus on: obstacles to and potential policy solutions for promoting economic growth; complexities surrounding such domestic issues as income inequality, poverty, population, growth; complexities surrounding such domestic issues as income inequality, poverty, population growth, unemployments, and gender differences; and the gains and risks associated with international trade, international factor movements, and the process of globalization.  In order to help build logical foundations upon which you may eventually base your viewpoints and arguments regarding these complex and sensitive issues, the course will concentrate on the positive analysis of these issues.  Prerequisite: C- or better in ECON 110.  F.

GEOG 370. The World's Cities (Walker)
Description TBA.

Econ 372 - International Economics (Rahman)
This course provides an advanced economic analysis of international trade, migration flows, capital flows, and the corresponding open-economy macroeconomics under alternate exchange rate regimes.  The course begins with the prominent theories from the past five centuries regarding the reasons behind and consequences of international trade.  It then examines the pros and cons of interventionist trade policies, and analyzes the economics and politics of capital flows and migration flows.  Finally, the course looks at the mechanics of international balance of payments, foreign currency markets, and the role of exchange rates in understanding the macroeconomic condition of an open economy.  Prerequisite: C- or better in ECON 110, 252, or permission. 

Geog 345 - Economic Geography (Walker) 
General principles and theories regarding the operation of economic systems among various world regions. The evolution, organization, and impact of the world's major economic systems (e.g. Industrial Capitalism, Socialism) within various culture regions (e.g. Western Europe) is examined. The relationships between macroeconomic systems, their geographical impact and geographical systems is explored. Population growth and problems related to resource analysis and use are studied. The development of trade centers, industrial locations, and urban systems, and the spatial allocation of finite natural resources are important themes. The roles of resource distribution, population distribution, and urban and industrial centers with respect to economic system development and regional economic development are also examined. The course is divided into two halves: the first half examines the economic geography of the developed world with emphasis on the U.S.; the second half examines the economic geography of the developing world (Third World) with an emphasis on Latin America and Africa. No prerequisites; sophomores, juniors, & seniors only; diversity course

Phil 310g – The Search for Global Ethics (Stone-Mediatore)
This course explores some of the ethical and epistemological questions that arise when we take
seriously both the diversity and the interconnectedness of people across the globe.  For instance, how might Third World perspectives on "democracy," "community," and "progress“ challenge us to rethink these basic social and political categories?    Can we identify and enforce universal ethical standards, while still respecting cultural differences?  And how can we study objectively social processes and ethical questions that we cannot help but view from our own globally specific social and cultural positions?   Although we cannot expect to find certain answers to such questions, our investigations should help us to deepen our understanding of what it can mean to think critically and act responsibly as members of the global community.

PG 361 - American Foreign Policy (Kay)  
An overview of the domestic and international sources of American foreign policy. This course provides a detailed overview of the historical legacy of previous international experiences that shape contemporary foreign policy decision-making. Detailed study is given to the political and constitutional setting of foreign policymaking in Washington D.C., the bureaucratic role of institutions like the Department of State and Department of Defense, and the range of policy options availabel to decision-makers. Students examine the range of long-term strategic choices available to the United States as it continues to struggle with its post-Cold War grand strategy.

Rel 352 – Liberation Theology (Twesigye) 
A study of contemporary radical or liberation theologies including Black, feminist, and political theologies.  Students will read, study, and discuss selected key writers in each tradition. F. (Diversity)

Soan 295 - Native American Cultures of the Southwest (Peoples)  
Investigates the prehistory, history, and contemporary cultures of the Native Americans of the four corners region.  Describes and interprets archaeological data on the Paleo-Indians, Archaic, and Pueblo periods, focusing specifically on the Mogollon and the Ancient Pueblo peoples.  Case studies from the modern era include the Hopi, Zuni, Rio Grande Pueblos, Navajo, and Apache.  Prerequisite:  SOAN 110 or 111. S.

Soan 360 - Cultural and Social Change (Mahdi)  
Focuses on the holistic analysis of change and development in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Overviews of the acculturation, modernization, and world system/dependency approaches to change and underdevelopment are presented. Case studies focusing on the impact of modernity on developing countries are discussed and analyzed.  F.