Critical Social Inquiry 0203 - Human Rights in Latin America

During the 1960s and 1970s military coups brought authoritarian regimes to power in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay). In an effort to prevent what was perceived as imminent socialist revolutions, military dictators launched repressive campaigns aimed at demobilizing labor and eliminating dissent. At the same time, human rights movements emerged calling for the end of the abuses and demanding information about political prisoners, victims of torture, executions and disappearances. Once democratic transitions took place, these movements campaigned to demand the prosecution of those responsible for the abuses. What accounts for the different role and impact human rights movements had in each of these countries in the transition and consolidation of democracy, and the rule of law? Did they take part to the same extent in the design and/or implementation of transitional justice mechanisms? We will answer these questions through the analysis of academic readings, movies, and primary sources.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.