Critical Social Inquiry 0266 - Contemporary Anthro/Latin Amer

Latin America has undergone massive transformations since the end of the Cold War. It was both the region that most fully embraced neoliberal, free market capitalism and then-through the election of Left and Left-leaning governments, often collectively referred to as the "Pink Tide"-became the region with the most significant response to these economic policies. In this course, we will consider a number of topics that anthropologists have focused on during this dramatic period: the rise of indigenous and Afro-descendant social movements, the development of new religious movements, the intensification of crime and drug-related violence, and the emergence of new forms of labor, among others. In addition, the course will also explore the ongoing ways that global forces and connections-trade, resource extraction, tourism, and migration-continue to shape the region.

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.