Critical Social Inquiry 0195 - Introduction to Latin American Studies

This course is designed to introduce students to the shared histories as well as the cultural and This This course will introduce students to the shared histories and cultural and geographic diversity of the region we call Latin America. By surveying different disciplinary approaches (anthropology, political science, history, cultural studies and journalism) as well as by exploring film, music, literature and policy produced within the region, students will be exposed to numerous ways to think about Latin America and will observe how Latin American artists, writers and intellectuals represent their nations and cultures to themselves and to the world. We will first overview the transformations that Latin American societies have undergone since European colonization to become the complex nations they are today. Then, we will analyze some of the most pressing contemporary issues that Latin American nations face today. Specifically, we will demystify poverty and crime, historicize racism and gender inequalities, and critically analyze the role of the United States in shaping Latin American economies and politics. Keywords: Latin America, race, nation, empire, culture

In/Justice Students should generally expect to spend 8 hours a week on work outside of class time. The content of this course deals with issues of Race and Power.