History 352 - Topics: Latin American History

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only. Latin America: Landscape and Geographical Imaginations

This course offers students the opportunity to explore through the conceptual prism of landscape the varied histories and geographies of Latin America from the era of European conquest to the present day. We will focus on the interrelated themes of landscape and geographical imaginations and consider what their study can reveal about the forging of (post)colonial cultures, identities and power relations in the region. Making use of in-depth case studies, the course introduces students to theoretical approaches to landscape, and examines how particular landscapes and geographical imaginations have been shaped by discursive and material practices. Individual themes include the significance of landscape experience in conquest narratives, colonial struggles over sacred landscapes in the Andes, the connections between Spanish American patriotism and the production of geographical knowledge, photographic portrayals of Latin America in the early twentieth century, and the politics of mapping and cartography in contemporary Latin America. Although we will discuss case studies from across Latin America, particular emphasis will be placed on Spanish-speaking South America. The course provides students with an opportunity to analyze, discuss and write about primary sources from the colonial and post-colonial eras as well as to gain familiarity with a wide range of secondary literature.