Introduction to Latin America
Spring 2007
Instructor:  Ted Goertzel

For the Schedule and Assignments, click here

Note that on Monday, January 22, we will Meet in BSB 117, a computer lab


An introduction to the fascinating and diverse region that stretches from the Mexican border to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. Society and culture of the Latin American countries. Literature, art, music, sports, economics and politics. Racial and ethnic relations. Terrorism and the drug trade. Latin American films will be shown and discussed.  For an illustrated overview of the course, please view the Slide Presentation

This course can be counted as an elective for the Sociology Major or for the multicultural or non-western requirement of the Criminal Justice Major .  It also counts toward the minor in Latin American Studies. amd towards the Global Studies college requirement.  It is listed by the registrar under Latin American Studies (590:210) not under sociology or criminal justice.
  50     590  210        INTRO LAT AMER STDY  3    N   
Course satisfies Global Studies requirement.
Course counts towards Latin American Studies minor.   
       54218 01  MW  1:20-2:40 PM  ATG-212  Cam  GOERTZEL  C

The class will meet from 1:20 to 2:40 p.m on Mondays and Wednesdays.  It is important to attend regularly, in part because we will make extensive use of visual media, including video and films, and these may not be available for students who  miss a class. 

We will read Fernando Henrique Cardoso's The Accidental President of Brazil, Octavio Paz's Labryinth of Solitude and Charles Phillips:  Lost Empires Aztec and Maya:  The Extraordinary History of 3000 Years of Mesoamerican Civilization with Over 270 Photographs and Illustrations.  Other reading will be posted on the class WEB site.

Note:  The spring break trip to Mexico was cancelled for insufficient enrollment.  It may be offered at another time, perhaps as a separate three-credit course.

Topics

  1. Introduction to Latin America.  Physical and Cultural Geography.  Human/environmental relationships.  Video:  Central Station
  2. Historical Development of Latin American to 1915
  3. Political Economy, Globalization and Neoliberalism..  Reading:  The Accidental PresidentVideoAlvaro Vargas Llosa, Liberty for Latin America, The World Social Forum: Hope Will Win Over Fear.
  4. Corruption, Leadership and Development.   VideoHugo Chavez and the New Latin America
  5. Culture and Personality Reading:  Selections from The Labryinth of Solitude and other writings by Octavio Paz.
  6. Social Movements and Revolution.  VideoExcerpts from Four Days in September
  7. Literature:  Nobel Prize speeches by Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Octavio Paz.   Video: Pable Neruda ¡Presente!
  8. Sports.  Video: Futebol:  The Brazilian Way of LifeCapoeirista Itapua Beiramar.
  9. Music and Popular Culture.  Videos: excerpts from Black Orpheus;  Caetano Veloso, Noites do Norte;  Carmen Miranda:  Bananas is My Business.  Quilapayun at concert for Michelle Bachelet
  10. Race, Class and Ethnic Relations.  VideoExcerpts from Quilombro and  Madame Satã;  Mayan Mystery.
  11. Crime and Drugs.  VideoExcerpts from Maria Full of Grace.
  12. Art and Tourism.  Reading:  Hayden Herrera, "José Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera: The MuralsReview of The Naked Tourist.    Videos:   Rufino Tamayo:  The Sources of His Art; The Life and Death of Frida Kahlo, The Frescoes of Diego Rivera.  Mexico Travel  Video
  13. Foreign Policy, Nafta, Mercosur, Bolivian/Brazilian conflict over natural gas.
  14. Migration:  Hispanics in the United States.  VideoExcerpts from Maria Full of Grace.