Latin American History Courses

120 The Latin American Experience. (4)
Provides the historical background necessary to understanding the complex, contradictory nature of the Latin American Experience. Thorough coverage of over 500 years of Latin American history for more than 20 different countries is impossible, so the course focuses on special topics. Every year.

321 Colonial Mexico. (4)
Begins with the Spanish conquest and ends with Independence from Spain in 1821. Includes the consequences of the conquest for Native Americans, the formation of new hybrid societies and cultures in a racially diverse world, gender relations, religion and the church, and 18th-century efforts to reform Mexican society according to Enlightenment ideals. Every third semester.

322 Modern Mexico. (4)
The birth and development, and current crisis of the Mexican nation from Independence from Spain in 1821 to the U.S.-Mexican War, from liberal dictatorship to social revolution, from one-party state to democratic present and uncertain future. Includes politics and economics, urban and rural Mexico, and the everyday lives of men, women, and children. Every third semester.

323 Religion in Latin America. (4)
The changing nature of religious cultures in Latin America from the pre-Columbian period to the present day. Includes the study of indigenous religious practices the European “spiritual conquest” of the New World, the creation of syncretic forms of Catholicism, 19th century conflicts between religion and secularism, the spread of Protestantism in the 20th century, and the advent and course of liberation theology in Latin America. Within a historical context, examines the role of religion in shaping sense of self, forms of community, and human interaction with the physical world. Every third semester.

324 Issues in Modern Latin American History. (4)
Latin America is comprised of nearly 30 countries (depending on who’s counting) with very different histories especially in the post-colonial era (after 1800). The purpose of this course is to avoid deceptive over-generalizations about a complex region and (on a more positive note) provide historical perspective on issues of special interest to North American students. Course topics will vary. (Study abroad only.)