Latin American Civilization to Independence- HIST 150 Syllabus

Course Syllabus:  Hist150_FA18_syllabus.pdf

Meet Your Instructor:  

Course Description: 

This course is a study of Latin American civilization from the Indian, African, and European origins to independence. Topics include native cultures, Spanish and Portuguese colonialism, the evolution of regional societies, and intellectual trends. Our geographic focus will be central Mexico and the Yucatan, the Andean region, Caribbean, and Brazil. You will be required to work in assigned groups on a regular schedule, participate in presentations and discussions, and be an active learner in this class. Some assignments, mostly writing, will be ungraded, but are still required. Being able to convey your thoughts verbally and in essay format is a skill that takes time and practice thus you will have ample opportunity to practice. Come prepared to participate: we meet during lunch time and we all need to be physically and mentally present!

Textbook Information:  

Colonial Latin America

9^th edition, Oxford University Press by Mark A. Burkholder & Lyman L. Johnson

ISBN: 978-0-19-934048-4

The 10^th edition is acceptable as well.

ONE copy of the text (10^th edition) will be on reserve at the SAC Library – plan accordingly. Reading assignments and other materials not found in the required textbooks will made available and stored in Canvas, an online learning management system to which you have access. You are responsible to download, print, and bring to class these reading materials on the appropriate dates, or access them online.

Course Learning Objectives: 

1. Students will understand how different indigenous, African, and European peoples contributed to the construction of early Latin American society. 
2. You will assess the degree to which different societies affected one another by analyzing such factors as race, social class, and gender. 
3. You will also evaluate how institutional policies have affected the history of each nation and analyze to what degree a nation's population is or is not homogenous.
4. You will examine the varied social, economic and political relationships Latin American countries have sustained with the U.S.
5. Lastly, you will be encouraged to compare and contrast your life with those of early Latin Americans.

Student Learning Objectives:  

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Critically analyzeand interpret primary documents and secondary sources, and will be able to interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to evaluate historical events;
• Develop communicationskills through oral and written exercises, and develop analytical skills by critically interpreting historical events;
• Analyze howlocal, national, and international policies and practices developed in the past continue to impact their contemporary lives.